It was wedding bells at the Harris Museum this weekend when a Preston couple became the first to tie the knot at the historic venue.

Rebecca Scott and Jeremy Rowlands made history when they became husband and wife in the Fine Art gallery.

The Harris was granted a wedding licence last year and when the couple heard the news felt it would be the perfect venue for their special day.

Rebecca said: “It’s a beautiful venue in the heart of the city centre in which we both grew up in. When you get married you look for elements that are personal to you.

“My background in art and design and Jeremy’s love for architecture and history just made the Harris the perfect venue. 

“I spent many hours as a child in the library and in my later years in the reading room revising.  My auntie also worked in the library too.”

Following the ceremony, the couple celebrated with friends and family with a buffet reception in the Rotunda, with music and wine.

They then went to Plau, the couple’s ‘labour of love’ gin and real ale bar in Friargate, for drinks and dancing into the night.

Read more: Plau gin and ale bar opens in Friargate

Rebecca added: “Through our work renovating Plau Gin & Beer House we found a portrait of the Chorley family that originally built the Plough Inn on display in the Discover Preston Gallery, along with a bronze bust of a gentleman called William Woods who we believe to be an ancestor of Jeremy’s. 

“With all these connections it just felt perfect to get married at the Harris. 

“The venue didn’t disappoint and the day was just perfect.  Everyone loved the experience of being in the museum after hours. It truly was magical!

“To be the first to marry in the venue, which is hard to believe made it even more special to our family.  We had family members in tears with emotion being able to stand on the steps as they imagined as a child. 

“I can’t recommend the Harris enough and hope that we encourage many more couples to book the venue it was beautiful and the staff were so so helpful!”