A Bill to make provision for marriages taking place in any Church of England chapel licensed for the solemnization of marriages under sections 20 and 21 of the Marriage Act 1949 to be solemnized according to the rites and ceremonies of Christian denominations other than the Church of England.
House of Lords
12 September 2019
This Bill would let weddings held in Church of England chapels that are licensed to solemnise marriages be conducted using the rites of Christian denominations other than the Church of England. In effect, couples could choose non-Anglican wedding rites in those chapels, expanding options for ecumenical ceremonies. The change is intended to promote equality by broadening which Christian rites can be used in these Church venues.
The bill is currently at the Lords' 2nd Reading. If it progresses, it will move to the Lords’ committee stage for detailed scrutiny, and, if approved, on to the House of Commons for consideration.
Generated 21 February 2026
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - took place on 23 February.
The 2017-2019 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
