The luxury Matfen Hall has become the only hotel in the County to provide loved-up couples with the chance to tie-the-knot in the open air.

Last month, the 'Herald' reported that Dissington Hall, near Ponteland, had provided an outdoor wedding, but legal requirements, including the "I do" declaration, still had to be completed in an approved room inside.

Matfen, however, has been granted permission to conduct the whole marriage or civil partnership in its Dutch Garden in a purpose-built, fully-licensed pergola.

Hotel Wedding Co-ordinator Nicole Vanzie said: "To meet the stringent rules and regulations to become licensed we have been working closely with the Northumberland Registrars for some considerable time.

"It is fantastic that at last this has been granted and we now have permission to provide couples with an elegant outdoor room for their entire ceremony."

The facility provides a covered marquee for guests to watch the ceremony, while the surrounding gardens offer a beautiful setting for reception drinks and wedding photographs.

Northumberland Registration Service Manager Lorraine Dewison said: "As a result of it being recently voted one of the most romantic counties in the country, Northumberland is becoming increasingly popular as a wedding destination so we are certainly very excited that we now have an outdoor venue that is fully-licensed as this is yet another service to offer couples."

The move has also been welcomed by Northumberland Tourism Executive Director Giles Ingram.

"Northumberland is a premier spot for weddings and this new licence gives people even more choice about where they will host their special day," he said.

"It's great news for Matfen Hall and the County as a whole."

The first outdoor wedding is yet to take place at the hotel.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the venue should telephone Matfen Hall on 01661 886500 or visit its website at www.matfenhall.com