A nurse got hitched at the weekend after winning a free wedding ceremony at Priory Hall as part of an open day.

Marie Kopaczel tied the knot with her data analyst partner Scott Shaw in front of family and friends at the Dudley Council-run venue on Saturday.

They won the free wedding after their names were pulled from the hat by the former Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Andrea Goddard, during a wedding fair open day held at the hall in March.

Marie said: “It was a huge surprise when our names were pulled out as the winners of the draw, and we had a fantastic day with our family and friends at Priory Hall on Saturday.

“I’d like to thank Dudley’s registration services team and would urge couples to attend the next open day – who knows, it could be your name drawn out next.”

The council wedding venues at the Thomas Robinson Building and Priory Hall host open days once a year, showcasing the many services on offer including cars, floristry, gifts, and other extras.

The next open day at Thomas Robinson Building, in Stourbridge, is on Saturday October 5. The next open day at Priory Hall is on Saturday March 15 next year.

Councillor Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, said: “I would like to send my warmest congratulations to Marie and Scott, and hope they had a wonderful day.

“Our open days are a fabulous opportunity to see the venues and watch a demonstration ceremony and bridal fashion show. Visitors can also meet the registrars and ask questions, meet with exhibitors, see all possible ceremony extras and book a wedding.

“Everyone who attends is given the opportunity to enter the free draw, so if you are planning to tie the knot get the next dates in your diary and come along.”

More information on getting married or forming a civil partnership in Dudley borough is available on the Dudley Council website.