Couples free to marry at the beach or the pub and job ads to show salary in major government shake-up

Couples in England and Wales will be able to marry at home, at a pub or on a cruise ship, while employers will have to publish salary information in job adverts, under two separate government reforms announced this week. The proposed changes to marriage law – the biggest in almost 200 years – would allow legally binding ceremonies almost anywhere, from a castle to a hot-air balloon or a beach, as long as the location is approved by a registered officiant. But the government says it will ban “gimmicks” such as skydiving, white-water rafting, rollercoasters or other amusement rides under a “dignity framework”. Light-hearted elements like a reading from Shakespeare or a sing-along to Sweet Caroline would still be allowed, as long as they remain “within the bounds of dignity”. Food and drink, including alcohol, should not be consumed “casually/recreationally during the ceremony”. The current restrictions on religious content in civil ceremonies could also be relaxed, allowing couples to include elements such as Bible readings, while non-religious belief organisations including Humanists could conduct legally binding weddings. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy said marriage laws had “not kept pace with the social and cultural changes that have shaped modern Britain”. He added: “They say you can’t put a price on love – but too often, the cost of weddings puts this commitment out of reach. That’s why I’m reforming archaic rules, so couples have more freedom to say ‘I do’ on their own terms, while strengthening safeguards to protect the meaning and permanence of marriage.” Signing the paperwork and consenting in the presence of an officiant would be the main legal requirements under a civil ceremony. The exact details will be announced after a consultation ends on 24 September this year, and new legislation would be needed, meaning reforms probably will not come into effect until next year. Separately, ministers have unveiled draft proposals requiring employers to disclose salary information in job adverts. The Cabinet Office said greater transparency would help jobseekers make informed application decisions and improve the hiring process by weeding out candidates with “misaligned pay expectations”. Citing academic studies, it said transparency would help prevent “unequal outcomes” when salaries are offered, adding: “When pay is opaque, salary decisions can be influenced by stereotypes – such as stereotypes of women, ethnic minorities, or disabled people.” Details of exactly what salary information must be shared are yet to be determined; officials plan to consult on whether exact salaries, a pay range or a “benchmark rate” should be displayed, and whether bonuses should be included. Employers that do not publish a job advert would have to give the information in writing prior to an interview. The proposals apply to England, Wales and Scotland, with a consultation ending in October. The government would need to pass legislation to implement the changes.