Couples who opt for a register office ceremony in Ipswich will be tying the knot in a new location in the future.
Suffolk County Council’s register office ceremony room is relocating from St Peter House on Grimwade Street, to the historic Ipswich Town Hall on the Cornhill.
The Pickwick Room at the Town Hall will be refurbished to create a new ceremonial space for marriages and civil partnerships, and will be decorated in keeping with the era of the Town Hall.
Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Public Protection and Communities said: “The Town Hall is a prestigious building in an area of regeneration, and we are delighted to be able to offer couples this impressive new setting for their marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.
“This new location in the centre of Ipswich also reflects how we are working in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, and taking a united approach to providing services.”
Cllr David Ellesmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “We are really pleased that we’ve able to work with Suffolk County Council to bring Register Office ceremonies to one of the best buildings in Ipswich. The Town Hall is a fantastic venue in a prime location and this deal will help to bring even more people into the town centre.”
The new ceremony room will offer seating for approximately 35 guests, and is close to hospitality venues that newlyweds could choose for their receptions and celebrations – including space for wedding receptions in the Town Hall itself.
A date for the move will be confirmed once work begins to refurbish the Pickwick Room. All couples whose ceremony bookings are impacted by the change will be contacted when dates can be confirmed. If any couple are not happy that the new venue is suitable for their ceremony, the council will be happy to offer to refund their deposit. Any couples that have already sent out invitations will be reimbursed for the costs for any reprinting needed.
As part of the planned relocation of the Registrars Service from St Peter House, the office functions of the service will also move. All registration of birth, death and marriage appointments will be carried out at Endeavour House, which will also offer a walk-in reception service and more modern facilities. It will also be fully accessible giving improved access for all customers, as well as there being more parking options available close by.
Ipswich Borough Council will acquire the freehold interest on St Peter’s House. This is subject to a lease back to Suffolk County Council until the Ceremony Team at Suffolk County Council are relocated.
Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Public Protection and Communities said: “We are pleased that we have reached an agreement with Ipswich Borough Council about St Peter House and that the building will be put to good use.”
Cllr David Ellesmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “I am glad we’ve been able to conclude this deal with Suffolk County Council which will enable us to keep the site in public use as a hub for community and voluntary sector organisations.”
