A SALISBURY couple have been the first to make their vows at a new wedding venue in the city.

Gary and Eileen Wells were married in The Library — a new ceremonial room at Wiltshire Council’s Bourne Hill site in the city. The venue sits on a site dating back to the 13th century.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mrs Wells said: “The ceremony was absolutely perfect and we are really happy with the venue. We were going to book the smaller room but this new room meant we could invite more guests and of course the grounds are absolutely fantastic for photographs.”

The new venue is in addition to the Wyndham Room on the site.

The council offices are on the site of the former St Edmund’s College which was founded in 1269. The house was once owned by the Wyndham Family.

Stuart Wheeler, the Wiltshire Council cabinet member for hubs, heritage and arts, said: “This is a unique setting where people can make their vows or be part of a special ceremony knowing they are standing on a site with history going back more than a thousand years. We are very fortunate to have this heritage as part of our council portfolio and I’m looking forward to this new venue being a favourite with the community for many more years to come.”

Alison Manning, the head of Wiltshire Registration Service, said: “The Library offers a fabulous new venue for ceremonies in Wiltshire. Our dedicated Registration Service Team is extremely proud of the quality of ceremonies offered within the county, and the addition of this beautiful room to our extensive and diverse portfolio of licensed buildings will further enhance our ability to make our ceremonies unique and special.”

An open day is being planned to take place on January 23, 2016 at Bourne Hill.