Not only will Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore marry his fiancee Robyn Pritchard in the picturesque grounds of Walka Water Works, but former long-time Maitland MP Milton Morris will conduct the ceremony.

The happy couple will tie the knot on December 6, 43 years after they met at the Devonshire Cake Shop in Newcastle.

“I was a pastry cook and Robyn was a shop assistant,” Cr Blackmore recalled.

“Our birthdays are a few days apart and we’d often ring (over the years) to wish each other a happy birthday.”

But love blossomed from the most tragic circumstances.

After both faced turbulent times in their lives, they found they could turn to each other.

They were engaged on Christmas Day.

Former transport minister Mr Morris is a registered member of religion and qualified to perform church services, weddings and funerals in a range of denominations.

Mr Morris said, although he had performed countless marriage ceremonies, this one meant a little more.

“This is special. It’s with special friends and it’s a great honour for me to marry the first citizen of the city,” he said.

He also wanted to make sure Cr Blackmore did not let Ms Pritchard get away.

For the couple, Mr Morris’s involvement will also make their day all the more personal.

“I think because of the fact we know Milton, and he knows us, he can add that personal touch that means a lot,” Cr Blackmore said.

The wedding will also be significant for the city.

In addition to the title of Mrs Blackmore, Ms Pritchard will also become Maitland Mayoress at the conclusion of the ceremony.