THE cost of getting married in the North-East is rising at more than twice the rate of inflation, but it is still one of the cheapest areas in the country.

The average wedding in the North-East now costs £11,946, which is £3,700 less on average than couples in London. The UK average is £12,195.

The figures come from the fourth annual wedding costs survey, carried out by wedding insurer Weddingplan.

London, the East Midlands and Wales are the most expensive places to get married, while the North-East is the best value, along with East Anglia and Scotland.

The cost of getting married - including outfits, cake, flowers, the church, reception, transport, stationery, photography, video and honeymoon - has risen by 5.6 per cent since last year's survey.