Changes to wedding marriage certificate requirements

signing resister

In England and Wales, the law requires all marriages to be registered once they have taken place; the system for registering marriages is currently paper-based and prescribed particulars to be registered for a marriage include details of the father but not the mother of each of the parties to the marriage.
Calls have been made, both inside and outside of Parliament, for the law to be changed to enable the details of both parents of the parties to the marriage to be included on marriage certificates.
Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we think it's a great step forward in looking at changing some of the more outdated traditions of weddings and marriages and making them more relevant and reflective of the 21st century.
Subject to the approval of draft regulations which have been laid before Parliament, the Government intends that a new system of marriage registration will be implemented on 4 May 2021 and that the particulars to be registered for a marriage will be updated.
Until now, the document only included the names of the fathers of the couple, but a change to the Marriage Act means both parents will be included.
Marriages will also be recorded electronically, rather than written in a registry book, as part of the biggest changes to the system since 1837.
The Government intends that guidance for couples getting married will be published on the Gov.UK website before the new system is introduced.

You may also be interested in

Local supplier spotlight: Escrick Park Estate

Local supplier spotlight: Escrick Park Estate

Escrick Park Estate offers an enchanting setting for couples looking to design a truly personal wedding day. Fully licensed for civil ceremonies, the estate provides a choice of stunning locations, including the elegant Skipwith Hall Gardens, expansive Parkland, and a magical wooded clearing where up to 120 guests can witness "I do" beneath ancient oaks. After the ceremony, celebrations continue in a beautifully styled marquee or tent, with flexible options across the walled gardens and lush lawns. Photographers will find endless natural backdrops, perfect for capturing romantic moments throughout the day. With ample on-site parking and a pet-friendly policy, Escrick Park Estate ensures both convenience and charm for unforgettable celebrations.

READ ARTICLE

Wedding Song of 2025

Wedding Song of 2025

The Post Barn, the award-winning Berkshire venue, is delighted to announce its Wedding Song of the Year 2025, as chosen by their 2025 wedding couples. Topping the list is "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey, capturing hearts with its dreamy, cinematic vibe. Following closely are: We Found Love – Sydnee Carter; You Make My Dreams – Alex Francis; No Judgement – Niall Horan; Perfect – Ed Sheeran. In total, The Post Barn played an impressive 9,092 songs for their wedding guests throughout the year. The average listening age of these tunes? A youthful 26, reflecting a vibrant, contemporary taste among couples celebrating their special day.

READ ARTICLE

Animal attraction

Animal attraction

In the Oct/Nov 2025 issue, we explore creative wedding entertainment ideas that go beyond the ordinary—perfect for animal lovers! One of our favourites is hiring a dog chaperone, ensuring your beloved pet can join the celebrations safely. For a unique touch, consider inviting other furry friends, offering guests the chance to meet the venue's animals, or incorporating a party pony for confetti fun and photos. Feathered displays also bring magic to the day, from falconry demonstrations to an owl ring-bearer or a symbolic dove release. These playful, memorable experiences make your wedding truly personal, engaging, and unforgettable, delighting guests of all ages. Find inspiration in our full feature HERE.

READ ARTICLE

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

As wedding-related searches such as 'dream wedding' and 'wedding décor inspo' are up 10,000% year-on-year according to Pinterest trends, it's clear that couples are turning their attention to the finer details of their nuptials. To guide couples through 2026 wedding planning, Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, and Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveal the key wedding trends shaping celebrations next year, covering regency romance, natural colour palettes and hyper-personalised celebrations.

READ ARTICLE

Subscribe to Your Yorkshire Wedding Magazine for free

VISIT SITE

Yorkshire Violinist

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Yorkshire Wedding Magazine on YouTube

VISIT SITE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your Yorkshire Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE