Newlyweds Spiros Agaliotis Sgompos and Peggy Vosaiti are the first couple to tie the knot at Kingston's Guildhall this year.

Surrounded by friends and family, the couple said their vows in the Old Court House ceremony room, a converted magistrates court in the Guildhall building, on the morning of January 3.

On their wedding day, the couple said: “Today has been such a lovely day surrounded by friends and family in this historic venue.

“We live locally and loved the venue when we saw it and were made to feel very welcome by everyone here. The ceremony was very moving and we're now looking forward to continuing the celebrations.”

Christine Aitken, the registrar who conducted the service, said: “It's always lovely to play a small part on such an important day in a couple's lives.

“I've been conducting services in the Guildhall for 3 years now and every ceremony is different and special in their own way.

“I wish Spiros and Peggy all the very best for the future. I'm sure they'll be very happy together and I was delighted to be part of their day."

Last year, more than 300 weddings took place at the council’s Register Office at the Guildhall.