Couples are invited to join a unique wedding ceremony at the Guildhall to coincide with the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on Friday 27 July, 2012.
This is an opportunity for up to 10 couples, who wish to get married or enter into a civil partnership, to tie the knot at the same time in one ceremony in the sumptuous surroundings of the Banqueting Room in the magnificent Guildhall in Bath.
Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: “This is the first event of its kind to be staged in England and Wales, and we’re proud to hold it in Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Guildhall. Who could imagine a more memorable and unique way to celebrate their wedding in this Olympic year?
“We already have five couples ready to say ‘I do’ but we’re still keen to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to any other couples who wish to join us for this special day on 27 July. It’s also an affordable way to have a wedding day and share this memorable experience with a group of like-minded others at a similar stage in their lives.”
The cost of the ceremony – which includes official photographer, a live string quartet and refreshments for up to 30 guests per couple after the ceremony – is only £200 per couple.
One of the happy couples taking part in the event is Sarah Shelton and Gareth Watson from Leicester. Sarah said: “We fell in love with Bath when we visited in August 2011, and got engaged in the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa!
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to be part of such a unique ceremony. We had been planning to get married this year but wanted something different from the ordinary. We stumbled across this ceremony and couldn’t believe it – what a fantastic opportunity to be part of something so special in such a beautiful city.
“Everybody that we have been dealing with – from the Register Office to our reception venue and wedding transport – have been so wonderful and accommodating that we really can’t wait for the big day.”
The event also coincides with this year’s 175th anniversary of the start of civil marriages in England and Wales.
If you are also interested in being one of the couples involved this special ceremony, and would like to receive further details, please call Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Register Office on 01225 477886 or email: [email protected].
