Hatch, Match and Dispatch? Two Out of Three Under Review
Changes Ahead for Weddings and Funerals?
Two areas of law closely connected with church life and ministry – weddings and funerals – are receiving attention at UK level. Although these matters are not devolved, the changes could have particular implications for churches, denominations and Christian organisations in Wales.
Cytûn is drawing this work to members’ attention and would welcome views, through the representatives of our member denominations and organisations, on any issues in Wales which may benefit from a coordinated response.
Reforming weddings law
The Ministry of Justice is consulting on Tying the Knot: Reforming Weddings Law in England and Wales, with responses invited by 24 September 2026.
The proposals could significantly change how religious marriages are legally recognised and conducted, including a move from a system primarily based on registered buildings towards one focused on authorised officiants.
Issues include:
- the eligibility of religious and belief organisations to nominate officiants;
- the responsibilities and oversight of officiants;
- where weddings may legally take place; and
- safeguards within the marriage system.
The proposals may be particularly relevant to smaller and independent denominations, including Cytûn’s Category B members, as eligibility requirements could affect smaller bodies differently from larger established denominations.
There is also a distinct Welsh perspective, including implications for the place and practical use of the Welsh language and for the mission and ministry of churches in Wales.
Some members, particularly UK-wide denominations and established consultees, may already be preparing responses. We would welcome information about this work and any matters requiring particular attention in Wales.
Members wishing to contribute to Cytûn’s consideration of the consultation are asked to do so through their denomination or organisation’s representative to Cytûn. Views will be considered by Cytûn’s Enabling Group. Please send contributions to post@cytun.cymru. |
If the responses indicate that a Cytûn contribution would add value, we will explore with members the possibility of a coordinated response.
Further information
Tying the Knot: Reforming weddings law in England and Wales – GOV.UK
The consultation closes on 24 September 2026.
Funerals, funerary methods and remains
The Law Commission is also working on Rights and Obligations Relating to Funerary Methods, Funerals and Remains, within its wider programme on Burial, Cremation and New Funerary Methods.
This is at an earlier stage and has not yet reached public consultation. It is considering a person’s wishes for their body after death, who should make decisions about funerals and remains, family disputes, responsibility for arrangements, and the legal status of human remains.
These questions could have important pastoral and practical implications for churches, ministers and those involved in funeral and bereavement ministry.
Cytûn members may be approached by the Law Commission to participate in pre-consultation engagement. We would welcome hearing, through member denominations and organisations, about involvement or issues which may have a distinctive impact in Wales.
Further information
Rights and Obligations Relating to Funerary Methods, Funerals and Remains – Law Commission
Burial, Cremation and New Funerary Methods – Law Commission
UK-wide legal reform does not always have identical practical consequences in Wales and England. The Welsh language, smaller denominations and the realities of mission, ministry and pastoral care in Wales may all require particular consideration.
We therefore invite member denominations and organisations to channel their views through their Cytûn representatives to the Enabling Group via post@cytun.cymru. Where those views indicate that collective Cytûn engagement could add a useful Welsh ecumenical perspective, we will consider with members how best to take this forward.