Civil weddings have increased by 8 per cent across the county – and the Gibbon Bridge Hotel has seen a record number of proposals in 2015.

14 loved-up guests popped the question at the Gibbon Bridge this year – with 97 tying the knot at the hotel Orangery, Cavalier Lounge and garden Bandstand.

Traditionally Christmas Eve is when most people propose to their partners, closely followed by Valentine’s Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

While the wedding season usually runs throughout the summer months – it seems the festive season is when proposals reach their peak.

Gibbon Bridge proprietor Janet Simpson says: “There is clearly something in the air this year.

“The latest guest to propose to his girlfriend was a young man from Preston who stayed with us on Bonfire night,” adds Janet, who has hosted wedding parties for 33 years at her picturesque country house hotel in Chipping – 15 minutes from Clitheroe town centre – and 20 minutes from the M6 in Preston.

Hotel manager, Edward Walmsley, says: “The latest proposal took place in room 29 – a lovely VIP suite with a four poster bed and whirlpool bath.

“This is a very romantic spot with stunning views and roaring fires set in 23-acres of award-winning grounds.

“We weren’t involved with this particular proposal, but the couple told us the happy news when they checked out the following morning.”

Edward reveals some of the ingenious ways Gibbon Bridge guests have popped the question.

“We’ve been asked to hide engagement rings in puddings, ice buckets, champagne glasses – and have even organised for a ring to be placed on the end of a fishing rod in the bandstand outside!”

Are you planning to pop the question over the festive period? Come and visit our annual Wedding Fair for inspiration on Sunday January 3rd.