First civil wedding at castle venue

The first civil wedding at Whittington Castle, near Oswestry, will take place this weekend.

The fairytale venue, which was licensed for civil ceremonies last autumn, will be the setting tomorrow for the nuptials of Sara Piper and John Heap, from Gobowen.

Whittington Castle Preservation Trust said it was the first civil wedding to take place at the venue, claiming the castle made the ideal romantic backdrop for the perfect wedding day.

Sue Ellis, castle manager, said today: "We are putting the last-minute touches to the room, the red carpet has arrived and we have purchased material from Lindstrand Balloons in order to drape the new bridge and decorate with flowers and ivy.

"Guests will be greeted and seated by a dedicated team of volunteers, the champagne is on ice ready for the after service toast and all is in readiness for Sara, our very first bride!"