The reform would allow couples to marry in a parish where either of them were baptised or confirmed, where either lived for six months at any time, where their parents lived or worshipped, or where their parents or grandparents were married.

Father Shane Wood, pictured left, said the reforms, which still need to be agreed by a parliamentary committee, would allow flexibility but not open the door to everyone.

"Quite often people can go away, for example to university, and after a couple of years their names are removed from the electoral roll and therefore they lose their right to marry there.

"People often want to return to their family home to celebrate important occasions so the reform will allow this."

Asked about potential abuse of the system, he said: "There's always the potential for people to take advantage of any system - people move to catchment areas to get into schools.

"In terms of 'wedding tourism' there's always going to be that possibility, but my role is to make sure each wedding is special and we do not rush it or turn it into a production line."

Do you support the changes?

To comment on this or any other Bucks Herald story, click here

To post comments directly on this website, click on the Comment on this Story link below