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 church attendance, or family ties to the parish.

Description

This Act amends the Marriage Act 1949, specifically relating to where marriages can be legally solemnized within the Church in Wales. It introduces the concept of a "qualifying connection" to a parish, allowing couples to marry in a church even if they don't reside there.

Qualifying Connections

A qualifying connection is defined as: baptism (excluding combined baptism and confirmation), confirmation registered in the parish, residing in the parish for at least six months, attending worship in the parish for at least six months, or having a parent or grandparent who either resided in or regularly attended worship in the parish for at least six months, or having been married there.

Marriage Procedures

The Act details how a qualifying connection must be demonstrated to the minister of the church. The minister may require information or even a statutory declaration. Banns of marriage can also be published in the parish church where the wedding will take place.

Common Licences

The act also clarifies the granting of common licences, allowing for their use in churches where a marriage can take place under this Act; one party must swear to having a qualifying connection to the parish. The act also states that once a marriage has taken place under this act no proof of a qualifying connection is necessary.

Government Spending

The Act doesn't directly involve government spending. The administrative costs associated with its implementation are likely minimal, as it mainly involves changes to existing procedures within the Church in Wales.

Groups Affected

• Couples getting married in Wales: The act provides more options for choosing their wedding venue within the Church in Wales.
• Ministers of the Church in Wales: They are responsible for verifying qualifying connections and following the new procedures outlined in the Act.
• Individuals with family ties to Welsh parishes: This Act potentially makes marrying in their family’s church more accessible.

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