Model and Leeds United footballer win legal right to have non-religious wedding

But decision to be appealed by Northern Ireland's attorney general

The couple argued they were being denied the rights given to religious couples (PA)

An international footballer and his model fiancée have won their legal battle to have their humanist wedding recognised in Northern Ireland.

Laura Lacole and Leeds and Republic of Ireland star Eunan O'Kane mounted a successful challenge against the authorities arguing that they were being denied the rights given to religious couples.

But the decision in Belfast High Court, which effectively changes the law in the region, is set to be appealed by Northern Ireland's Attorney General John Larkin QC.

Ms Lacole and Mr O'Kane launched the legal bid after learning their planned humanist wedding in Ballymena's luxury Galgorm Resort would not be recognised in law. For such recognition, they were told, they would need to have a separate civil ceremony.

The couple took the case against the General Register Office (GRO) for Northern Ireland and Stormont's Department of Finance. Mr Larkin also participated in the hearing because it touched on devolved Stormont legislation.

On Friday, Mr Justice Colton quashed the GRO's refusal to grant legal recognition, finding such a position breached the couple's rights under the European Convention.

"We’re delighted to have won our case,” Ms Lacole said. “It means that in two weeks’ time we can legally marry in a way that reflects our beliefs. Our humanist ceremony will speak to our values and the love Eunan and I have for each other in a way no other marriage ceremony could.”

Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, which is supporting the couple's case, said he was disappointed by the appeal.

“This is a very disappointing development given the comprehensive nature of the judgment and is deeply upsetting for both Laura and Eunan, who were so happy to have had certainty in relation to their wedding later this month,” he said.

Humanism is a non-religious belief system that rejects the concepts of a higher deity or afterlife.

Humanists adhere to a scientific view of the world and believe humans steer their own destiny. Humanist marriages are already legally recognised in Scotland, but not in England and Wales. They are also recognised in the Republic of Ireland.

Press Association contributed to this report