Newhaven couple renew wedding vows - at Beachy Head (From The Argus)

Newhaven couple renew wedding vows - at Beachy Head

10:00am Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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When Paul and Sarah Iles said “I do” back in 1989, it was in a traditional registry office service.

But 20 years later they decided to renew their vows at a much more unusual location.

Instead of walking up the aisle, the couple walked up a pontoon to board a boat, after opting to repeat their vows out at sea.

They were accompanied by ten members of their family and friends, as well as a slightly seasick vicar.

The couple were invited to hold the service on a rigid hulled inflatable boat by friend Pete Smith who runs Sussex Voyages, which carries out coast tours.

The group boarded the boat at Newhaven Marina before being taken to the lighthouse at Beachy Head where the service took place.

Mr Iles, of Newhaven, said: “We love the sea and fancied doing something different.”

Mrs Iles added: “There is such beautiful scenery around here. Seven Sisters and Beachy Head are really unique.

“There was lots of enthusiasm from our family and friends. They thought it was a nice idea, although a few friends were quite pleased there wasn’t enough room for them on the boat, as there was no chance that they wanted to come out on it.”

After a tour of Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven and Seaford Bay, the couple joined more friends at a reception at The Hope Inn in Newhaven.

Reverend Martin Miller, from St Michael’s Church in Newhaven conducted the service.

He said: “It is the first one I have done on the water. I’m not a great traveller so I’m not planning to make too much of a habit of it.

“But it is a nice setting to renew their vows before God and their family, surrounded by the beauty of nature.”

Mr Smith, who skippered the boat on Wednesday evening, said: “It is the first renewal of vows we have ever done, so it is groundbreaking for us.”

After the ceremony Mrs Iles said: “It was absolutely brilliant. It was a bit choppy going out there but as soon as we got to the lighthouse it was perfect and we stood at the front of the boat to say our vows.

“On the way back the sea was really calm. We all really enjoyed it.”

Did you get married in an unusual location? Tell us your stories below.