Love is in the air as the number of weddings conducted in Bath and the surrounding areas by the Council is on the rise.
During 2011, 976 couples said “I do” to marriage or civil partnership ceremonies officiated by the Council – an increase of 183 from just three years ago.
The romance is set to blossom even further in 2012 – a leap year which traditionally means women can “pop the question” on February 29th – as three more iconic locations in Bath have been added to the Council’s list of approved wedding venues.
In addition to popular favourites such as the Guildhall, the Roman Baths and the Assembly Rooms, couples can now “tie the knot” at the Holburne Museum, the American Museum or even Bath Rugby’s Recreation Ground.
Alison Manning, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Superintendent Registrar, said: “2011 was such an exciting and busy year for Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Registration Service and we are looking forward to an even better 2012! Couples from all over the country choose to ‘tie the knot’ here. We have many historic, quaint and different venues to choose from and the fact that Bath is a World Heritage City also appeals to couples to hold their ceremony in this City of Romance.
“We are eagerly looking forward to 2012 which is the 175th anniversary of civil marriages in this country, along with the Olympics, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 25th anniversary of Bath becoming a World Heritage City. There’s a lot to celebrate, and what better way to mark an auspicious year than with a wedding? We are holding a Wedding Open Day in the Guildhall on Sunday 26th February. Couples can come along and witness a mock ceremony to give them an idea of what a civil ceremony in a stunning location can be like, and perhaps encourage those women who may want to take advantage of the leap year proposal three days later!”
The Council has seen the number of civil ceremonies it officiates jump to 976 from a total of 793 in 2008; 885 in 2009 and 887 in 2010.
Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib-Dem, Combe Down) Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: “This is good news for all the newlyweds but it also benefits local people as it means that Bath & North East Somerset Council can generate more income which is then invested back into protecting our priority frontline services.”
If you have any queries about arranging a civil ceremony, then give the Register Office a ring on 01225 477234 or email [email protected].
