Boost for pubs as Philip Hammond set to outline plans for cheaper weddings
2 min read
More couples will be able to get married in pubs and restaurants, under plans set to be announced by Philip Hammond in an overhaul of outdated marriage rules.
The Chancellor is expected to announce a review in the Budget aimed at saving betrothed couples thousands of pounds by handing out more wedding venue licences.
The Government says couples are often put off by sky-high wedding costs of between £20,000 and £30,000 on average, including around £4,500 for venue hire.
Venues hopeful of winning a licence must currently identify a specific room where ceremonies would take place and are banned from holding weddings outside or under marquees - a rule that does not apply in Scotland.
Mr Hammond will task the Law Commission with reviewing the 19th Century rules and urge it to build on a series of recommendations for England and Wales it made in 2015.
The Commission will also look at halting the ban on food or alcoholic drinks being sold or consumed in a ceremonial area an hour before and during proceedings.
The Treasury said the current rules put off small business owners from getting a licence, therefore keeping costs up as a result of couples’ limited choice of provider.
It said Mr Hammond "wants to make the outdated rules around wedding venues simpler and fairer, and reduce red tape, while continuing to ensure the dignity of marriage ceremonies is preserved".
It added that relaxing restrictions "would make it cheaper and simpler for couples to get married, potentially supporting more people to get married”.
“This review will help the law keep pace with modern Britain, while helping people keep the cost of living down.”
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