COUPLES considering a civil wedding or partnership are invited to a special event in Cheshire to help them to plan their dream day.

The county council’s registration service is holding an open day at Wrenbury Hall in Wrenbury, near Nantwich, on Sunday, November 9.

The free event is aimed at anyone thinking of marrying or having a civil partnership at any of the 100-plus approved premises across Cheshire.

Couples and their families will have the opportunity to meet registrars and discuss the many different ways in which they can personalise their ceremony.

There will be an opportunity to watch an example ceremony officiated by a Cheshire Registrar.

Visitors can also find out about the wide variety of venues licensed for weddings which range from a castle and a zoo to stately homes, country house hotels and golf clubs.

The event comes as Cheshire continues to enjoy its status as one of England’s most romantic counties by bucking the national trend for a fall in the number of marriages.

County council registrars officiate at just under 2,000 weddings every year.

Community and communications executive member Nora Dolphin said: “Despite falling marriage rates nationally, Cheshire has remained consistently popular as a wedding destination.

“The county is also becoming increasingly popular among brides and grooms from elsewhere in the UK – last year more than half of couples who married in approved premises in Cheshire were from outside the county.

“And little wonder, when we can boast an impressive selection of venues, beautiful countryside and a registration service which prides itself on providing a highly personalised service.”

Continued Councillor Dolphin: “Anyone considering marrying or having a civil partnership is welcome at this informal event, whether they live locally or further afield.

“We hope to dispel some myths about what is involved in a civil ceremony – particularly the caricature of registrars being frumpy and grumpy!

“By meeting with registrars and watching an example ceremony, couples can discover how meaningful and personal civil ceremonies can be.”

Example ceremonies will take place at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Attendance is free but anyone wishing to attend is asked to reserve seats in advance by telephoning 01270 375104 or emailing creweregisteroffice@cheshire.gov.uk