Ten years since the first I do
Written by John Williamson on 11/01/2022
On 12 January 2012 the sun set on a spectacular day in Blackpool as Kelly Goudie and Simon Garrick tied the knot in Festival House, Blackpool’s new register office.
Mr and Mrs Garrick became part of Blackpool’s history as they exchanged their vows and shared their first kiss as husband and wife in the Tower View Room, looking out across the Promenade to the world-famous Blackpool Tower.
10 years on almost 5000 couples have tied the knot in the Wedding Chapel at Festival House and its popularity continues to increase every year.
The eye-catching gold clad venue on the Promenade offers couple the chance to get married with a backdrop of Blackpool Tower. Alternatively couples can book the Sea View Room, for smaller ceremonies of up to 12 people. The building is also home to the town’s Tourist Information Centre and the Beach House bar and restaurant.
Joceline Greenaway, Head of Life Events at Blackpool Council, said: “We are so proud to have such a unique venue as our register office. When couples come to look round they are wowed by the building itself and also the views from the rooms and the balcony.
“Legislation surrounding weddings has changed a number of times during the last ten years so we are now able to offer evening ceremonies which has been really popular for couples wanting to get married with the Illuminations in the background.
“In 2013 The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act was passed allowing all couples to choose a civil partnership or marriage ceremony. This was such an important step for equality and couples took advantage of it the very first day the legislation changed.”
Cllr Neal Brookes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Life Events, said: “Blackpool has a special place in the hearts of so many people. Couples come to Blackpool for holiday breaks and day trips. They have happy memories of the town and then decide that we also offer a first class venue for their ceremony.
“We already have 350 weddings booked in for the year ahead and with many couples needing to reschedule their postponed ceremonies we are expecting the venue to be busier than ever.
“I’d like to wish Kelly and Simon a happy anniversary and thank them once again for being our first couple ten years ago.”
First bride, Kelly Garrick, said: “The day was magical and in my opinion the Wedding Chapel is the most magical place on earth. It has such a unique atmosphere and we were blessed with an amazing Blackpool sunset.
“My husband said it best when he told me that “it’s not every day you marry your best friend”. Walking down the aisle seeing the Blackpool Tower in the backdrop and having all my family and friends there to witness our special moment will stay with me forever. The Wedding Chapel captured our love and we continue to feel so grateful. We’re now celebrating 10 years of very happy marriage!”
For more information on The Wedding Chapel visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/weddingchapel
