Couples from the Burnham-On-Sea area will soon be able to tie the knot at some of Somerset’s top attractions including Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre, Wookey Hole caves, Dunster Castle, Clevedon Pier and Somerset County Cricket Ground.
Somerset County Council’s Registration Service is inviting couples to tie the knot through a new ‘opposite sex civil partnership’ next year.
The service says it is keen to hear from couples interested in booking a ceremony in 2020 following a change of Government legislation which will make civil partnerships available to opposite sex couples as well as same sex.
Civil partnerships were introduced as a way for same sex couples to form a legal union in 2005, while marriage equality for all British couples was introduced in 2014. This new development has been welcomed by campaigners who have worked to make both choices open to all couples.
Somerset Registration Service has a large team of professional celebrants who will tailor ceremonies to suit each couple’s preferences.
Highly trained and with a wealth of experience, they bring a flexible and personal approach to both simple register office ceremonies and grand events at over 120 licensed venues across Somerset and North Somerset.
These include well-known spots such as Secret World, Wookey Hole, Dunster Castle, Clevedon Pier, Haynes Motor Museum as well as beautiful farms, hotels and country houses in all corners of Somerset. Staff say they are looking forward to making more special days under the new civil partnership arrangements.
Councillor David Hall, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure, praised the service, saying: “Here in Somerset, in partnership with North Somerset Council, we are proud to offer a truly customer-focused registration service and the chance to provide civil partnerships to all couples is a welcome addition to our offer.”
”Time and again, we receive feedback that our staff, ceremonies and venues have exceeded expectations. At offices accessible across all districts, the registration staff are a first-rate team delivering a service that reflects the needs of our residents and visitors.”
To find out more about marriage and partnerships, see the Somerset Registration Service website at www.somersetweddingservice.org.uk and the ‘More Information’ section and blog.
