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Sophie Tanner, 37, from Brighton, longed to tie the knot but after searching 20 years for a fella she gave up and decided to wed herself in holy matrimony.

The digital consultant bought herself a ring and found the perfect ivory dress for the occasion.

And in front of a congregation she recited Christian wedding vows in commitment to love and treasure herself – until death does she part.

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Sophie's father, Malcolm, 68, walked her down the aisle and her best pal, James McGeown, 34, delivered the ceremony dressed in an arch bishop's costume.

After saying "I do", Sophie's wedding guests partied on the beach and watched as the newlywed took enjoyed her first dance...with herself.

Sophie is now celebrating her first wedding anniversary which she spent with a "quiet night in with the wife".

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"Marrying myself was never something I had planned but I was single and happy and I wanted to make a commitment to myself and no-one else.

"Self-marriage addresses the notion that being single and thoroughly enjoying it is a viable lifestyle choice.

"Surprisingly my family and friends were all so supportive and my dad couldn't wait to walk me down the aisle.

"People probably think I'm crazy but it doesn't bother me, I hope I encourage more women to commit to loving themselves.

After three long-term relationships which ended in infidelity, Sophie was fed up of pleasing others and was relieved to go it alone.

"I wrote to my local registry office and asked if marrying yourself was a possibility, but I got a resounding 'no'.

"Of course, being told that I couldn't marry myself made me even more determined to have a big day, why should I miss out on the best day of my life just because I hadn't found my Mr Right yet?

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Sophie has since dated a few men – but insists she isn't committing a crime.

She said: "I haven't given up on love and as my marriage wasn't legally binding I will be able to marry someone else without committing bigamy."

Leicester star Jamie Vardy will be walking up the aisle on Wednesday with his WAG Becky, 34.

The brunette broke it off with a non-league player after Vardy "chased her".