Moscow's Oldest Wedding Palace Turns 50

For more news visit ☛ http://english.ntdtv.com or
Follow us on Twitter ☛ http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision

The oldest wedding place in Moscow is getting ready to celebrate its 50th birthday. As our correspondents report, it's considered one of the best places to tie the knot.

Moscow's oldest wedding palace was opened 50 years ago.

It's also called the Civil Registry Office of Griboyedov.

The official name for the mansion was given in the mid 1900s.

Before that, marriages were only issued in government offices.

The idea to register a family union in a festive atmosphere was developed at that time.

After opening, this place became extremely popular.

[Natalia Astashkina, Wedding Palace Employee]:
"There were long lines, almost 200-300 meters, such long lines. The popularity was so enormous."

These pensioners were one of the first couples to get married here.

[Boris Fokin, Married at the Palace]:
"There were some couples before us, but they did not live till their golden jubilee or got divorced or have left. It turns out that we are the first. "

Since this is the oldest registry office in Moscow, it has always been considered the most prestigious.

Today it is the third most popular. There are nearly 5,000 couples registered here each year.

Sometimes they have up to 50 ceremonies a day.

[Sergei & Elena Kruchinin, Newlyweds]:
"This is an ancient palace in Moscow. It is the most famous, honored in Moscow.)
And besides, 32 years ago my mom and dad were married in this palace, too.

[Alexander Afanaskin, Groom]:
"This registry office is very old. It breathes the good old traditions. In my opinion, the closest, eternal and the best unions are registered here.

Celebrations will begin this month to mark the 50th anniversary, and will run through the entire year.

NTD News, Moscow, Russia.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• NTD
• Moscow
• Oldest
• Wedding Palace
• Civil Registry Office
• Griboyedov
• Russia