Sunset and sunrise ceremonies will be allowed for the first time for civil marriages and domestic partnerships under new rules approved by the Senate yesterday.

At present, the official couplings can only take place between 10am and 4pm.

This will now be changed to between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

The Senate backed, without objection, new legislation to extend the times when such unions can be held, and for the creation of a new post of deputy registrar to help meet growing demand for civil ceremonies.

Bringing forward the Marriage Amendment Act 2022, Lindsay Simmons, the Junior Minister for Home Affairs, told the Upper House: “The time frame that these ceremonies can be performed is too restrictive.

“And this Bill … will make Bermuda more appealing for couples who desire flexible times in which their ceremonies can be held – for example at sunset or sunrise.”

Ms Simmons said greater pressure had been placed on registrars since the locations where civil ceremonies could be held was extended in 2016.

She said that this reform had led to a greater call for such weddings.

Ms Simmons said that the legislation provided for more officers to conduct civil marriage ceremonies.

She added: “There is a challenge when a couple desired their civil marriage ceremony to be held on a date and time when both the Registrar General and the Assistant Registrar General are not available.

“The appointment of a public officer to be a deputy registrar for the functions of performing civil marriage ceremonies will assist the Registrar General … in providing a better service on days when multiple civil marriage ceremonies are scheduled at various locations.

“Or, in the event that both the Registrar General and the Assistant Registrar General are not available at the desired time of the ceremony.”