Legal requirements for Quaker and Jewish wedding ceremonies

The legal position of jewish & Quaker weddings in England & Wales

The Marriage Act of 1753 exempted Quakers and Jews from the legal requirement at the time to be married in an Anglican church. Since then, Quaker and Jewish wedding ceremonies can be conducted In England and Wales according to their own religious rules and the marriage will be legally recognised.

In contrast, other religious marriage ceremonies, such as Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu ceremonies, must meet specific additional requirements to be recognised as creating a legal marriage.

The legal requirements

Like couples marrying in a civil ceremony, couples planning to marry in a Quaker or Jewish ceremony must also provide 29 days’ notice before the ceremony to their local Register Office.

However, aside from giving notice, Quaker and Jewish weddings have a unique position under the law, compared to other religious wedding ceremonies. For example, there is no legal requirement for the ceremony to take place in a registered building or in public. The official performing the ceremony will register the marriage.

Provided that the Jewish or Quaker ceremony meets the required religious rites, the marriage will be legally valid.

Further resources

• Marriages | London Beth Din
• Quaker marriage procedure | Quaker faith & practice

If you are considering or going through a divorce and are concerned that your Quaker or Jewish marriage is not legally recognised, contact Vardags today for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.

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