The intimate ceremonies were conducted by Wolverhampton’s Superintendent Registrar, Toby Dignum, assisted by Deputy Registrar, Amy Terry, marking the first time the beautifully decorated Georgian style space has hosted weddings.
The Oak Room is licensed for marriages and civil partnerships for the couple plus up to 10 guests, with its elegant décor and warm, atmospheric feel providing a unique backdrop for small ceremonies. It joins the already licensed Rococo Room at the Grade II-listed building, which can cater for couples and up to 45 guests.
The first couple to tie the knot in the Oak Room were Jessi Bhatia and Michael Johnson, who described the experience as unforgettable. Jessi said: “We recently got married at Wolverhampton City Archives, and we honestly couldn’t have chosen a more perfect place.
“The new Oak Room is absolutely stunning, and it felt incredibly special knowing we were the first couple to ever be married there. It was the perfect setting for our small, intimate wedding and gave us the chance to share such a special moment with our immediate family.
“We were married by Toby, who did an amazing job and made everything feel effortless and relaxed, setting the tone for the whole day. He made us feel completely at ease and we enjoyed every moment.”
Also celebrating their wedding on the same day were Ioana-Onuţa Lăptucă and Paulius Misiukevičius, along with 2 other couples. To mark the special occasion, all 4 couples were presented with a bottle of bubbly each by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Registration Service to help celebrate their milestone moment.
Toby said: “It was such an honour to be able to make history and perform the weddings for the first couples marrying at the Oak Room. As registrars we’re excited to offer this beautiful, affordable option for couples to get married in Wolverhampton.”
Councillor Jeszemma Howl, Cabinet Member for Governance and Digital, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the first weddings take place in the Oak Room.
“It is a stunning space that showcases Wolverhampton’s rich heritage while also providing an affordable venue for those getting married to celebrate their special day. I’d like to congratulate the couples who made history this week and thank our Registration Service for making these moments so memorable.”
Couples who would like to book a wedding or civil partnership in the Oak Room can submit their request at Oak Room Enquiry Form.
The council manages 4 ceremony venues – the Oak and Rococo Rooms at Wolverhampton City Archives, and the City Suite and Register Office at the Civic Centre. Please visit Weddings for further information.
