§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will require Islamic marriages entered into by persons who are UK citizens to be registered in the UK. [9990]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonMarriage ceremonies which take place in England and Wales should be in accordance with the Marriage Act 1949. The Act allows for civil marriages to take place in a register office or approved premises.
The trustees of a mosque can apply for the building to be registered for marriages under s.41 of the Act. Once registered, marriages can take place there without the need for a separate civil ceremony.
Registration of Islamic marriages is already required in order to meet the criteria of the Marriage Act 1949.