MORE licensed wedding venues are needed in the county according to a newly appointed business development manager.

Rukminder Makin as been appointed to the role at Bucks County Council, and she wants to see an improved offering to disabled and same-sex couples to encourage them to get married locally.

She said: “Couples spend an average of more than £30,000 on their big day and Bucks’ registrars alone conducted around 1,600 weddings last year – so you can get an idea of just how big a contribution the industry makes to the county.

"It’s not just Bucks’ fantastic venues that benefit, but all of the local suppliers from catering, florists, photographers and wedding dress makers, who all offer a brilliant service to couples getting married.

"One of my key aims is to grow the links between venues and local suppliers so that even more local businesses can benefit.”

She also wants the registration service to be as flexible as possible to fit in with busy lives. For the first time this year, registrars were available on Easter bank holidays and up to 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

There are currently 75 licensed venues across Buckinghamshire where couples can legally marry, ranging from pubs to stately homes where A-list stars have previously tied the knot.