FRIDAY, September 1 was the start of a new chapter for an historic building in Hexham – as well as the bride and groom who were the first to be married in it.

Jo and Paul Johnson’s big day was the first wedding to be held in Hexham House, which has recently undergone a £1.5m transformation into the town’s newest wedding venue.

The interior of the Grade II-listed building, owned by Northumberland County Council, has been converted into a wedding complex with a new register office, two wedding ceremony rooms and seven luxury self-catering holiday apartments complete with a bridal suite.

“We’ve always loved the venue but were absolutely thrilled with how beautiful it all looked on our wedding day,” said Jo, who now lives in Newcastle with Hexham-born Paul.

“The ceremony room was elegant but also had an intimate feel about it. We’ve got some stunning photographs and the beautiful gardens provided the perfect backdrop for these.

“It was always going to be a very special day for us, but I think being the very first couple to get married in the building, which has such a long history in the town, made it even more so.”

Jo and the bridal party stayed in the new apartments above Hexham House the night before the wedding, with guests travelling from as far afield as Ireland and America.

The couple held their reception and after party in one of the function suites at Hexham Abbey.

Paul said: “After the wedding service, the bridal party and guests walked across to the Abbey which is just a few minutes’ away. It was a relaxed and magical day.”

Watch a video of the wedding below.