Cardiff, UK - Brides and grooms-to-be in Wales should soon be able to marry in a church of their choice if they have a strong connection with the parish.
The Marriage (Wales) Bill, introduced by Alun Michael MP, cleared its final stages in the House of Commons.
MPs on Friday unanimously backed the bill, which would give couples in Wales the same rights as in England, where family connections are considered.
At present couples can only marry in a church they attend or live near.
The bill is now expected to receive royal assent next week.
Cardiff South and Penarth MP Mr Michael put forward the private member's bill to the House of Commons in a bid to bring marriage options in Wales in line with those in England.
Mr Michael, speaking during the debate on Friday, told MPs that in the days of a highly mobile population, people wanted and should be able to get married where they liked.
He said it was "ironic" that a private member's bill was needed to amend the law when "the Church of England can make a change of this nature with a simple measure".
There was unanimous support for the bill as MPs believed the change would make it easier for people to get married, which Tory frontbench David Jones said "is surely a good thing".
The bill would also benefit parishes on the Wales-England border where confusion currently existed as to which law they fell under, he said.
In 2008 the Church of England passed a measure allowing couples to marry in churches where they have a family connection, such as residency of parents or grandparents.
But the Church in Wales is unable to pass its own laws as it is not as an established church.
'Archaic bureaucracy'
Mr Michael said previously: "In Wales we have been left behind. The bill will produce a small but important change.
"People in Wales will be able to marry in the church where they grew up if they so wish, regardless of whether they still use that church, as they already can do in England."
Keith and Sarah Jones, of Llanrumney, Cardiff, had to apply for a special licence for their wedding in St Mellons parish church two years ago as they lived outside the parish.
"We wanted to get married in St Mellons because it was the church where my mum and dad got married in 1967 and my mum had recently passed away," said Keith, 32, who is a full time parent to the couple's son, William.
"We would have qualified under the new proposals but this was archaic bureaucracy.
"We had to apply for a special licence and fill in a form, which was stressful as my mum had passed away.
"This is an absolutely great idea that's long overdue."
The bill is also backed by the Archdeacon of Wrexham, Malcolm Squires, who said he was "keeping his fingers crossed" it would go through.
"The law at the moment hardly reflects modern life," he said.
"Couples may have had a connection with a church for some years but if they have moved away they are not able to marry there."
The bill started in the House of Lords before being put before MPs by Mr Michael.