The perfect match… for your special day With breathtaking scenery and a host of hidden gems, County Durham is the perfect place to celebrate your special day. Whether you’re planning a big bash or an intimate family gathering for your wedding, our ceremony team are here to help. They provide a dedicated service for people wishing to tie the knot with our Registration Service, guiding you every step of the way. “These days, you can have almost any kind of ceremony, from a simple ‘I do’ in one of our register offices with a couple of friends as witnesses, to a more grand affair at a licensed venue,” explained superintendent registrar Anne Robson. “The only restriction is your own imagination!” Almost anything goes, but remember that only registrars employed by a local authority can conduct a legal civil marriage. If you’re planning a humanist or celebration wedding you must
have a legal ceremony prior to the event. The choice of venue for taking your vows is very personal. Some people wish to marry in churches or places of worship but many couples choose to marry in one of our register offices, which can cater for up to 55 guests. If you’re looking for somewhere out of the ordinary, there are over 40 licensed venues in County Durham. These range from historic castles and fabulous hotels to sporting venues and enchanting teepees at a country pub. If you choose one of these it’s important you book your registrar as soon as possible, so that the team will be on hand to answer your queries every step of the way.
Having conducted wedding ceremonies for 30 years, Anne has helped thousands of happy couples. “Your wedding is possibly the biggest day of your life and it’s always an honour to be part of such a wonderful occasion. “So from booking the ceremony to giving legal advice on your nuptials, we always go that extra mile to make sure every couple has a perfect day to remember.” For more information, call 03000 266 000, email theceremonyteam@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/registeroffices
The bride and groom Gordon and Kathryn Coates from Crook married this year at Aykley Heads Register Office. “Our wedding day was amazing from start to finish,” said Kathryn. “We chose a civil ceremony in Durham and the help we received before the wedding was invaluable.
Our wedding day was amazing...
“The ceremony was perfect and it was the most joyous day, made all the more exceptional by the ceremony team.” County Durham Register Office
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