THE first ever same-sex marriage in Penarth has been given the go-ahead.

Chloe Dunning and Robyn Curtis, who have been together for three years and now want to tie the knot, have been trying to find a church in Dinas Powys to get married in, but without much luck.

Thankfully, Penarth Trinity Methodist Church in Stanwell Road stepped in, and said they would be welcome to hold their ceremony there.

The couple are both from Dinas Powys, but now live in Penarth.

In June 2021, the British Methodist Church voted to allow same-sex marriages in churches, provided that local managing trustees and ministers agree for their specific church.

Ms Dunning said: "I don't think people think of getting married in a church.

"We wanted to be traditional and tried to have the wedding in a church in Dinas.

"They voted against it, which was a bit of a setback - more of an annoyance than anything."

The couple decided to ring around churches and found that Penarth Methodist Church was willing to host the ceremony after the congregation voted unanimously in favour.

There is a more personal aspect to this, as Ms Curtis' parents were married in the same church.

Rev Catherine Lewis, superintendent minister of the Vale of Glamorgan Circuit of the Methodist Church and the minister in charge of Penarth Methodist Church, said: "We are so pleased to be able to invite same-sex couples to explore marriage in a Christian environment in our building now.

"The journey to this point has been long and sometimes challenging, but we believe God’s love is for all people – regardless of their sexuality or gender identity – and this is supported by our understanding of the Bible that guides our faith.

"We recognise those within our church who feel uncomfortable about this decision and will continue to ‘live with contradictory convictions,’ as the Methodist Church describes it, with grace and respect. Christians have done this since the beginning on many issues.

"Our main purpose with this announcement is to underline Jesus’s words that he came to bring ‘life in all its fullness.’ The celebration of a faithful committed relationship between two people of the same sex in the marriage ceremony is just one aspect of this."

Now Ms Dunning and Ms Curtis are looking forward to their big day and the likelihood that they will be the first same-sex couple to be married in Penarth Methodist on June 17, 2023.

"It's a really big thing for a church to do," said Ms Dunning.

"Our names will always be on something as the first people to do this here.

"We're really excited and looking forward to it."