Weddings revamp follows same-sex marriage law review

Sunday 22 January 2017

For those who dream of tying the knot with their toes in Island sand, things are set to get a lot easier.

It comes as the result of a change to the Marriage and Civil Status (Jersey) Law 2001, which will remove some of the barriers to overseas couples wishing to marry on Jersey beaches or in open-air ceremonies on the Island.

Civil marriage ceremonies, too, will benefit from the amendment, with couples now afforded more choice about music and content of the proceedings.

Safeguards against sham and forced marriage have also been strengthened, which, it is hoped, should protect people from potential harm and support immigration control.

The changes follow review of the existing marriage law in order to make it accessible to same-sex couples. During the process, other aspects of the law were given a revamp along the way.

Deputy Chief Minister Senator Andrew Green explained: "In September 2015, the States Assembly agreed, in principle, to amend the law to allow same-sex couples to get married in Jersey by the end of 2017. On commencing that work it became clear that a major overhaul of the existing law was required, allowing us to benefit all couples who want to get married in Jersey, including those who live elsewhere.”