Date published: 2025-06-25 | Category: Bath, Delivering for local residents, Registrar services, weddings
We’re appealing for romantics who would love a free Regency-style wedding or vow renewal ceremony in Bath’s stunning Parade Gardens during the Jane Austen Festival in September.
Couples who dream of saying “I do” or reaffirming their commitment in true period splendour, with all guests dressed in Regency costume, can enter our competition by declaring what their love story would be titled if it were a novel.
The ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025 on the bandstand in Parade Gardens, after the one-hour long Jane Austen annual parade which begins at 11am at the Royal Crescent.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications & Community at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “I hope it won’t take much persuasion for couples who are yet to plan their wedding or couples who wish to reaffirm their lasting love and commitment to one another to enter. They now have the chance to step into a romantic Regency love story taken straight from the pages of Jane Austen or the vision created by Bridgerton on the small screen.
“We are delighted to be launching this exciting competition and giving couples the chance to win a remarkable wedding or vow renewal ceremony, taking place in the historic Parade Gardens against the backdrop of the stunning views of Pulteney Bridge and the Colonnades. Our wonderful registrars will be in Regency costume too and many Jane Austen fans will look on.
“To enter, simply tell us the title would give your love story if it were made into a novel. Be as romantic, witty or whimsical as you like! We can’t wait to read your answers and pick the lucky winner.”
The prize includes your registrars and use of the Bandstand in the Parade Gardens for the duration of your ceremony, for up to 40 guests.
Entries should be emailed to guildhallweddings@bathnes.gov.uk by July 20 or posted to Bath and North East Somerset Registration Service, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW.
More information about the competition including legal requirements for planning a marriage can be found on the council website. Terms and conditions apply. The competition is not open to council employees. For further information, please contact register_office@bathnes.gov.uk
Bath & North East Somerset Council offers a range of exciting and historic venues for a wedding ceremony or renewal, all year round. Visit the marriages and civil partnerships web page and the Bath's Historic Venues website for inspiration.
Bath Film Office works with film productions of all sizes to facilitate filming in locations across Bath and North East Somerset.
ENDS