Carl Jones said he and his partner of 20 years haven’t wed because even the simplest weddings are too expensive.

“We want to get married but won’t, as it costs too much. It’s cheaper if we just have two witnesses, but why should our [12-year-old] daughter not be allowed to attend… It’s wrong.”

But sceptics say this will do little to lower the cost of weddings, which according to wedding planner app Hitched has jumped to £21,990 on average.

Reverend Tom Kennar said it isn’t marriage that is expensive, it’s the extras most modern couples like to add.

“[It] is the costs of the reception, vehicles, booze, photographers, clothing, food, cars etc,” he said.

Other critics of the proposal say they fear it will dilute the significance of marriage.

“Marriage is a gift from God to secure society. Not an opportunity to set new standards and styles,” said Donald Tosh, from Glasgow, who wrote to BBC Your Voice.

“It’s now not a life decision, it’s a temporary decision. And now with this, a very temporary frivolous decision,” said Oliver, from Kent.

However, celebrant Zadie Ward told the BBC the changes could enhance the meaning of a wedding for many couples.

“[Critics] are saying it’s a solemn promise and it’s about the serious commitment, but how can you ask someone to make a serious commitment in words that mean nothing to them and ways that are meaningless to them?”