Dreaming of a wedding where you can feel the breeze, the sun on your face, and the beauty of nature all around you? You’re not alone! More and more couples in the UK are choosing to say “I do” in the great outdoors. But before you start planning your woodland wedding or seaside celebration, it’s important to know the ins and outs of outdoor wedding legality in the UK.
Is it Legal to Get Married Outside?
Until relatively recently, UK law mandated that marriage ceremonies take place under a permanent structure with a fixed roof – think churches, register offices, and licensed venues. This requirement was part of the Marriage Act 1836 and subsequent legislation, which stipulated that weddings must occur in a place that is “substantially” indoors. This was interpreted strictly, preventing outdoor ceremonies except in exceptional circumstances where the structure could still be considered as having a roof.
In July 2021, the UK government announced that outdoor civil weddings and partnership ceremonies would be legally permitted in England and Wales. This change was initially temporary, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for safer, socially distanced gatherings. However, the success and popularity of outdoor ceremonies led to a consultation process, and by April 2022, the change was made permanent.
While laws around getting married outside are now a lot laxer, there are still some requirements you’ll need to follow in order to get married in an outdoor location.
Requirements for Outdoor Marriages in the UK
To legally marry outdoors in the UK, certain criteria must be met.
Licensed Premises
The outdoor area must still be part of a venue that holds a license for civil ceremonies. This means couples cannot simply choose a random location but must select from venues that have been approved by the local authority to conduct marriages and civil partnerships.
At Mill End Hotel, we are licensed to hold civil ceremonies in our beautiful summer house on the sprawling front lawn and within our cosy and romantic lounge space, so you have the freedom to get married with a stunning Dartmoor backdrop, plus the safety of an indoor space to wed should the weather change.
Supervision
The ceremony must be overseen by a registrar or an authorised person to ensure that it meets all legal requirements. This includes the completion of necessary documentation and adherence to any specific local regulations.
As a couple, you will need to arrange for a registrar to conduct the ceremony.
Regional Variations
While the changes apply to England and Wales, Scotland has had more flexible rules for some time. Scottish law allows for marriages to take place almost anywhere, including outdoors, as long as the ceremony is conducted by an approved celebrant.
Northern Ireland also permits outdoor weddings, but the process for approval and the specific requirements can vary, so it is advisable for couples to check with local authorities for the most current regulations.
Religious Marriages
For religious weddings, the rules can differ depending on the faith and the specific practices of the religious body involved.
Legal religious weddings will need to continue to take place in certified places of worship which are also registered for marriage, or churches and chapels of the Church of England or Church in Wales.
However, Jewish and Quaker weddings can already take place outdoors, as has historically been the case.
Mill End Hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies on Dartmoor, but we welcome wedding receptions or weekend-long celebrations if you choose to get married in one of our local churches.
Your Outdoor Wedding Checklist
- Choose a Licensed Venue – Look for venues with outdoor spaces that are already approved for weddings. Mill End Hotel is licenced for outdoor weddings on the lawn.
- Check with Local Authorities – Ensure your chosen spot meets all legal requirements.
- Book Your Registrar – Make sure an authorised person is available to conduct the ceremony.
- Plan for the Elements – Consider marquees, gazebos, or other solutions to keep guests comfortable, no matter the weather. Mill End Hotel has a summer house on the lawn, recommended marquee hire and plenty of indoor spaces to enjoy.
Weddings at Mill End Hotel
Get married amidst the tranquil sights and sounds of nature and bask in the serenity of Dartmoor with your friends and family. Mill End Hotel offers exclusive use for weddings, which means you have full, private access to the grounds, rooms, lounges and the twenty-one elegant boutique rooms and luxury suites at Mill End, providing the perfect countryside retreat
Get married at Mill End, our luxury country hotel, enquire via email at [email protected], or call our friendly team on 01647 432282.