Weddings will now be able to take place at any time of the day or night in England and Wales after a change to regulations.
Until now, couples could only register their marriages or civil partnerships between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00.
The change has been brought in under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, although couples wanting to wed outside the traditional hours will still have to give 15 days’ notice.
According to the BBC, Register General Sarah Rapson said the change in hours would "allow people to make the day unique to them".
Scotland already allows couples to wed at any time.
The BBC reports that local authorities and religious groups will not be compelled to conduct marriages outside the traditional hours.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.