Claire Follain, the Island’s Superintendent Registrar, has said that since the States approved the law last week her office has received a number of calls from couples keen to start planning their weddings.
But, she warned, it is not yet known exactly when the Island’s new law legalising same-sex marriage will come into force other than that it will be ‘within months’.
The law, which now requires approval from the UK’s Privy Council, also legalises outdoor ceremonies and allows people to choose a specific person to marry them, such as a humanist celebrant.
However, until that approval has been granted no further information is available.
Ms Follain said: ‘Couples are, understandably, eager to start planning their weddings and we’re already receiving queries from people who want to get married outdoors, from same-sex couples, or from people who want a specific person to marry them – such as a humanist celebrant. However, until the Privy Council approve the changes we are not able to confirm when the amended law will come into force, how outdoor venues can be approved, or the celebrants people can choose from.’
She added: ‘The fact that people are contacting us indicates just how welcome the proposed changes are. But it will be a few months before we can provide any more definitive information.’
For more information contact the Superintendent Registrar’s office on 441335 or email marriageenquiries@gov.je.
