An update to the Marriage certificate for marriages in England and Wales will include mothers’ names from today.
This is the first time Mother’s names will be added as well as marriages being recorded electronically in the biggest shake up in the system since 1837.
Until now; marriages have been recorded by the couple signing a Register Book of which there are some 84,000 of these held at Register Offices, Churches, Chapels, and Registered Religious premises throughout England and Wales.
“Changing practices that go back many years is never straightforward, but we believe the new system changes as little as possible in terms of the couple’s experience of their church wedding.” The Reverend Dr Malcolm Brown, director of mission and public affairs for the Church of England
This move brings England and Wales into line with the rest of the UK as Scotland and Northern Ireland already ask for the names of both parents on the marriage documentation. The same will apply for those entering a civil partnership.