
Belief in Marriage
The Evidence for Reforming Weddings Law
Bristol University Press
1st Edition
Published on 28. April 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
148 pages
978-1-5292-3047-5 (ISBN)
Description
EPDF and EPUB available Open Access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.
In principle, couples getting married in England and Wales can choose to do so in a way that reflects their beliefs. In practice, the possibility of doing so varies considerably depending on the religious or non-religious beliefs they hold.
To demonstrate this divergence, this book draws on the accounts of 170 individuals who had, or led, a wedding ceremony outside the legal framework. The authors examine what these ceremonies can tell us about how couples want to marry, and what aspects of the current law preclude them from doing so.
This new evidence shows how the current law does not reflect social understandings of what makes a wedding meaningful. As recommended by the Law Commission, reform is urgently needed.
In principle, couples getting married in England and Wales can choose to do so in a way that reflects their beliefs. In practice, the possibility of doing so varies considerably depending on the religious or non-religious beliefs they hold.
To demonstrate this divergence, this book draws on the accounts of 170 individuals who had, or led, a wedding ceremony outside the legal framework. The authors examine what these ceremonies can tell us about how couples want to marry, and what aspects of the current law preclude them from doing so.
This new evidence shows how the current law does not reflect social understandings of what makes a wedding meaningful. As recommended by the Law Commission, reform is urgently needed.
Reviews / Votes
"An illuminating account of the difficulties that the present law can create for people seeking a marriage ceremony that reflects their beliefs and practices." Anthony Bradney, Keele UniversityMore details
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bristol
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Abridged edition
Illustrations
1 s/w Tabelle
1 Tables, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
236 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5292-3047-5 (9781529230475)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Rebecca Probert | Rajnaara C. Akhtar | Sharon Blake
Belief in Marriage
The Evidence for Reforming Weddings Law
E-Book
04/2023
1st Edition
Bristol University Press
€0.00
Available for download
Persons
Rebecca Probert, FBA, FAcSS, is Professor of Law at the University of Exeter.
Rajnaara Akhtar is Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Warwick.
Sharon Blake is Honorary Research Associate at the University of Exeter Medical School.
Rajnaara Akhtar is Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Warwick.
Sharon Blake is Honorary Research Associate at the University of Exeter Medical School.
Author
University of Exeter
University of Warwick
University of Exeter Medical School
Content
1. Introduction
2. Anglican, Quaker, and Jewish Weddings
3. Christian Weddings in Registered Places of Worship
4. Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist Weddings in Registered Places of Worship
5. Choices and Constraints Where Couples Do Not Share Religious Beliefs
6. Paganism and the Desire To Be Married Outdoors
7. Belief in Humanist Ceremonies
8. Personalisation and Belief: The Role of the Independent Celebrant
9. Ceremonies Led by Friends and Family
10. Conclusion
2. Anglican, Quaker, and Jewish Weddings
3. Christian Weddings in Registered Places of Worship
4. Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist Weddings in Registered Places of Worship
5. Choices and Constraints Where Couples Do Not Share Religious Beliefs
6. Paganism and the Desire To Be Married Outdoors
7. Belief in Humanist Ceremonies
8. Personalisation and Belief: The Role of the Independent Celebrant
9. Ceremonies Led by Friends and Family
10. Conclusion