Bournemouth builds beach hut chapel for Britain's first waterfront weddings

Stock photo, Bournemouth beach huts: PA

Forget Barbados, couples can now get married on the beach in Bournemouth.

A law in Britain stating that couples can only get married in a 'permanent covered building' has so far prevented weddings on our coast.

But, thanks to a permission granted to Bournemouth Borough Council, couples can now tie the knot on the shores of Britain in a specially built beach hut chapel.

The white hut sits on the beach just a few hundred yards from the town's famous pier, and the first wedding to be held in the 16ft by 8ft 'chapel' will be next April.

Weddings can take place between April and October every day from 10am to 4.30pm, with packages starting from £999.

Melanie Kiani, director of Bellissimo Wedding Planners, which is the operating the venue, told the Daily Mail: 'Never before has it been possible to conduct a legal, civil ceremony on the beach in this country, we think it will be phenomenally popular.

'We can provide every last detail - catering, flowers, styling and decor, music - you name it.

'Couples can arrive at the ceremony on a decorated train chugging along the prom, or sweep down to the beach in a beautifully decorated cliff lift. The possibilities are endless.'

The local council has said the move is in response to the average of 60 enquiries a year it received about getting married on the seven-mile promenade.

And officials are hoping it will give a big boost to the local tourist industry, especially if newlyweds decide to stick around for a honeymoon in the area.


Sign up to our weekly newsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a fan on Facebook Mark Smith, director of Bournemouth Tourism, said: 'There's no doubt that many couples want to get married on the beach but until now have had to travel abroad.

'So we're delighted to be able to offer superb weddings in the very ultimate beach setting.

'We think this will be of huge appeal to young couples who want to keep an eye on wedding budgets but dream of getting married on the beach, and also to those who want the beach experience, but want all their family and friends present, too.'