A Bill to amend the Marriage Act 1949 to create an offence of purporting to solemnize an unregistered marriage
House of Lords
5 May 2021
This Bill would create a new offence for anyone who purports to solemnise a marriage that is not registered under the Marriage Act 1949. In practice, it targets people who pretend to conduct a marriage ceremony when there is no valid registration, closing a potential loophole for unregistered marriages. The aim is to strengthen the legality and integrity of marriage ceremonies and their registration.
The Bill is currently at its 2nd reading in the Lords. If it progresses, it will move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny and possible amendments.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 3 February. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
