Changes in the law in England since 1995 have allowed local authorities to licence premises other than registry offices and religious buildings for wedding ceremonies. This has had a significant effect on how and where couples marry.

There has been a dramatic drop in the number of weddings in registry offices, and a continuing decline in ceremonies in churches, now accounting for just under half of all wedding services. However, hotels, stately homes and other venues have seen increasing numbers of weddings taking place on their premises.

Staffordshire County Council, which administers an area roughly corresponding to that covered by the Diocese of Lichfield has licensed fifty alternative premises to hold weddings, and in the last year ceremonies at these sites increased by 24%. Accompanying this trend has been an increased demand on clergy to offer a short religious ceremony and blessing following the civil marriages.

"This is a trend we either have to work with or be marginalised completely," said one Staffordshire clergyman. "I still think the church does weddings best and I've yet to hear of any hotel offering marriage preparation classes, a rehearsal or aftercare. Our responsibility doesn't end as the couple leave through the door!"