You may kiss the bride - in two years time

Any couple planning to get married in the next two years can now provisionally book their wedding or civil partnership up to 24 months in advance.

Rochdale Council is hoping that couples will now have a better chance of selecting their ideal date and time by booking far ahead of the big day.

Registration and Celebrant Services Manager Neil Anderson said he hopes the additional time, available from April onwards, will enable couples to book other things, such as their reception venue, in plenty of time.

“At the moment you can only book 12 months in advance because the legal paperwork is only valid for a year," he said. "By now taking provisional bookings another year ahead I hope we’ve made arranging the special day a bit easier.

“Obviously we hope that couples will stay together, but a provisional booking can be cancelled without any charge.”

Weddings can be held at the town hall, with the elegance of the gothic style building, next to a colourful park and the ancient Packer Spout fountain proving to be a popular destination for civil ceremonies.

Any couple thinking of wedding bells can contact the Rochdale Register Office on 01706 924783 or email register.office@rochdale.gov.uk