29 September 2026
Following our MarineTalk article on 31st July which drew members attention to the Government’s consultation on modernising wedding law in England and Wales, British Marine has now submitted its response and this can be viewed via our Public Affairs page (under consultations).
In summary we have strongly welcomed the Government’s plans which were partly informed our work over recent years with the Law Commission in making the case to bring English & Welsh wedding law up to date and in line with other nations. The reforms will expand choice and reduce costs for couples seeking that ‘all in one, on water venue’ for their wedding day and increase commercial opportunities for more UK marine businesses.
Weddings on water form a key part of the planned changes set out in the recent consultation paper. This is why the Ministry of Justice sought British Marine’s help earlier this summer to facilitate a visit by the then Deputy Prime Minister on a passenger vessel, owned by British Marine member Hobbs of Henley. That visit was timed to coincide with the launch date of the consultation and helped highlight the opportunities these reforms will bring (see MarineTalk article, 16th July).
Subject to the outcome of the consultation and legislation expected later this year, wedding ceremonies in English and Welsh waters will be permitted onboard boats whether they are moored or underway. This opens will open up new opportunities for canal boats, narrowboats, river cruise boats, and other vessels, such as coastal passenger boats or other motor and sailing vessels. The Government also intends to permit weddings onboard UK-registered cruise ships in international waters.
British Marine has welcomed these plans, not least because we know that current wedding legislation in England and Wales acts as a brake on passenger boat companies expanding their operations. In regard to weddings in international waters, we think the Government should not only allow weddings onboard UK cruise ships but onboard all appropriate UK registered commercial vessels, as the reforms could then extend opportunities to other UK professionally crewed vessels including for example tall ships.
For further information please refer to our Public Affairs page or contact our External Relations Manager, Joanna Richardson jrichardson@britishmarine.co.uk .
