HSE denies staff freeze delaying marriage ceremonies

THE Health Service Executive has denied its recruitment ban is preventing Leinster couples from getting married away from traditional sites.

Last night it said it had only received its first completed application forms from couples in the Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow region in recent days.

These are from people who want to tie the knot in a location other than a church or civil register office. Under new laws first used last month, couples can apply to have other sites approved for a marriage ceremony. However, they first have to be inspected by the HSE.