Want to get married aboard a helicopter or at the zoo? A Civil Celebrant of Marriages Scheme will be introduced to meet the increasing public demand for more flexible wedding services.

Under the scheme, a marriage can be celebrated before a civil celebrant at any time and place, other than a Marriage Registry or a licensed place of public worship.

Members of a Legislative Council Panel on Security today supported the proposal when it came up for discussion.

Law amendment to be recommended

The Government will recommend amending the Marriage Ordinance (Cap 181) to empower the Registrar of Marriages to appoint Civil Celebrants of Marriages.

An independent appeal mechanism will also be in place to hear and consider appeals against the decision of the Registrar to refuse, cancel or suspend an appointment of civil celebrant.

Solicitors and notaries public are considered suitable candidates for appointment as civil celebrants because they are familiar with receiving affidavits and taking declarations - crucial parts of marriage procedures.

The Law Society of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Society for Notaries will help monitor service standards.

Civil celebrants to attend training

Civil celebrants are required to attend training provided by the registrar before they are appointed. They need to follow the registrar's code of practice and are responsible to the professional body to which they belong.

The Government aims to introduce an amendment bill to the Legislative Council soon. Subject to the passing of the bill within the current legislative session, the scheme will be implemented before the end of the year.