Overview

The Marriage (Wales) Act 2010 allows couples in Wales to marry in a Church in Wales parish church or licensed building if they have a qualifying connection to that parish. This connection can be established through baptism, confirmation, residency, regular worship attendance, or a familial link to the parish.

Description

This Act amends the Marriage Act 1949, expanding the locations where marriages can be solemnized within the Church in Wales. It introduces the concept of a "qualifying connection" to a parish. This connection is defined in several ways:

• Baptism in the parish (excluding combined baptism and confirmation rites).
• Confirmation registered in a church or chapel within the parish.
• Residency in the parish for at least six months.
• Habitual attendance at public worship in the parish for at least six months.
• A parent or grandparent having resided in or habitually attended worship in the parish for at least six months.
• A parent or grandparent having married in the parish.

The Act also allows for marriages by common licence in locations permitted under the new rules. The minister or licensing authority must be satisfied a qualifying connection exists and can request further information, potentially through a statutory declaration. Guidance on these processes can be issued by the Order of Bishops. Once the marriage is solemnized, proof of a qualifying connection is not required for validating the marriage.

Government Spending

The Act itself doesn't directly involve government spending. The administrative costs associated with implementing the changes might fall on the Church in Wales or local authorities, but no figures are provided in the Act.

Groups Affected

• Couples intending to marry: This Act provides them with more choice of location for their wedding ceremony within the Church in Wales.
• Church in Wales clergy and officials: They are responsible for verifying qualifying connections and following the procedures outlined in the Act.
• Individuals with a qualifying connection to a parish: They gain the right to marry in a specific church.

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