Mothers’ names to appear on marriage certificate

The names of the mothers of the bride and groom will now be allowed to appear on the marriage certificate. Previously only the father’s name was allowed to appear on the certificate. The change came into effect yesterday (4th May 2021) is a modernisation of an archaic principle and was developed in consultation with the Church of England. The amendments to the Marriage Act 1949 do not stop there. Marriages will now be recorded electronically as opposed to the long held tradition of using registry books. These are the biggest changes to the system of recording marriages since 1837 and brings England and Wales in line with Scotland where these principles already apply.