City Hall marriage venue to close

One of two marriage halls at City Hall will close from January 2 because of low usage, the Immigration Department said. The daily quota at City Hall will be reduced from 46 to 23 after the closure. Figures revealed that about one-third of 32,056 weddings in the first three quarters were notarised by civil celebrants, who were empowered to conduct weddings outside marriage registries since April last year. Up to last month, 1,260 solicitors and notaries have been appointed as civil celebrants.