Coupling: Rail-crazy pair get married on moving train

A couple who met on a train have married on a rail service between London Paddington and Swansea.

Leah Anderson and Vince Smith approached Great Western Railway (GWR) to ask if the company could provide something for a centrepiece for their wedding, after the pair realised the significance of rail in their romance.

GWR offered them the chance to have the ceremony on board.

The couple said "I do" between London and Reading.

The city commuters made sure not to catch anyone else's eye

The lucky couple received gifts including the GWR version of Top Trumps

The ceremony was conducted by a railway chaplain, and a wedding breakfast was served in a Pullman car.

The newlyweds originally met on a train eight years ago, and Ms Anderson's father, who gave her away, was a railway signalman for 51 years.

Leah and Vince had a legal ceremony ahead of their wedding in what is thought to be the first in the UK to be held entirely on a moving train.

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Rather than the traditional church aisle, Ms Anderson emerged through sliding doors and walked between the seats towards the groom.

The 125mph proceedings were carefully timed so the train was not going round corners at the crucial moments.

Guests left the train at Cardiff and the happy couple continued to Swansea for their wedding night.

The traditional wedding arrangement of roses, gypsophila and a sturdy train medal

Clarification 2 May 2025: This article has been amended to make clear that this marriage ceremony was not legally binding.

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