Council’s wedding registrars now available for handfasting, unity candles in garden centres and more

Handfasting and unity candle ceremonies are now part of Cambridgeshire County Council’s wedding service options launched “in recognition of National Wedding Planning Day” on 1 March.

The new, more flexible service also means couples can have their ceremony in previously non-approved venues like a garden or community centre, with all the legalities taken care of.

Those wanting to take advantage of this flexible service would complete the legal paperwork in a local register office either the day or morning before the ceremony.

So far about half a dozen couples have signed up to make the most of the bespoke service, which has only been available since January.

The marriages will be organised by the council’s team of registrars, who perform over 2,500 ceremonies a year.

Cllr Alex Bulat, vice-chair of the communities, social mobility and inclusion committee, said: “We already have 79 approved wedding venues in Cambridgeshire, which are beautiful locations to get married, however we understand there is an increasing demand from couples wanting more ways to personalise their special day.

“We also understand weddings can be very expensive and at a time when household finances are under extra pressure, this flexibility could allow couples to save a significant amount of money.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone planning a wedding in Cambridgeshire to do something different, which better suits their values, interests and budgets.”