COUPLES could tie the knot at a farmhouse near Burnham-on-Sea if the venue is successful in its application for a Certificate of Lawfulness.

Willow Tree Farm, located on Vole Road in Mark, has proposed using its building and gardens as a marriage ceremony venue for 25 days per year.

The business already offers holiday let houses and has hosted hen parties, corporate events and other celebrations on the site.

Willow Tree Holiday Lets Ltd. submitted its application to Somerset Council on April 18, with a decision expected this month.

The applicant said: “Willow Tree Farm Holiday Lets Ltd. was incorporated in March 2021.

“Having had two years of very successful trading, we wish to expand our market.

“We are already taking bookings for couples who are geng married and want to have a large venue for an intimate family time.

“This typically is a two-night or more stay for all the family members.

“Within this, they have requested extra guests for the ceremony day. We can hold a maximum of 100 including utilising the gardens.”

The application adds: “We have parking on-site for up to 30 vehicles and we have relief parking offered in the field directly opposite the driveway.

“These events are only expected to take place up to 10 times a year. We already have bookings for hen parties, family gatherings and corporate events running into 2024.

“The couples would ideally like to have their marriage ceremony at the farmhouse and we want to apply for a marriage licence. In order to do this, we need to prove we do not need planning permission.”

The applicant says it has established fire and first-aid procedures and supports local businesses by recommending their catering and services.

In a letter of support, the owner of the properties and land next to Willow Tree Farm wrote: “We happily support the business of holiday lets at Willow Tree Farm and have no problem with small weddings on site.

“It is a quiet little road with little traffic, and we don't consider a few days a year with lots of cars to be a problem.”

Somerset Council is considering the application, which can be viewed in full on the authority's planning portal (33/23/00014).