A COUPLE were sentenced to spend the rest of their lives together during a very unusual exchange of vows at Dorchester's historic courthouse.

Love was in the air at Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum as Deborah and Andrew Cox from Weymouth took their vows before a 'judge' during the quirky ceremony.

Getting into the theme, Andrew even wore mock chains and handcuffs as he entered the courtroom - before the couple were charged by a ‘Judge’ with a ‘serious case of living in sin’ and sentenced to spend the rest of their lives together.

Around 60 guests attended the ceremony in the Georgian courtroom on February 2 - some even entering the witness box to speak on behalf of the couple.

Mr and Mrs Cox are the first couple to celebrate their nuptials at Shire Hall since the Georgian Courthouse was restored in 2018.

Deborah Cox said: "The Shire Hall was the perfect venue for our special day; the courthouse setting was beautiful and romantic.

Andrew Cox said: "The reception was wonderful; the staff, the food and the entertainment exceeded both of our expectations. A truly unique and wonderful place to make our special day such a memorable occasion.”

Before becoming a museum, Shire Hall served as Dorset’s courthouse from 1797 until 1955. Noteworthy trials include the 1834 Tolpuddle Martyrs conviction, and the 1856 domestic abuse case believed to have inspired Thomas Hardy's ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’.

Kirsty Campbell, events and catering supervisor at Shire Hall, said: “All the staff feel very honoured to have played a part in Deborah and Andrew’s big day. We were delighted to help, and we’re so pleased they had a wonderful day. We’d like to send our biggest congratulations and best wishes for their new life together. We hope they will be the first of many couples who celebrate with us.”