The names of both the mothers and fathers of the couple will be included on the marriage register for the first time from May, under reforms to the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths Act 2019. Currently, only the father is named on marriage certificates.
The Church is working with the Government to implement changes to marriage registration, the new regulations will come into force from the 4th of May allowing any parent of a bride and groom to have their names entered into the official register of marriages. This reform among several others in the new regulations will specifically enable mothers to be recognised equally to fathers on the certificate.
Sarah Dines MP said, ‘Following my written parliamentary question, I am delighted to hear from the formal reply today from the government, that from the 4th May brides and grooms who want their mothers recognised on the wedding certificate will be able to enter their details with equal status enjoyed by fathers.
It is about time this law was changed and I am delighted that due to the work of Dame Caroline Spelman, Tim Loughton MP and the Lord Bishop of St Albans who along with the campaigners worked so hard to change the law, it has been.
Weddings are such a special occasion and it is only right that both mothers and fathers are able to be included in the official documents.
We have so many wonderful wedding venues and churches in Derbyshire Dales and they have suffered during this pandemic. With the Government’s Roadmap, I am relieved that couples planning their weddings have some proposed guidance as to when weddings can occur is the usual way and I for one am looking forward to hearing the church bells ringing for weddings again.’’
