Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if the Government will extend the validity period of marriage notices issued in 2020 by 12 months to allow weddings cancelled as a result of the outbreak of covid-19 to take place.

The Government acknowledges the significant upheaval that Covid-19 is causing for couples who were looking to marry at this time. The requirement to solemnize a marriage within twelve months of giving notice to marry is set out in primary legislation and would require primary legislation to amend.

We are exploring what changes might be possible in relation to marriages at this time, and in line with Public Health England guidance on social distancing.