Last updated at 21:00, Thursday, 09 August 2012

Wordsworth House, in Cockermouth, has become the first National Trust property in Cumbria to be granted a licence to hold weddings and civil partnerships.

The childhood home of poet William Wordsworth will be allowed to hold wedding ceremonies from Monday.

Natalie Morgan, daughter of Wordsworth House costumed interpreter Alex Morgan, and her partner Ian will be the first people to be married there on August 24. She said she was honoured.

Zoe Gilbert, Wordsworth House manager, said: “What could be more romantic then getting married in the birthplace of one of the world’s greatest poets?

“The wedding day speeches are guaranteed to be brilliant with that much inspiration available.”

She said the house had hosted wedding photography sessions that proved so popular that they had decided to expand the service with ceremonies.

She added: “The wedding party can have their pictures taken on the terrace where Wordsworth once played, or any of the elegant rooms.

“Guests can enjoy champagne and canapes in the atmospheric Georgian kitchen where Wordsworth and his family once dined, or on the terrace which overlooks our lovely gardens and the River Derwent.”

Miss Gilbert said many people were interested in Friday or early evening weddings, when the house was closed to the public.

Ceremonies may also be held between November and February when the house is closed.

The house does not have facilities to stage full wedding receptions but the nearby Trout Hotel will offer joint packages.

First published at 19:19, Thursday, 09 August 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk