Norwich's famous castle hosted its first wedding on Friday as the city's new registry office.

Eastern Daily Press: Josie and Steve Manson, the first couple to be married in the Benefactors Room at Norwich Castle since the closure of Churchman House. Photo : Steve AdamsJosie and Steve Manson, the first couple to be married in the Benefactors Room at Norwich Castle since the closure of Churchman House. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2016)

It is a setting worthy of a royal wedding.

And on Friday, Josephine Bigwood - soon to be Mason - and Stephen Manson were King and Queen of the Castle.

The happy couple were surrounded by 40 of their friends and family to celebrate their big day.

Eastern Daily Press: Josie and Steve Manson, the first couple to be married in the Benefactors Room at Norwich Castle since the closure of Churchman House. Photo : Steve AdamsJosie and Steve Manson, the first couple to be married in the Benefactors Room at Norwich Castle since the closure of Churchman House. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2016)

Saying their vows in one of the grandest buildings in the city, they said that the experience was 'overwhelming'.

Mr Manson, 58, said: 'You can't get a bigger icon than Norwich Castle. Mrs Manson, 58, added: 'Its a bit overwhelming, especially as we are having a low key wedding.'

The pair have known one another for years, but it was not until they were reunited around 16 years ago they fell in love.

Eastern Daily Press: Josie and Steve Manson, the first couple to be married in the Benefactors Room at Norwich Castle since the closure of Churchman House. Photo : Steve AdamsJosie and Steve Manson, the first couple to be married in the Benefactors Room at Norwich Castle since the closure of Churchman House. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2016)

By coincidence they found out that they were living around the corner from each other.

And on April 1, 15 years ago, they moved in to their home, in Briston, together.

The date now holds a special place in the newly-weds hearts for two reasons - it is the anniversary of both their wedding and the date they moved in together.

Between them they have seven children and two grandchildren - all of whom were there to share in the festivities in one of Norwich's most popular buildings.

He said: 'I had asked her before if she would like to marry me and she said 'I don't think so' and she had asked me and I said 'oh no' but now the time is right. Life is to short, you just need to be happy.'

And happy they were as they were showered with confetti outside Norwich Castle.

The first of many joyous moments to take place at the city's new register office and wedding venue.

The previous register office, in St Giles Street will continue to offer registration for births, deaths, marriage notices and statutory marriages, for the next few months. It will then be moved to County Hall.

- If you have a news story about a local event, email jemma.walker@archant.co.uk