HC Deb 29 October 2001 vol 373 c528W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To 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 Winterton

Marriage 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.