More and more venues in and around Bath are saying “I Do” when it comes to hosting weddings – and now the Council is encouraging even more to do so.
The latest to apply to become an Approved Premise is Harptree Court which is the venue for the TV smash, the Great British Bake Off and the recently refurbished Francis Hotel, overlooking the beautiful Queens Square in the centre of Bath
Cindy Aze, Deputy Superintendent Registrar at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Our area is the second most popular place in the country to host weddings and more and more places are looking to provide that perfect setting. Couples are continually looking for something unique for their wedding day and Bath and North East Somerset District have some hidden gems out there.
“The Council provides advice and guidance on how businesses can make a success of their wedding offer. There is a big slice of the cake for venues to share because the industry in Bath and North East Somerset is worth an estimated £15 million annually.”
There are more than 30 venues which have successfully applied to the council to become licenced premises. The most recent were Green Park Brassiere and the Victoria Art Gallery.
The Bandstand and The Interpretation Centre in Victoria Park Gardens have also successfully gained their licence and will appeal to those couples looking for that ‘outdoor’ feel to their wedding.
Councillor David Bellotti (Lib-Dem, Lyncombe), Cabinet Member for Community Resources, said: “We work closely with approved premises to maximise how they can offer the best experience to the bride and groom. For instance new rules mean that couples can now marry at any time of the day or night so this offers extra ways for venues to generate revenue.
“Our liaison officer makes sure that we have a close marketing partnership with Bath Tourism Plus to enhance our exposure as the place to get married. Venues are automatically listed on our council website. There are also eight pages currently under construction on the Visit bath website dedicated to Bath Weddings.”
“We all know that Bath and North Somerset is a popular destination for visitors as well as those looking for a memorable wedding day. If venues think they can host weddings or civil partnerships then I hope they will get in contact with the council – it’s never too late to say ‘I do’.”
A three-year licence currently costs £1,500 and to be eligible a premise only need be permanent structure with a roof.
For more information on how easy it is to become an approved premises visit: www.bathnes.gov.uk/weddings or ring 01225 477234.