Looking to tie the knot? Marking biggest proposed change to wedding law in 200 years, reforms could allow couples in England and Wales to get legally married in a vast array of locations – rather than approved bricks and mortar venues.

If the proposals are adopted following a consultation period due to end in September of this year, couples will be able to choose from any number of unique settings for their big day.

Freed from what ministers have described as 'outdated' legal restrictions, forests, beaches and castles could all be possible spots to get hitched.

The motion comes as the government seeks to drive the cost of weddings down  which currently average around £20,000.

Although some restrictions may remain in place, such as obtaining permission from a landowners before holiding a ceremony on private land, couples may be able to get married in all manner of scenarios in the future. 

So, as the finer details of the proposal are considered, here are some of the wacky, fun and noteworthy places in England and Wales that couples may soon be able to choose as the destination for the big day.

Cruising into newlywed life

Under the new proposals it may be possible for couples to tie the knot cruising along the River Thames

'Canal boats, and even cruise ships at sea', are mentioned in the proposals – so why not consider a river cruise down the Thames as the setting for your big day?

Sailing past landmarks like the London Eye and Big Ben as a gentle breeze runs through your hair would certainly make for an unforgettable occasion.

Or, for couples seeking something quieter, far from the hustle and bustle of the capital, a ride down the iconic Llangollen Canal, spanning the border between England and Wales, would be another option.

Saying 'I do' with the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a backdrop would make for a ceremony like no other.

Reach new heights in married life

The new reforms might make it possible to marry at the top of Scafell Pike, overlooking the Lake District

As the exact rules regarding these reforms are yet to be confirmed by the Ministry of Justice, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

Indeed, it may even be possible to tie the knot on the top of Mount Snowdon, in Wales.

Forget traipsing a couple of steps down the aisle – why not instead hike for six hours with your beau before exchanging vows, as you overlook the Snowdonia National Park.

The trek back down in a wedding dress might be difficult though, so white walking trousers might better suit the occasion.

Or, if you're dreaming of a Lake District wedding with a twist, you could choose Scafell Pike in Cumbria.

At 978m (3,209ft) tall, it is England's highest mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and countryside.

Saying 'I do' on a British beach

Jetting off to Greece or the Seychelles for a beach wedding is so passé. The UK has plenty of dreamy spots that could provide an equally beautiful place to say 'I do' – and you wouldn't need to check in your wedding dress as oversized baggage, either.

Embleton Bay, Northumberland

If a dramatic castle towering over a beach is your dream wedding venue, Embleton Bay might be the place for you

A beautiful, hidden gem beach located along the Northumberland coast, Embleton Bay would be a perfect setting for an intimate wedding ceremony.

Couples could tie the knot on the sandy shores, overlooked by the nearby ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle – a wonderfully dramatic backdrop for the big day.

The beach forms part of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to a range of flora and seabirds, no doubt adding ample character to the celebration.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula would bring a destination wedding feel to your big day - without requiring a passport

Tucked away on the western side of the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove is a tidal beach boasting pristine white sand, turquoise waters, dramatic rock stacks and lush green surroundings.

Described as 'one of the world's most spectacular beaches' by the National Trust, its otherworldly scenery could provide the perfect backdrop for a wedding – and guests might even mistake these glorious sandy shores for a more tropical destination!

Kynance Cove has even been compared to Moana's fictional island home of Motunui, meaning fans could have a chance to experience their dream Disney wedding without even having to leave the UK.

A magical forest wedding

Forests are also mentioned as possible locations in the new proposals submitted by the government, and there are plenty of weird and wonderful woodland areas across England and Wales that could make enchanting prospective venues.

Kingley Vale, Chichester

A wedding ceremony under the twisting trees of Kingley Vale forest could be a possibility

Home to some of the oldest trees in England, Kingley Vale forest in Chichester could make for a magical backdrop for a wedding – worthy of a fairytale.

Imagine tying the knot with ancient, twisting trees peering down at you, their branches home to a variety of birds from woodpeckers to buzzards.

Whinlatter Forest, Lake District

Or along one of the mountain bike treks in Whinlatter Forest

Or perhaps you could turn your big day into a proper adventure, by saying 'I do ' in the mountain forest of Whinlatter, England's only true 'mountain forest' and home to rare, endangered wildlife such as red squirrels.

Why sashay elegantly down the aisle, when you could tear along on a mountain bike towards the love of your life. It would certainly make for a more hair-raising wedding ceremony!