Blackfriars rings the changes for same-sex marriages

A medieval venue plans to be one of the first-choice wedding destinations for same sex couples when they can legally marry next month. Blackfriars Restaurant, which features a Banquet Hall that is already a popular choice for civil partnerships, is inviting the North East’s same sex couples to celebrate their weddings at the medieval venue from March 29, 2014 – which marks the official date from which same-sex couples are legally permitted to marry in England and Wales. In advance of the change, Blackfriars is hosting a Wedding Fayre on Sunday, February 23, from 12 – 3pm. Admission is free, and guests will enjoy complimentary fizz and canapés.  Couples will gain plenty of inspiration from local companies on every aspect of a wedding from table decorations, entertainment and flowers to stationery and wedding cakes. Couples who are already in civil partnerships should be able to convert their status to a marriage by the end of 2014. When civil partnerships were formed in Britain in 2006, more than 18,000 took place that year, and since then 6,000 to 8,000 per year have been performed. The ornate Banquet Hall at Blackfriars offers a dramatic and magical backdrop for intimate wedding ceremonies or receptions with its authentic banners, chandeliers, stained glass windows and furnishing enjoyed by kings and nobles including King Edward III in medieval times. Guests can also take advantage of the picturesque enclosed garden area for pre-reception Champagne and canapés and wedding photos. As well as the 50-seat Banquet Hall, guests have the option of dining at Blackfriars Restaurant, which received the Taste of England accolade at the North East England Tourism Awards last year. Andy Hook, owner of Blackfriars, said: “We’ve seen an increase in civil partnerships and we’re delighted to be able to offer wedding ceremonies as well in this truly unique setting in the heart of the city. “Our Wedding Fayre provides the perfect opportunity to showcase all we have to offer. We have seen the number of weddings triple over the last couple of years and we’re very pleased that we’ll soon be able to offer the very same wedding service to same sex couples.” To confirm attendance at the Wedding Fayre – and for more information about booking a wedding at Blackfriars- contact Lee McKinnell, wedding co-ordinator at [email protected] or call 0191 261 5945. Blackfriars Restaurant and Workshop, Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN 0191 261 5945