A huge 'congratulations' is going out from Bath & North East Somerset Council to the first couples to get married since coronavirus restrictions were lifted.

A couple from Shropshire were among the first to be married at the Bath Guildhall. Lisa James and David Smith arrived for WW2 themed wedding on vintage motorbikes. The couple, who were joined by eight guests, had been due to tie the knot in May.

Lisa, who proposed to her husband on 29 February, said: "During lockdown I was getting a bit twitchy that the longer David had to think about things, the more chance he had to change his mind! Being able to finally get married was a huge relief!"

The council offers a range of unusual and historic venues where people can hold their ceremony or celebration, including the bandstand at Royal Victoria Park, the Roman Baths, the Pump Rooms, and a choice of six rooms at the Guildhall.

Weddings and receptions have also resumed in a range of settings in the council's parks.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: "It has been a disappointing time for many couples who have had to postpone their wedding or civil partnership due to the coronavirus pandemic. A happy outcome of entering the recovery phase is that we can once again invite people to hold their ceremonies and post-wedding celebrations at one of our beautiful venues. Many congratulations to the first couples to marry in Bath and North East Somerset since lockdown and I'd encourage others having to reschedule their wedding to consider one of the unusual and historic venues we have on offer."

Anyone wishing to enquire about booking their ceremony at the Guildhall can call 01225 477 234, email [email protected] or find out more here

For more information about holding a ceremony or reception at Royal Victoria Park, Parade Gardens or the Great Dell, email [email protected], call 01225 39 5014 or visit the wedding website

Ceremonies can also be held at the Assembly Rooms, Victoria Art Gallery or the Roman Baths. For the range of venues on offer and to find out more visit the Bath venues site