THE first wedding has taken place at Blackburn's new register office.

The office switched to King George's Hall on Monday after it moved from Bridge House, Jubilee Street.

Muslims Irshad Raut, from London, and Asma Sanga, from Blackburn, had a civil ceremony yesterday afternoon after a lavish ceremony in King George's Hall at the weekend when more than 1,200 guests attended.

The couple, who met through family friends, didn't have as many guests for yesterday's ceremony but bride Asma felt privileged to be the first woman up the aisle in the King George's Hall.

Asma said: "I feel very privileged and I am very excited.

"I have been married for two days in a religious ceremony but I feel this is an honour to be the first couple to be married in a civil ceremony here."

Susan Walsh, 39, who conducted the ceremony, said: "This is the first ceremony to be held in our new accommodation. I feel very privileged and proud to be here."

Irshad and Asma were given a bouquet from Blackburn with Darwen Council to mark the first marriage at the venue.