Love-struck couples on romantic high

Love was in the air for 12 couples as they tied the knot in Valentine’s Day marriage ceremonies high in the Empire State Building.

With the sun glistening behind them, newlyweds Tanya and David Darroch, of Lanark, Scotland, surveyed New York from the landmark building’s 86th floor observation deck.

‘‘It was everything we expected and more,’’ said the groom, who was dressed in full Scottish regalia complete with a McDonald tartan. ‘‘It’s a building famous the world over and it’s lived up to its reputation.’’

The couple, who have been together for eight and a half years, carefully planned their elopement. ‘‘We didn’t tell anyone, not even our parents,’’ said Tanya Darroch, dressed in a long satin gown and carrying a sprig of heather.

They were among 20 couples who wrote to Empire State officials explaining why they wanted to be married there. Twelve were chosen.

Since beginning the free Valentine’s Day ceremonies in 1994 to promote the Empire State as one of the most romantic buildings in the world, more than 150 couples have been married or have renewed wedding vows there.

Weddings take place throughout the year but, except on Valentine’s Day, couples must pay a £500 (€818) fee for use of the 80th floor Sky Lobby.