ISLE of Wight couples will soon be able to get married 24 hours a day, following the introduction of a new round-the-clock law.
Under current legislation all civil ceremonies for marriages and civil partnerships must take place before 6pm but this will change when the Protection of Freedoms Act comes into force in October.
The Isle of Wight Council plans to offer the new service as widely as possible.
Corporate governance manager Chris Mathews said: "When we decided to review the registrars service in 2010, it was with this new legislation in mind. Having increased the number of registrars from seven to 16, we are already geared up to respond to the new opportunities arising from it.
"There has never been a greater selection of ceremony venues from which to choose and now those planning ceremonies will also have more flexibility than ever before in terms of choosing a time for the service.
"I think we will be among those authorities making the very most of the law change."
Couples planning a civil ceremony on the Island have more choice than ever. There has been a steady rise in premises licensed to carry out ceremonies — there are currently 34.
The Isle of Wight register office moved two years ago, from the picturesque Northwood House to the council’s planning offices at Seaclose Park.
As previously reported, the room made available was so small it could only hold four guests, sparking an outcry from couples whose friends and relatives were unable to attend.
A second room, with space for 15 guests, was made available at weekends.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk