Sea pool could be country's first sea wedding venue

Fundraising for the cost of a wedding venue licence for Bude Sea Pool began with a mass commitment ceremony

A sea pool in Cornwall could become the first licensed venue for sea weddings in England.

The Bude Sea Pool team began its fundraising campaign for a wedding venue licence with a mass commitment ceremony on Sunday.

The ceremony was led by local celebrant Jac Wills, and was purely for the enjoyment of the participants as it was not legally binding.

The sea pool is a part-natural, part-man-made swimming pool set into the rocks at Summerleaze Beach, and is maintained by charitable donations.

Sea pool manager, Deb Rosser said: "There is a lot of interest already so let's make this happen."

Ms Wills said: "People love this place for its romance, drama and fun and all that will be reflected in their wedding ceremony."

Elaine Viner, the events lead for the sea pool, said there was currently no other place in England that a couple can be married in a seawater venue.

Jonathan and Victoria Ball, who live in Bude and are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary this year, took part in Sunday's commitment ceremony.

Mr Ball said: "I think it's a great idea. I think it brings more focus to what is one of the greatest natural facilities, a facility that we, the people of Bude, cherish."