The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure is delighted to announce that the Villa Marina is the first Island premises to obtain Approved Place status enabling it to hold civil wedding ceremonies. It follows a law change that permits civil registration and marriage solemnisation to occur elsewhere than the four Registrars’ Offices on the Isle of Man. Hon David Cretney, Minister for Community Culture and Leisure, said: 'The Villa Marina is already a popular choice for wedding parties and it is a logical development to be able to offer the complete package of wedding service and reception. The Villa offers unique settings for couples to get married, be it the grandeur of the Royal Hall or the impressive backdrop overlooking Douglas Promenade in the Colonnade and Promenade Suites. As well as the stunning photo opportunities in the suites, gallery and gardens, the Villa’s vast experience of organising and managing major events makes it the perfect place to enjoy your special day stress free and in style.’ The approval from the Chief Registrar permits civil partnerships and wedding services to be held in various parts of the Villa Marina complex including the Arcade, Colonnade Suite, Promenade Suite and Royal Hall. Couples resident in any part of the Isle of Man can now be married or have a civil partnership service in the Douglas entertainment venue in a non religious ceremony that will be conducted by a Registrar. The recent law change also reduced the residency requirement for visitors seeking to marry on the Isle of Man to seven days prior to the service. Fiona Bryans, Functions and Catering Manager, said: 'We have already taken provisional bookings for two wedding services to take place at the Villa next year and I expect a significant number of enquiries will follow this announcement. Couples can book to hold just the ceremony at the Villa, or the reception or both.' The Villa Marina plans to stage an Open Day on Sunday 19 February 2012 to show prospective couples the versatility of the entertainment complex as a wedding venue. Any enquiries to Fiona Bryans on (01624) 694578. The Villa Marina was built in 1910 and underwent extensive refurbishment before re-opening in 2004 as the Island's premier entertainment and conference centre. Links: www.villagaiety.com www.gov.im/registries ENDS