AN HISTORIC debating chamber was filled with a different type of vow and commitment this weekend.

Arron Clark and Lisa Nicol were the first couple to be married in the Council Chamber at Brighton Town Hall which was licenced for weddings earlier this year.

Arron can trace his family in Brighton back three generations and the couple wanted a venue which fitted their family heritage.

Lisa said: “We chose the venue because it is in the heart of the Lanes, and the room has a sense of charm and importance.

"Arron’s Grandfather has run a shop in the lanes for 40 years and our two children were both born in Brighton.”

The Council Chamber is on the second floor of Brighton Town Hall with a semi-circular seating arrangement and the perfect layout for a wedding ceremony with a maximum capacity of 120 people.

The building is steeped in history with a traditional wooden panelled décor as well as the wall display featuring the names of all Mayors dating back from present day to Lieutenant Colonel John Fawcett, first Mayor of Brighton, in 1854.

The foundation stone was laid in April 1830 with the Town Hall completed in 1899 and now a listed building.

The current building is on the site of a former market which was also previously the location of St Bartholomew's Priory garden.

The building was designed by architect Thomas Cooper in classical style.

The Old Police Cells in the basement are also licenced for weddings.