A “wake up call” to boost the number of venues licensed to host weddings has been issued with the aim of offering a better experience for same sex couples tying the knot.

The business manager in charge of the wedding industry in Bucks says encouraging more hotels, stately homes and even pubs to become accredited will provide a better service for gay couples and disabled people looking to wed, in response to feedback nationally.

Rukminder Makin started in the newly created role earlier this month and says the industry needs to respond to the growing demand across the county.

She said: “Weddings are still too often presented as being exclusively about bride and grooms.

“The feedback we’ve had from same-sex couples is that nationally the industry needs to wake up to this.”

The new manager also wants to use Bucks’ reputation for equality as home of the Paralympics to improve access anyone with a disability who wants a hassle-free places to hold their special day.

She said: “As the birthplace of the Paralympics, I want venues and suppliers in Bucks to be at the forefront of disabled access.

"It’s not just about providing a ramp – for example, it’s about being able to provide wedding dresses that are suitable for wheelchair users and ensuring that all their personal needs can be met to make their big day perfect.”

There are currently 75 licensed venues across Buckinghamshire where couples can legally marry, ranging from pubs to stately homes where A-list stars have previously held their high profile ceremonies.

But Ms Makin insists more are needed to meet demand and to boost the income from the industry in the county.

The county council also profits from weddings, which bring in around £1.2m a year to the council through the fees charged for registrars and venue licences.

The council says it helps offset the cost of other parts of the registration service which are heavily subsidised, such as the statutory services of registering and issuing certificates for births and deaths.

And it is hoped the Bucks economy can benefit if more venues choose to offer wedding services.

Ms Makin added: “Couples spend an average of more than £30,000 on their big day and Bucks’ registrars alone conducted around 1,600 weddings last year – so you can get an idea of just how big a contribution the industry makes to the county.

"It’s not just Bucks’ fantastic venues that benefit, but all of the local suppliers from catering, florists, photographers and wedding dress makers, who all offer a brilliant service to couples getting married.

"One of my key aims is to grow the links between venues and local suppliers so that even more local businesses can benefit.”

A licence from the council costs £2,000 for three years.

Martin Phillips, cabinet member for community engagement at BCC said more businesses choosing to host weddings would be a “win-win” for the economy and the council.