A DALE charity is investigating the possibility of hosting weddings as a way of increasing income.
If there is enough interest, organisers at the TCR Hub, in Barnard Castle, say they hope to be able to offer the venue for wedding ceremonies as early as Easter next year.
Rachel Tweddle, chief executive, said: “We’ve got a really great venue here and it’s already been used for wedding receptions, as well as hen parties and stag dos. I just thought we would look into the possibility of holding the actual services here as well because we have all the facilities on site and it would be a unique venue. The licence is expensive and before I make such a commitment with our funds, I need to know if there is enough genuine interest first.”
Ms Tweddle hopes to be able gauge the response of would-be brides and grooms at a wedding fair the Hub will host on Sunday, January 27. An application to Durham County Council for a licence costs £2,000.
She added: “We are not looking to be in competition with anyone – we just think we can make great use of the place with everything already on site. Everything is here and they can do the activities they want to do.”
The wedding fair, which will be open from 11am until 2pm, has already attracted a range of companies who will attend on the day including a photographer, teepee supplier and beautician.
Ms Tweddle added: “We’ve got such a great range of local companies here who do provide services for weddings and we’re hoping to ensure we have them here on the day.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase what we can do at the Hub.
“We’ll have out kitchens open as well with food and drink during the day.”
