Sadiq Khan given seat in Lords, as Starmer creates 26 new peers days before he leaves No 10 – as it happened

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Couples could legally marry in forests, on beaches, at sea or in their gardens under new proposals, the Press Association reports. PA says a government consultation announced today, covering rules in England and Wales, could help cut the costs of weddings and mean two ceremonies are no longer required to cover different faiths. PA says:

The average wedding in England is estimated to cost more than 20,000, with venue hire alone typically accounting for around 6,000 without catering.

The system as it stands means some couples have two ceremonies - one where they feel their beliefs are best reflected and another making their marriage legal.