It’s not only Santa who arrives bearing gifts on Christmas Day.
In Fife, registrars have been known to pop in and surprise families with a festive wedding or two.
Going to the registrars to tie the knot isn’t what it used to be.
Nowadays Fife Council can help create bespoke civil ceremonies any day of the week in any number of locations.
Remember Keira Knightley’s wedding scene in Love Actually when musicians and singers were hidden in the church pews?
Fife registrars have conducted a similar ceremony.
It was the groom’s idea, much to the surprise of the bride and guests.
North East Fife registrar Angela Lumsden said: “There’s never a dull moment when you’re a registrar, which makes it a fantastic job.
“We have been asked to conduct marriage ceremonies in many wonderful settings, some very lavish venues and other smaller, more intimate venues.”
Last Christmas a couple wanted to be married in their parents’ home, she said, but they didn’t tell their family and friends.
“When the registrar arrived, the family thought she was one of the bride’s friends until she announced she was going to conduct a wedding.
“The couple were married before everyone tucked into their Christmas dinner!”
Another couple invited their family and friends to a Halloween party which turned out to be their wedding and the registrar got into the spirit of things and was dressed as Morticia Addams.
“So whether it’s your own house or garden, a holiday cottage or a grand hotel – the edge of a cliff or on the beach – we can marry people anywhere that holds special memories,” she said.
Even visitors to Fife have been married among the kingdom’s beautiful scenery.
A couple who had travelled from Sweden with friends, finished a round of golf, walked straight on to the beach and exchanged vows, their friends and golfing group had no idea.
Another couple from America visualised their marriage taking place above crashing waves with the wind blowing and dark clouds emerging.
The council team took on board their requests and suggested Lady’s Tower in Elie as a venue to meet all their specifications.