Oh happy day as wedding venues look forward to re-opening in spring and summer

News that smaller weddings can resume in the spring and other weddings resume from June 21 has been welcomed by venues across the county.

At the Crofters Hotel on Lancaster New Road at Cabus, near Garstang, proprietor Nicola Cheetham said: "I think it's quite positive that it's moving forward. It has been a long road and people have had to move (dates) quite a few times. The phone has not stopped ringing. Everyone is getting quite excited ... I think there's going to be a big appetite for weddings - there's a pent up demand, do doubt about it."

She said The Crofters, a hotel and tavern as well as popular wedding venue, had been doing takeaway food, but would also welcome the chance to open up its outdoor space, as allowed when beer gardens/ al fresco dining re-opens from April 12.

Nicola said: "We have a really large outdoor area, just refurbished and under cover. It's very exciting for us."

The Government has warned that the wedding re-start dates will be subject to review nearer the time. But as from March 8 small wedding parties of up to six will be permitted. From April 15 that number rises to 15 and from May 30 some 30 people can attend.

Weddings without a number restriction are set to resume from June 21 at the earliest.

At the moment weddings are only permitted in exceptional circumstances.

At James' Places, which has wedding venues ranging from Eaves Hall, near Clitheroe to the Shireburn Arms at Hurst Green and Mitton Hall, near Whalley, marketing officer Andrew Bailey said: "We welcome the news - specifically around the 'no restrictions' after the June date."

Preston City Council’s venue The Pavilion, in the city’s Avenham Park, is also available for booking as a wedding venue. Coun Robert Boswell “We are looking forward to welcoming back a number of happy couples, their friends and families who have already booked their wedding at our stunning venue when the restrictions allow.”

He continued: “The team will be working closely with our couples in the coming months to ensure their special days can go ahead safely and follow all the guidelines outlined by the Government.”