Currently, weddings in England must take place under solid structures, meaning ceremonies in gardens, on farms, or under marquees are prohibited — but this could soon change. A proposed update to the 180-year-old marriage law could finally allow outdoor weddings, similar to the legislation already in place in Scotland.
With the average UK wedding costing over £30,000 — and more than £6,000 of that spent on venue hire — many couples are seeking affordable, flexible options. In the recent Budget*, the Government asked the Law Commission to explore “a simpler and fairer system to give modern couples meaningful choice.”
The proposed legislation aims to reduce wedding costs and provide greater freedom for couples, following trends already common in the US and Australia. So, how could this change present an opportunity for your farming business?
Unused Farmland: The Perfect Wedding Location
Farmland with picturesque views could be transformed into the ideal outdoor wedding venue. When the new laws come into effect, farmers could diversify their income by offering:
- Temporary marquees for summer weddings
- Glamping areas for overnight guests
- Rustic outdoor ceremony spots
These additions can provide couples with more affordable and memorable wedding options, while creating a profitable new venture for you.
How Cotterill Civils Can Help
1) Convert Unusable Land into the Perfect Wedding Spot
Waterlogged or unproductive land could become a lucrative wedding venue with the right improvements. Installing land drainage can improve soil structure and quality, boosting crop yields by up to 150%. That means you could host weddings and still bring your land back into productive use.
Speak to one of our land drainage experts today on 0121 351 3230.
2) Provide Sewage Facilities for Wedding Guests
Outdoor weddings require essential facilities — including running water and reliable sewage systems. A sewage treatment plant is crucial for venues in rural areas hosting large groups of people.
See an example of a sewage treatment plant we installed at a wedding venue.
At Cotterill Civils, we not only supply sewage treatment plants — we also install and service them. Call one of our specialists today on 0121 351 3230 to discuss transforming your site into a fully equipped event venue.
3) Convert or Build New Farm Buildings for Weddings
Transform existing barns or construct new farm buildings to host wedding receptions and events. Farm venues are trending — couples love rustic spaces with open layouts and natural charm. You could also use the same venue for other events like birthdays or christenings.
With over 30 years of construction experience, Cotterill Civils can handle everything from groundworks and drainage to specialist foundations and superstructure builds.
Start your new business venture today — call us on 0121 351 3230.
Find Out More
Visit us at the Farm Business Innovation Show at Birmingham’s NEC on the 7th and 8th November — Stand 3802. Alternatively, call us on 0121 351 3230 for more information.
Information Source
* Article in The Times – https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/budget-creates-a-path-for-a-wedding-in-the-woods-t23mdxrbr