The green light has been given to an increase in charges for marriages and civil partnerships in Pembrokeshire.

It will mean that more “bespoke” weddings are also available, cabinet heard, as it approved the price rises on Monday.

Registration manager Julie Wilks told members “there is a move generally for more bespoke ceremonies for couples” and licensed ventures had been asking for more flexibility.

This would allow for weddings outside in a garden, beach or woodland, she said, adding that around half of ceremonies are for couples not living in Pembrokeshire.

An option to spread payment had been “informally” introduced in January 2018 when a 40 per cent rise in charges was introduced, with a further £80 now added to the cost of a ceremony at Cherry Grove.

The recommendation to cabinet included charging a £20 admin fee to spread payments but this was removed at the suggestion of Cllr Paul Miller, who said it was an “additional cost” for those that can’t afford to pay all at once.

The increase will bring discretionary fees closer to full cost recovery which Pembrokeshire County Council is aiming to implement across its services.

Fees for 2019/20 are recommended to rise to £200 for the smaller room, Penfro Cleddau, up from £120, and £260 for the larger Penfro Preseli room, up from £180.

A new non-refundable fee of £20 will be introduced to ‘save the date’ of a wedding and changes will be made to the cancellation terms and charges.

Around £11,000 extra will be generated a report to cabinet states, which will cover discretionary support costs.