Almost 600 couples have enjoyed a dream wedding at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s venues since lockdown restrictions were eased in April.
Photo © Deborah Grace Photography
Historic venues and parks have so far hosted more than 360 ceremonies, with another 234 booked until December.
With many couples delaying their nuptials last year due to the pandemic, the council’s Registrars and Heritage Parks Wedding Team have been working to deliver dream weddings and civil partnerships amid Covid-restrictions.
Feedback from happy couples includes: “Thank you so much for helping us create the most perfect Covid-safe wedding! We had the most special day in the Parade Gardens. It truly was an idyllic and romantic day and sets our wedding apart from any others we’ve attended.
“We are so glad we chose this venue and we were able to have a perfect wedding.”
“We ended up with an incredible wedding, wonderful ceremony and a fabulous evening celebration. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful.
“Our photographers loved all the photo opportunities available, creating some incredible shots. We got our dream wedding.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council offers a range of unusual and historic venues where people can hold their wedding or partnership ceremonies, including the Roman Baths, the Pump Rooms, the Victoria Art Gallery, the Assembly Rooms and a choice of six rooms at the Guildhall.
Ceremonies and celebrations can also be held in a range of settings in the council’s parks, including the bandstand in Royal Victoria Park and the Temple of Minerva in the Botanical Gardens.
Couples now have an even wider choice of locations thanks to a recent change in the law which means ceremonies can now be held outside, but within the boundaries of a licensed premises.
As a result, two couples recently exchanged their vows on Temple Lawn in Royal Victoria Park.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children, Young People, Communities and Culture said: “We are incredibly lucky to have such an array of amazing venues where couples can marry or form civil partnerships and I’m really proud of our teams who have worked incredibly hard to deliver truly memorable ceremonies throughout the pandemic.
“To have helped so many couples to exchange their vows over the past four months is an incredible achievement and hosting so many ceremonies has also helped our recovery, with many couples and their guests supporting the local economy by staying locally and using local amenities and hospitality services across the district.
“The feedback we’ve received has been fantastic and I wish all our couples every happiness as they begin their new lives together.”
More than 470 ceremonies have already been confirmed for 2022.
A list of approved premises for marriage ceremonies across Bath and North East Somerset can be found here.
