Thank you for contacting me about mothers' names on marriage certificates.
I agree with you that mothers should be able to add their names to marriage certificates, and I understand how frustrating it must be that this is not currently the case. Let me assure you that there is support for changing this outdated system.
As you mentioned, the Prime Minister asked the Home Office to review the system last August. The change will be a complex task, due to the large number of registers in use and the associated costs of replacing them. There will need to be changes to the administrative processes, IT systems and legislation. Nonetheless, options on how best to do this are currently being investigated, and when the assessment of all the options has been completed, the Government will bring forward proposals to introduce the necessary changes.
I have been assured by the Home Office that they are continuing to develop the options that will allow mothers' names to be recorded on marriage certificates as soon as practicable.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
