Opportunities of arbitration in international family law
August 8, 2026This is my response to the Ministry of Justice consultation on reform of wedding law. I welcome this consultation and, in general terms, proposed reform. I have supported wedding law reform for many years including responding to Law Commission consultation in early 2021. I support the replacement of the process of registration of premises by that of the celebrant, however described. I support the relaxation of certain procedural requirements. I’m fully open to different ceremonies representing the diversity across our country. I have very substantial experience of foreign marriages and welcome bringing that to our laws. Nevertheless this can only go so far. There must still be recognition of what is the traditional approach to offer and acceptance, open understanding of a wedding which historically and continuing must be a public event, with its consequential impact on law for the parties and others. This is where I make most of my remarks
