Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his department plans to recognise independent celebrants as part of marriage law reform.

The Government recognises the contribution that independent celebrants make to the wedding industry. We have been seeking their views, together with a range of others, in order to inform the development of a consultation. We will invite views as to allowing independent officiants to carry out legally binding weddings and the potential consequences of this as part of the consultation