It may be eight years since Shania Twain’s hit single ‘You’re Still The One’ was riding high in the charts but according to a survey of Cumbria County Council’s Registrars, the song is still hitting all the right notes with Cumbrian newlyweds.
According to research carried out by the County Council, the love ballad - which reached number 10 in the charts in 1998 - is the most popular choice for brides walking down the aisle at civil wedding ceremonies in Cumbria.
Other songs on Cumbria's top ten list of nuptial numbers include the Elvis classic 'Love Me Tender' and Roberta Flack's haunting 'First Time I Ever Saw Your Face.'
Salford born Russell Watson’s ‘You Raise Me Up’ and Robbie Williams’ breakthrough single ‘Angels’ are also firm favourites for brides and grooms on the the big day.
Last year alone, Cumbria's Registrars performed 1,071 weddings at the county's nine Register Offices and 2,110 cermonies in more than 100 hotels and other approved premises.
Civil weddings give couple’s the opportunity to incorporate non-religious music into the ceremony. Newlyweds can also choose poetry and other readings as long as they are not religious in nature.
Among the more unusual requests made by couples tying the knot are Queen’s ‘I Want To Break Free’ and John Williams chilling music score to the Steven Spielberg film 'Jaws.'
Councillor Elizabeth Mallinson, Cabinet member responsible for the county’s Registration Service, said: “The list shows that Cumbrians are romantics at heart with a wide choice in musical tastes.
"Gone are the days when a civil marriage meant a simple ceremony held in front of an office desk. The options now available enable couples to have a civil ceremony ranging from a simple affair with just two witnesses to a large wedding party at an approved premises of Register Office of their choice.
"Although they did not make the top ten, some of the music couples choose for their special day is definitely tongue in cheek and proof, if any were needed, that the famed Cumbrian wit is alive and well."
The complete top ten list of songs requested at civil wedding ceremonies across Cumbria, is:
1. Shania Twain - 'You're Still The One'
2. Russell Watson - 'You Raise Me Up'
3. Robbie Williams - 'Angels'
4. Roberta Flack - 'First Time I Ever Saw Your Face'
5. James Blunt - 'You're Beautiful'
6. Bette Midler - 'Wind Beneath My Wings'
7. Percy Sledge - 'When A Man Loves A Woman'
8. Ramones - 'Baby I Love You'
9. McFly - 'All About You'
10. Elvis - 'Love Me Tender'