Couples wanting to tie the knot have been warned that virtual weddings are not legally binding.
The coronavirus crisis has meant that all weddings and civil partnership ceremonies have been cancelled in England & Wales since March.
Some organisations and individuals are advertising virtual weddings as an alternative for couples wanting to get married during lockdown. However, what they do not always make clear is that these are not recognised by law.
Cllr Mike Freeman , Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Public Safety, Governance and Reform, said:
It is very hard for couples who have been planning for their big day, only for it to be cancelled.
Virtual weddings may seem to be a great way to get round the current restrictions. They could be great fun and enable relatives living a long way away to see the happy couple. However, they are not a legal alternative.
Not only does it mean that you are not legally married, there are lots of other legal implications regarding children, inheritance and finances which means that in all these areas people are still treated in law on the basis that they are not married.
Trafford registrars understand how difficult it is for couples wishing to be married during this time and would urge that couples contact us directly for assistance.”
The Government has said that it is looking at how to enable people to gather in slightly larger groups to better facilitate small weddings. But it is yet to announce when weddings and civil partnerships will be allowed to take place again.
Once restrictions have been lifted, couples wanting to get married or enter a civil partnership can visit the Trafford Registrars web page for more information.
Posted on Friday 12th June 2020