Yes, you can now marry outside.
Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies
Previously, in approved venues like hotels, legal wedding ceremonies had to take place within a designated indoor room or permanent structure. However, the rules have changed.
What changed?
- New Regulations: As of June 20th, 2021, couples can now hold their entire legal wedding ceremony outdoors at an approved venue. This means you no longer need to move indoors for the legal aspects of the marriage.
Key Considerations for Outdoor Weddings
- Approved Venues: The venue must still be an officially approved location for weddings and civil partnerships. This means you cannot just marry anywhere; you need a venue licensed for weddings.
- Flexibility: This change allows for greater flexibility in planning an outdoor ceremony.
Example Scenario
Imagine you are planning your wedding at a beautiful country hotel. Previously, you might have had to hold the legal vows inside, even if you preferred an outdoor setting. Now, the ceremony, including the legal aspects, can take place outside, whether it's under a gazebo, in a garden, or on a patio.
Summary
The shift in regulations provides couples with more options to create a wedding ceremony that matches their vision and preferences, fully embracing outdoor spaces. The most important factor is that the venue is a registered location for weddings.