Marriage (Approved Organisations) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Creates a new power for the Registrar General to approve charitable organisations to solemnise marriages.
• Applies to “certain charitable organisations” defined in the bill, subject to criteria.
• Extends who can solemnise marriages beyond current categories, potentially increasing ceremony options.
• Establishes a regulatory process for approving and overseeing these organisations.
• Aims to modernise the marriage system and ensure broader access to ceremony options.

Progress

The bill is currently at the Lords' second reading, an early stage in the legislative process. It has not yet progressed to committee stage or the Commons.