Marriage certificate to finally include mothers' names in England and Wales

Mothers of brides and grooms in England and Wales will now be added to marriage certificates for the first time. Until now, the document only included the names of the fathers of the couple, but a change to the Marriage Act means both parents will be included. The Home Office said the move would "correct a historic anomaly". Marriages will also be recorded electronically, rather than written in a registry book, as part of the biggest changes to the system since 1837. The move brings England and Wales into line with the rest of the UK. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, couples are already asked to give the names of both parents on marriage documentation. The same applies for those entering a civil partnership.