Somerset’s Registry Team is launching a recruitment drive to keep pace with the record number of couples tying the knot in the county.

With over 2,000 marriages, 2015 was a record year for the Somerset County Council’s service and a 15 per cent increase on the previous year. And as 2016 looks like being another bumper year, the Registry Team needs more Ceremony Officers to help cope with demand.

The council is staging a special recruitment open day later this month at the Old Municipal Building Taunton, a landmark venue that saw a 24 per cent increase in weddings from 2014 to 2015. It’s looking for people who are confident public speakers, enjoy dealing with the public and are able to travel independently across the county.

Somerset is becoming an increasingly popular destination for couples wanting to get married, with licensed venues including hotels, traditional stately homes, art galleries, converted barns, cosy country pubs, a museum, underground caves, a castle – and even a centuries old village lock up for drunks.

And it’s not just weddings that are on the up. There’s also been a sharp rise in couples choosing to have vow renewals or Eternity ceremonies as they are often known. Similarly, families with new babies or a newly adopted child are choosing to have Welcome ceremonies in place of a religious baptism, and while both these types of ceremony hold no legal implications they are conducted by Council led Ceremony Officers.

Somerset Registry office offer all their couples a professional and friendly legal marriage ceremony which will be creative, memorable and tailor made to suit each couple. Couples can also add their own readings, poetry, live music and write their own vows.

“It’s fantastic to see so many couples choosing to get married in Somerset,” said David Hall, Cabinet Member with a responsibility for Somerset Registry service.

“With our unique wedding venues, great travel links and friendly and welcoming locals, there is something to suit everyone’s wedding theme and budget. Add to that idyllic countryside, and Somerset is the perfect place to get hitched.

“That does mean we need more officers to keep the service working smoothly. If you have a genuine interest in helping couple’s to have a special wedding ceremony then please do get in touch to see if the role of a Ceremony Officer would suit you.”

For more information about the role of a Ceremony Officer or to download a recruitment pack please visit http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/jobs/scc/all_jobs.asp. The closing date for applications is 21 January 2016.

Any candidates that are shortlisted following a successful application process will be invited to a Selection and Recruitment day on Sunday 31^st January.