Members of the public are being invited to see why Swindon’s Register Office is proving so popular with happy couples.
The ceremonial venue has been open in its new home of the Civic Offices for just eight months, but has already seen a 28% increase in the number of weddings.
Now people are being encouraged to take a tour of the ceremonial rooms themselves and to see how a webcam can broadcast a live stream of a wedding to relatives who may not be able to attend the ceremony.
The Register Office, which was previously based in Aspen House in the town centre, is now self-contained and based in the west wing of the Civic Offices, closest to Clarence House.
It has a main ceremony room called the Garden Room with French windows to allow wedding parties to move into the Rose Garden for photos. An inner courtyard also allows wedding parties to have a private setting to capture their special day.
The office also contains two smaller ceremony rooms for those seeking a more intimate occasion. The accommodation has extra space for Registrars’ rooms and modern facilities for the disabled.
Since its official opening on 1 June last year, the Register Office has conducted 301 weddings and 16 civil partnerships, but the facility can also be booked for naming and vow renewal ceremonies.
The open day will take place on Saturday, 25 February between 11am and 4pm and registrars and celebrants will be on hand to answer any questions and to take provisional bookings as required.
Mamie Beasant, Superintendent Registrar for Swindon, said: “We pride ourselves on giving people a real choice in their ceremony – whether it is for a marriage, civil partnership, a renewal of vows or a baby naming ceremony.
“We welcome this opportunity to show people our facilities so they can have the ceremony they want in Swindon.”
Cllr Roderick Bluh, Leader of Swindon Borough Council and the Cabinet Member responsible for the Register Office, said: “I am delighted the Register Office is proving so popular and people now have such a fantastic setting for their special occasions.
“I would urge anyone who hasn’t visited the new facilities to attend the open day and see what a tremendous service our registrars and celebrants provide.”
To contact the Register Office call 01793 521734 or email: superintendentregistrar@swindon.gov.uk