AQW 37119/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Finance

To ask the Minister of Finance to detail whether he has engaged with the UK Government regarding their formal response to the The Law Commission of England and Wales' 2019 report entitled A New Weddings Law.

Asked by Eóin Tennyson MLA on 9 December 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
9 December 2025
Answer due by
29 December 2025
Answered
16 December 20257 days after tabling
Department
Department of Finance
Priority question
No

Answer

The marriage law in England and Wales differs markedly from our own in a number of respects and, as a result, recommendations as to how it might be amended are not of particular relevance here. Many of the reforms proposed by the Law Commission of England and Wales, including a more straightforward notification process, recognition of belief marriage and a greater choice of wedding venue, are already in place in this jurisdiction and have been for many years.

I have not engaged with the Westminster Government with regard to its response to the report of the Law Commission of England and Wales on the marriage law in that jurisdiction. My Department will, however, keep in view the legislative process the Westminster Government plans to undertake in the new year following its response.

Official sources