The Women and Equalities Minister Maria Miller has today announced that the first same sex weddings in England and Wales will be able to take place from Saturday 29 March 2014. Following the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 which successfully completed its journey through both Houses of Parliament overwhelmingly and received Royal Assent in July 2013.
The Government say they have been working to ensure that all the arrangements are in place to enable same sex couples to marry as soon as possible. As a result of this work, the first weddings will now be able to happen several months earlier than anticipated.
Equalities Minister Maria Miller commenting said: "Marriage is one of our most important institutions, and from 29 March 2014 it will be open to everyone, irrespective of whether they fall in love with someone of the same sex or opposite sex. This is just another step in the evolution of marriage and I know that many couples up and down the country will be hugely excited that they can now plan for their big day and demonstrate their love and commitment to each other by getting married."
Responding to the news on Twitter the Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: "Fantastic news that from 29 March next year you will be able to marry the person you love regardless of gender."
Those couples wishing to be among the first to marry will need formally to give notice of their intention to marry on 13 March 2014.
