A flood of couples have said “I do” in an unexpected wedding stampede.

But it seems Merton’s surge in the number of newlyweds is not a result of April’s royal celebrations.

Instead, it has been put down to a change in the law that makes it easier for foreigners to tie the knot in Britain.

In the past three months, Merton Park House, Merton Council’s register office, has taken £27,000 more than forecast in ceremony fees and other charges.

The council now expects to host 900 weddings at the London Road building this financial year, compared to 700 in 2010-11.

In June, Merton Park House hosted the big day for 98 happy couples, compared to 62 in the same month last year.

In March, the Office of National Statistics said Britain’s marriage rate had fallen to its lowest figure since records began in 1895.

Until earlier this year, the certification of approval scheme meant anyone in Britain subject to immigration controls had to apply to the Government for permission to marry or register a civil partnership.

But in April, the courts ruled the system was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to marry and the right to freedom from discrimination.

A spokesman for Merton Council said the change had prompted the rise – but added improvements to its venue and the service had also encouraged more people to book weddings there.

A spokesman for Cannizaro House in Wimbledon, which is licensed by the council to hold weddings, said the demand for ceremonies was growing.

She said: “Our weddings are up year on year – we are more popular than ever.”

Has this new law encouraged you and your partner to tie the knot? Leave a comment below, call 020 8722 6335 or email: cburnett@london.newsquest.co.uk.