17/7/15 Pic Doug Moody Photography
COUPLES thinking about their big day are invited to take a sneak peak around Middlesbrough’s new Register Office.
The facility has now moved into Middlesbrough Town Hall and an open day is being held on Thursday, July 23.
Its two ceremony rooms will be open to members of the public from 1pm to 7pm with staff on hand to answer questions.
The Victoria Room holds 40 guests whilst the Erimus Room holds 70 guests.
Information on how to book a ceremony and prices will be available on the day and couples who have already booked their ceremony are also welcome to attend and view the rooms.
The town’s previous self-contained Register Office – on Elm Street between the Civic Centre and Combined Court – holds its last ceremonies in August.
Both of the ceremony rooms in the new facility have now held their first weddings for Middlesbrough couples.
The first to wed in the Victoria Room were Hollie Banks, 22, and Craig Horner, 26, from Hemlington, and in the Erimus Room Carol Ford, 57, and John Hayward, 65, from North Ormesby, took the honour.
A Grade II* listed building, Middlesbrough Town Hall was formally opened in January 1889 and the part that is now the Register Office comprises what was originally the police station and rooms to serve the adjacent courtroom.
Among the original features that have been restored include a grand cantilevered staircase, terrazzo flooring previously hidden under carpet, wood panelling that had been covered, a ceiling rose and window surrounds.
Anyone attending the open day is advised that entry to the new Register Office is from its entrance on Dunning Street.
For more information contact Middlesbrough Register Office on 01642 729004 or email register@middlesbrough.gov.uk