Bedford Borough Council has applied for a civil ceremony licence to cover the Mayor Dave Hodgson’s Parlour and the Council Chamber in the Old Town Hall, in St Paul’s Square.
If given permission, weddings could be held for up to 30 people in the historic Parlour complete with relics from over the years and a gallery of past Mayors/Mayoress’.
The bride and groom could even dress up in the Mayor’s civic robes but would need to arrange this in advance.
Loved-up couples could also get married in the Council Chamber where the maximum capacity would be 60 people.
The council is hoping that the move will make ‘even greater use’ of the historic rooms and also bring in extra income.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “We have opened up the Parlour to more and more visits from local groups and schools, with people commenting time and again how much they enjoy experiencing a little bit of Bedford’s history. Opening up the Parlour and Council Chamber for civil ceremonies would both offer a unique and historic setting for a civil ceremony and provide a modest income for the council.
“We are always looking for opportunities to save taxpayers’ money, not only through efficiency savings but also by exploring all potential revenue opportunities, and this is another example of our efforts.”
The proposal, which was first raised in the council’s staff suggestion scheme, is currently being consulted on and any objections need to be made before Sunday, March 20.
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