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In principle, couples getting married in England and Wales can choose to do so in a way that reflects their beliefs. In practice, the possibility of doing so varies considerably depending on the religious or non-religious beliefs they hold.
To demonstrate this divergence, this book draws on the accounts of 170 individuals who had, or led, a wedding ceremony outside the legal framework. The authors examine what these ceremonies can tell us about how couples want to marry, and what aspects of the current law preclude them from doing so.
This new evidence shows how the current law does not reflect social understandings of what makes a wedding meaningful. As recommended by the Law Commission, reform is urgently needed.
Rebecca Probert, FBA, FAcSS, is Professor of Law at the University of Exeter.
Rajnaara Akhtar is Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Warwick.
Sharon Blake is Honorary Research Associate at the University of Exeter Medical School.
1. Introduction
2. Anglican, Quaker, and Jewish Weddings
3. Christian Weddings in Registered Places of Worship
4. Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist Weddings in Registered Places of Worship
5. Choices and Constraints Where Couples Do Not Share Religious Beliefs
6. Paganism and the Desire To Be Married Outdoors
7. Belief in Humanist Ceremonies
8. Personalisation and Belief: The Role of the Independent Celebrant
9. Ceremonies Led by Friends and Family
10. Conclusion