Wedding venues gear up for bumper bank holiday

Wedding venues in Staffordshire are preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the year, with 71 ceremonies across the county lined up for Saturday(23), and a further 20 on Sunday.

August is traditionally the busiest month for weddings in Staffordshire, with most couples opting for the 1.30pm and 2pm time slots.

Are you getting married this weekend? Share your pictures with Star Witness for the chance to win £100. See below for details

Councillor Mike Lawrence of Staffordshire County Council said: "August is always a busy month for couples looking to tie the knot, probably because of summer and school holidays and the hope of a nice sunny day.

"Staffordshire is a fantastic county to get married in or to hold a civil ceremony, with a real mix of venues and locations to choose from."

He added that venues such as Alton Towers offered quirky alternatives to the more traditional wedding locations.

Councillor Lawrence added that many couples were quite imaginative when it came to thinking of different ways to mark the occasion.

Previous requests have included pigs giving rings, and owls swooping down to present rings, as well as ceremonies at midnight.

Venues for the big day vary from castles to theme parks and football clubs to railway stations.

The Shugborough Estate near Stafford, Weston Hall, and the Moat House at Acton Trussell are among the most popular venues.

The National Football Centre in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire University, Drayton Manor Park, Hoar Cross Hall, near Lichfield and Tamworth Castle are also now available for weddings.

Staffordshire County Council has eight register offices across the county, with more than 100 approved venues where couples can hold ceremonies.