h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

When I was living in the US I found it strange that so many of the weddings that I was invited to were in the evening when in the UK they are always during the day. Imagine my surprise to discover that this is because in the UK you have to get married during daylight hours. This is so that the groom can see the he is marrying the person that he thinks he is.

Seriously? That's an actual law?

Always get married in the morning. That way, if it all goes wrong, you haven't wasted the WHOLE day

TK

Yup - Roz is absolutely correct. As the law currently stands, weddings must take place between 8am and 6pm. The law was established before the widespread introduction of electric light. The UK government issued a white paper a couple of years ago, which if it becomes law will allow evening weddings, but they haven't bothered to give it parliamentary time. It would also allow people to get married outside for the first time.

But divorcess still have to marry inside?

Yup - all wedding ceremonies (including civil ones on licensed premises) have to be held within a permanent structure as the current law stands.

That is amazing. Here in Oz we can get married just about anywhere. I think it is anytime as well - I know of people who have got married at sunrise and that was well before 8am

Sorry, bad joke of mine. "It would also allow people to get married outside for the first time."