Weddings at the RSC: Where the course of true love runs smooth

The Royal Shakespeare Company is offering its Stratford theatre up as a venue for marriage ceremonies – and has just held its first ever wedding open day.

“Our funding is continually under threat and we have to make sure we are as sustainable as possible,'” commented Sara Aspley, the RSC's director of commercial services. “Shakespeare featured weddings in five of his plays… it's a really nice fit.”

The RSC is putting all its technical resources at the disposal of prospective couples – including their experienced stage crew and, for anyone wishing to ensure their “I dos” are delivered with proper theatrical emphasis, voice coaches. Those who fancy something more unusual (or with a secret yen for a doublet and hose), can hire costumes from RSC stores.

One couple, James and Justine Mitchell, both actors, opted to hold their wedding on stage in the Swan. The newlyweds were then transported across the river Avon to their reception in a Venetian gondola – Cleopatra eat your heart out!

(www.rsc.org.uk)