There have been calls to legally recognise humanist ceremonies in England and Wales, as they are already recognised in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Legal reforms aim to ensure equality between faith groups regarding recognition and registration of religious ceremonies. Since 2021, marriage certificates have been digitised to reflect modern record-keeping and include both parents’ names. Marriage in England remains a cornerstone of family and social life, governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances tradition, equality, and personal freedom.
The law ensures that marriages are entered into with full consent, legal recognition, and protection of individual rights. Through continual reform — such as raising the minimum marriage age, recognising unions, and adopting no-fault divorce — English marriage law continues to evolve in response to changing social values and the need for fairness in personal relationships.
