England and Wales could soon follow lead of Scotland, where couples have more freedom of choice over wedding venues

Couples could soon be allowed to get married outdoors as part of changes to the 180-year-old laws in an attempt to make the ceremonies more affordable.

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Under the current laws, which have remained largely unchanged since 1836, civil ceremonies in England and Wales are prohibited on beaches, in gardens or beneath marquees. They must take place in solid structures with a permanent roof if they are to be solemnised legally.

There is an increasing demand for such services, which are permitted in Scotland, where couples have long enjoyed greater freedom over where they can proclaim their vows.

The chancellor, Philip Hammond, is expected to announce in the budget on Monday that he wants to simplify the rules around wedding venues and reduce anachronistic red tape.

“While the laws around who can get married have evolved substantially in recent years, the laws on how and where marriages must take place have remained largely unchanged since 1836,” a Treasury spokesperson said. “This review will help the law keep pace with modern Britain, while helping people keep the cost of living down.”

The government is to ask the Law Commission to assess the legislation on wedding venues, with a focus on continuing to ensure the dignity of marriage ceremonies is preserved.

The independent body said in a 2015 review that marriage laws were badly in need of reform and that there was a strong demand for weddings to be cheap and personal. It also said existing laws were already being stretched to allow more residential ceremonies.

The Treasury spokesman also said the existing regulations put small business owners off applying for licences, driving up the cost of weddings and restricting choice.

The expected changes would mean more couples would be able to tie the knot in hotels, restaurants and pubs. Licences to hold weddings are only provided for specific rooms, with food and alcoholic drinks not allowed to be sold or consumed in that area an hour before and during the proceedings.

The cost of getting married has risen significantly in recent years. The average wedding now costs now between £20,000 and £30,000, including about £4,500 for venue hire.