COUPLES who marry in Swindon Council Chamber or its main committee room face increased fees from May 5.

Council officers have recommended that the fee for the chamber on weekdays should rise from £75 to £85, and Saturday and Sunday fees should increase from £100 to £120 and £140 respectively.

The weekday fee for ceremonies in Committee Room One are set to rise from £50 to £60 on weekdays and from £75 to £90 and £110 on Saturdays and Sundays.

The chamber and committee room have been licensed for weddings since 1996, and were the venues for four ceremonies last year.

A report to be presented this evening, points out that the fees have remained unchanged since 1996, but that the council's costs for providing the service have increased. The meeting is at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street at 7pm.