Increase in weddings in BANES

9th January 2012, 16:21

Love is in the air as the number of weddings conducted by Bath & North East Somerset 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. Offcials are hoping that 2012 will be another bumper year because it is a leap year. Traditionally that means women can “pop the question” on February 29th.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!”

T here are also plans to hold a ceremony where 10 couples will be wed at the same time, to mark the first day of the 2012 Olympics.

If you have any queries about arranging a civil ceremony, then give Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Register Office a ring on 01225 477234 or email register_office@bathnes.gov.uk.