CALDICOT Castle and The Old Station in Tintern among other attractions in Monmouthshire are to be promoted as wedding venues to generate more income.

Monmouthshire County Council in their budget proposals aims to generate £15,000 from the use of four of its attractions as wedding venues including Shire Hall in Monmouth and Abergavenny Castle. The proposals aim to develop a co-ordinated wedding package for the attractions as they say certain sites are operating below the potential capacity.

Mike Booth, manager of Caldicot Castle, said: “We have fairly frequent weddings and have a lot of bookings for next year. It’s not just about boosting income for all the sites which is vital for the ongoing sustainability of the attractions but about building memories for people.

“In the Shire Hall families have come back to visit years after the event. It creates an important place for folk.”

Wales and Arsenal footballer Aaron Ramsey held his wedding at the castle in June of this year. Mr Booth said there have been six weddings held at the castle since then and they’ve had a lot of enquiries.

He said: “It certainly got a lot of people talking about the castle and what we have to offer here.”

Monmouthshire council estimate the castle needs £2 to 3 million investment for improvements and to bring the visitor facilities up to modern standards. The kitchens, which will be refurbished across the winter period, are estimated to cost £40,000 to bring up to date and comply with environmental health requirements.

The castle hopes to start holding regular banquets at the site in the new year.

Mr Booth said: “The banquets were incredibly popular. We are hoping to re-start and re-energize a popular event which was dear to many.”

Kay Harris, of Friends of Caldicot Castle, said: “I would like to see more public banquets as they are what put the castle on the map.”

The Old Station in Tintern received its license for holding marriages earlier this year.

Cllr Sara Jones, member for Llanover, who chaired the Economic and Development Select Committee, on Thursday, said there was room to be more ambitious with the plans and bring in other functions.