G8 wedding warning for Belfast City Hall couples

Belfast City Hall has warned of possible protests

Imagine the scene - you've spent months, if not years, planning your wedding. You've picked the dress, flowers and venue and the excitement is building.

Then, less than two months before your big day, you get a letter telling you there could be significant travel disruption and protests outside the place where you are getting married.

Well, that is exactly what has happened to couples who have booked their weddings at Belfast City Hall between 10-20 June 2013.

The reason for the disruption? Well, unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that the leaders of the eight richest countries in the world are coming to Northern Ireland for their annual G8 summit on 17-18 June.

Previous summits have attracted protests and large security operations have been mounted to protect the world leaders attending.

And this year's summit is no different.

It is being hosted at the Lough Erne golf resort in County Fermanagh and security is high, with a "larger than normal police and security presence" within Belfast International Airport and the surrounding areas in the days leading up to the arrival of the delegates.

In a letter to the excited couples, Belfast City Council warned "there is likely to be significant disruptions/protests in the lead up to the summit with most of it centred in Belfast, as the capital city".

"Protesters, at past summit destinations, have tended to focus on government buildings and therefore Belfast City Hall could be targeted.

"The council are advising couples and guests to allow extra time for their journey to the ceremony and say "there is no suggestion that couples should not continue with their wedding plans".