Couple apply for wedding in Ballyclare Cemetery

The request to hold the service in Ballyclare Cemetery received a mixed response from local councillors after a caller to the BBC’s Stephen Nolan Show voiced their objections.

As part of council protocol, a sign has been placed on the gates of the cemetery giving notice that the graveyard has been requested as a wedding venue.

In a statement, Newtownabbey Borough Council said the notice will remain in a public place for 21 days.

“A request has been made to the council for approval for a marriage ceremony to take place in Ballyclare Cemetery.

“In compliance with the legislation a notice must be displayed in a public area for 21 days. The council can make a decision on the request after the 21 days,” a spokesperson for the local authority said.

Ulster Unionist councillor Vera McWilliam said she had “no problem whatsoever” with the unusual request.

“I would have no hesitation in allowing this to go ahead and I would wish the couple many happy returns,” she said.

“OK, so it’s unusual, but people these days are getting married in the sky and under water, and I can’t see the harm in it.

“Good luck to them. I certainly won’t be voting against this request. Who knows what the couple’s reasons are - maybe they want to be close to some of their relatives who have been laid to rest in the cemetery.”

Indeed, it is believed the couple who made the request are planning a short service to be close to a recently deceased relative.

DUP Alderman Paul Girvan said this was not expected to be large-scale wedding.

"The bride’s mother died recently and she is buried at the cemetery. That is why they wish to hold the ceremony there in order to be close to her," he said.

"As far as I know, there will only be five people attending - the bride and groom, two witnesses and the Registrar, Barbara Blaney. The bride is not even going to be wearing a wedding dress.

"Often brides go to graveyards after their weddings to lay flowers at the grave of a loved one who is deceased. This is something along those lines."

DUP councillor Victor Robinson said he could understand those opposed to the idea.

“Personally I would not have any objections, but I would understand if relatives of those deceased who are buried in the cemetery would have some concerns,” said Mr Robinson.

“It’s a strange one, but then again, we are living in strange times. As long as there isn’t a big crowd and the cemetery is not demeaned in any way, then I cannot see why this wedding cannot go ahead,” he added.

Last year, gothic pair Samantha Smyth and husband Paul Adams, from Wisbech in England, became the first couple in the UK to have their wedding blessed in a graveyard.