A “HIDDEN” £25 fee is to be added to the cost of getting married in Lancashire’s register offices.

Last week County Hall announced wedding prices had been frozen because of the recession, claiming the cost had remained the same for eight years.

But the full report detailing the changes reveals a new £25 flat charge, which is non-refundable, is being introduced for all weddings.

According to the report, it has been introduced to cope with “increased administrative costs”, and manage the cost of cancelled bookings.

Tory group leader Geoff Driver said: “To say the charges have stayed the same is typical spin. It’s a hidden charge and this is misleading.”

Council bosses had been expected to increase the basic rate of registry weddings on Fridays and Saturdays, but county councillor Marcus Johnstone said he had decided against the move to help hard-up couples through the recession.

The basic rate will stay at £40, while the cost of getting married in one of more than 100 country clubs and hotels that are also licensed will rise by £15.

Describing his decision not to increase the basic rate for registry office weddings, Coun Johnstone, cabinet member for community planning and partnerships, said: “Couples who are planning to get married may, like many of us at the moment during this economic downturn, also be struggling with their finances and to make ends meet.

“An increase in cost of getting married in local register offices shouldn’t prevent or deter couples from getting married.

"For this reason, I have asked for more time to consider the recommendations and will look at setting any increase in fees next year.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council, which is independent of County Hall, has not yet announced any changes to its fees for the new financial year.