The first wedding ceremonies took place this weekend at Ipswich’s prestigious Town Hall. And Ahmed and Lana Almohandes were the first couple to celebrate their special day at the new venue
Newlyweds Ahmed and Lana Almohandes enjoyed a ‘magical day’ at Ipswich Town Hall at the weekend. Suffolk County Council’s register office ceremony room has relocated from St Peter House on Grimwade Street to the newly refurbished Pickwick Room in the historic Ipswich Town Hall. And Ahmed and Lana were the first couple to celebrate their special day at the new venue.
They say: ‘It felt amazing to be one of the first couples to be married at the Town Hall. The ceremony room was very elegant and spacious. The registrar made us feel very welcoming and special. We really enjoyed our magical day.’
Decorated in keeping with the era of the Town Hall, the new ceremony room offers seating for 35 guests, and is close to hospitality venues that newlyweds could choose for their receptions and celebrations – including a space for wedding receptions in the Town Hall itself.
Councillor Bobby Bennett, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Equality and Communities, says: ‘The Town Hall is a prestigious building, right in the heart of Ipswich, and we are delighted to be able to offer couples this impressive new setting for their marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.
‘We are pleased to be working in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council taking a united approach to providing services to help couples to celebrate their special day.’
Councillor Sophie Connelly, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, adds: ‘We’re pleased to see weddings taking place in the heart of Ipswich town centre at Ipswich Town Hall.
‘The Town Hall is a fantastic destination for couples to tie the knot and brings registry ceremonies and wedding receptions together in our prestigious historic building. It’s an iconic community space that is an ideal location for such celebrations.’
Visit Civil ceremony venues in Suffolk – Suffolk County Council
Featured image: Ahmed and Lana. Photo credit: Jordan Pacman Photography
Wonderful to see Ipswich Town Hall used as a civil wedding venue! Great work IBC and SCC.