The Home Office is backing a bill that aims to modernise marriage registration for the first time since 1837.
If the bill is passed, it would mean both parents' details would be on the certificate, not just the father.
The same would apply to civil partnerships.
It would also bring about a change to how the certificates are stored - with a move to them being stored electronically.
From a family lawyer's perspective, I think this would make it much easier for us to obtain a copy of the certificate, which we have to do when a client no longer has an original as it's sent with any petition starting divorce or dissolution proceedings to the Court.
Ministers have backed calls for mothers' names to be put on marriage certificates in England and Wales. The Home Office said it will support a private member's bill, which aims to modernise marriage registration for the first time since 1837. If passed, it would allow the names of both parents of the couple to be included on marriage certificates - instead of just those of their fathers. Home Secretary Amber Rudd says the move will modernise an outdated system.
