WET weather failed to dampen the first ever wedding to be held at a Bolton hotel.

A change in the law brought about by the Marriage Act 1994 allowed Christine Bolton and John Kohorn to become the first couple in Bolton to tie the knot at a venue other than a register office or church.

John, a 63-year-old widower, of Victoria Road, Heaton, and Christine, 55, of Holcombe Brook, were delighted when they learned they would be able to marry at the Egerton House Hotel - the setting for their first date three years ago.

And though the weather was showery for their big day, the 25 minute ceremony went without a hitch for former company director John and local government worker Christine.

Christine, dressed elegantly in a cream and beige outfit, and John were surrounded by friends and family in a specially laid-out room at the hotel for the ceremony, conducted by a Bolton registrar.

The delighted couple afterwards said they found the occasion "quite relaxed".

"It was lovely, especially when we saw all the smiling faces around us," added Christine. The couple plan to follow their wedding with a church blessing and a party for 150 of their friends at Bolton School Arts Centre.

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