Couple apply to hold wedding in graveyard
A COUPLE are planning to take "till death do us part" to a new level by having their wedding in a graveyard.
The bizarre request to hold the service in the Ballyclare cemetery received a mixed response from local councillors yesterday after a caller to the BBC's Stephen Nolan Show voiced their objections.
As part of council protocol, a sign has been placed on the gates of Ballyclare Cemetery giving notice that the graveyard has been requested as a wedding venue.
In a statement, Newtownabbey Borough Council said the notice will remain in a public place for 21 days.
"A request has been made to the council for approval for a marriage ceremony to take place in Ballyclare Cemetery.
"The council can make a decision on the request after the 21 days," the local authority said.
Ulster Unionist councillor Vera McWilliam said she had "no problem whatsoever" with the unusual request.
"I would have no hesitation in allowing this to go ahead and I would wish the couple many happy returns," she said.
"OK, so it's unusual, but people these days are getting married in the sky and under water, and I can't see the harm in it.
"Good luck to them. I certainly won't be voting against this request. Who knows what the couple's reasons are – maybe they want to be close to some of their relatives who have been laid to rest in the cemetery."
Indeed, it is believed the couple who have made the request are planning a short service to be close to a recently deceased relative.
DUP councillor Victor Robinson said he could understand those opposed to the idea.
"Personally I would not have any objections, but I would understand if relatives of those deceased who are buried in the cemetery would have some concerns," said Mr Robinson.
"It's a strange one, but then again, we are living in strange times. As long as there isn't a big crowd and the cemetery is not demeaned in any way, then I cannot see why this wedding cannot go ahead," he added.
Sam Milligan, from Personal Touch wedding planners, says he "could not see any problems" with a graveyard wedding.
"I don't really care where couples want to hold their wedding, my job is just to organise it," he said.
"I've never had a graveyard wedding before, but I did organise a Halloween wedding at Ballygally Castle, which is supposed to be haunted. The bride even had fangs fitted beforehand."
Last year, gothic pair Samantha Smyth and husband Paul Adams, from Wisbech in England, became the first couple in the UK to have their wedding blessed in a graveyard.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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