Bradford on Avon couple Lee True and Clare Crisp will enjoy a Valentine’s Day wedding at Trowbridge’s new register offices today.

IT programmer Mr True, 36, and nurse Miss Crisp, 40, are one of the first couples to use the ceremonial room at County Hall, a replacement for the old one across the road at The Chestnuts.

The couple, who have been together for five years, got engaged six months ago and Mr True initially kept the wedding date a secret from his bride.

He said: “I’m an old romantic at heart and you can’t get more romantic than getting married on Valentine’s Day.”

After the 11.30am ceremony, the couple will hold a reception for family and friends at their home and plan to book a honeymoon in Spain later in the year.

Miss Crisp said: “It feels brilliant to get married on Valentine’s Day and I feel really happy about it, although I think Lee only picked it so he wouldn’t forget the anniversary.”

Newlyweds Jon and Berni Perry became the first couple to marry in the new suite on Saturday, but were unaware of the honour and that Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott was going to be a surprise guest.

Mr Perry, 36, chief executive of charity Smart CJS, said: “The venue was brilliant and such a beautiful setting. It felt, being the first, that there was an extra bit of edge and I think Berni did a great job of planning.

“We were delighted to have Jane Scott and some of the council staff at the service, who really seemed to enjoy themselves.”

About 40 guests attended, with another 60 at the reception at the Old Bear pub, in Staverton.

The couple, who live in the village, have four children, Mia, 16, Dillon, 12, Arthur, 11, and Ava, four. The newlyweds celebrated by staying at Bowood Hotel, in Calne, on Sunday.

Mrs Perry said: “There was a lot of planning on my part, as I’m a bit meticulous, but having the press photographers there and people from the council really made it. We’d like to thank them and everyone who attended.”

Mr Perry met his wife, a psychiatric nurse, seven years ago, when he attended a conference in Brighton, where Mrs Perry, 36, lived.

To use the ceremonial room, email ceremonies@ wiltshire.gov.uk or call on 0300 003 4570 .