Hours of Solemnization of Marriage

The Legal Office of the Archbishops’ Council has provided updated guidance on the repeal of section 4 of the Marriage Act 1949. The repeal does not change the legal position in relation to marriages according to the Rites of the Church of England. A Church of England marriage may still be solemnized only between 8.00am and 6.00pm. This is a legal requirement of the Church of England’s Canons (Canon B 35.3).  The only exception to this is where a Special Licence has been granted, as this can theoretically authorise a marriage at any time of day or night. However, a Special Licence will only permit marriage outside the usual hours when medical necessity dictates this.