Northumberland set for record-breaking wedding year

Registrars in Northumberland say they've seen a big increase in the number of weddings being carried out in the region.

Over 1700 weddings are already booked in the area for this year - just less than the number carried out for the whole of last year.

It's an industry that already brings an estimated £30m into the local economy every year. Now, it is set to soar even higher.

Lorraine Dewison, a registrar from Northumberland, has said said weddings have nearly doubled in the region since she moved there:

The wedding boom means more customers for local businesses.

Ashley Dale, manager of wedding venue Le Petit Chateau said:

It's also a chance to showcase the region to guests and couples from across the world and attract new customers. Two out of three couples who tie the knot in Northumberland are not from the region.

Jane Walton, who runs Dunns Farmhouse - a B and B in Otterburn, says the villages wedding boom has transformed her business with guests coming from all over the world:

Chris Hughes from One Digital said:

Northumberland County Council are keen to capitalise on the boom, and are therefore developing Hexham House into a wedding venue.

It's an industry that has helped put this region on the map - and one which shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

VIDEO: This couple are not from Northumberland but chose the region for their special day. Watch Amy Lea's full report on the wedding-bell boom in the county: