Awaiting the surnames of the three new marriage officers

LOVED up couples planning their wedding will now be able to get married on Sundays and Public Holidays- after the Council expanded its Registration Service.

Three new Marriage Officers have been appointed to work with the existing Registration Service team to offer a flexible service to couples wanting to marry at venues in West Dunbartonshire.

The three Marriage Officers will be fully trained prior to the service launching later this month.

Senior Registrar, Lynn Houston said: "We are happy that the new officers have chosen to be part of our service and we look forward to welcoming them to the team.

"We are proud to offer a wide range of ceremonies in West Dunbartonshire which can be tailored to suit individual preferences and we welcome this expansion of our service to the public."

Marie said: "I applied for the post because it is a ‘happy’ job and it’s a privilege to be part of a couple’s special day.

"I’m looking forward to performing the actual wedding ceremonies and meeting the bridal party and their guests."

Linda added: "I am really thrilled about becoming a marriage officer and the unique opportunity this offers to be part of such a happy and memorable occasion in people lives, and I am looking forward to being part of the professional registrars team here in West Dunbartonshire."

Yvonne said: "When I first saw the post advertised, I remember thinking, oh what a lovely job to do, I would love to do that. So I applied!

"I am so looking forward to being part of one of the most important and happiest days in people’s lives and I hope I do them proud.

"Words cannot express how delighted and honoured I am to have been chosen for this exciting new post."

Councillor Kath Ryall, Convener of West Dunbartonshire Council’s Corporate Services Committee, said: "This is great news and it will make a real difference to couples looking for an alternative day to get married.

"As a Council, we are fully committed to offering services that are flexible and offered at a time that is suitable to our residents and this new increased service offers more choice to help couples plan their big day."

Depute Convener, Councillor Thomas Rainey, added: "I would encourage couples to contact us as soon as possible if they are thinking of using this new service.

"The new marriage officers will be welcomed by the many couples planning their wedding and the additional days will help give them more choice on when they can have their special day."

Along with the traditional church or registration office wedding, new legislation in 2014 now gives Registrars the freedom to conduct ceremonies anywhere within their district.

Couples in West Dunbartonshire have tied the knot on Inchmurrin Island, The Celtic Warrior Boat on Loch Lomond and the top of the Titan Crane.

The most memorable ceremonies in the area include a barn owl delivering the rings to the best man during the ceremony, a dog being bridesmaid and having the rings attached to her collar and the wedding party arriving in a double decker open top bus!

Registrars are now taking bookings for ceremonies at locations across West Dunbartonshire, seven days a week.

Couples can mould their ceremony to suit their needs and can incorporate readings and poems and personalised vows written by the couple.

To discuss booking a Registrar for your ceremony in West Dunbartonshire, contact the office on 01389 738350, Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.