PORTSMOUTH - The new Professional Wedding Planning Certificate offered by UNH Professional Development and Training is designed for those looking to combine their passions for event planning and relationship building into a career. The seven-week program begins Wed., June 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Portsmouth and continues Wednesday evenings through July 24.

The first session will introduce program participants to the wedding planning industry, the planning process, and outline a “Day in the Life of a Wedding Planner.” Each following week, experienced industry professionals will guide participants through what it takes to be a successful wedding planner in the industry including budgeting, managing client expectations, contracting, and running a business.

“We have a tradition of excellent hospitality management programs at UNH, and the seacoast region is a fantastic place to be for anyone interested in a career in hospitality - particularly weddings. We are excited to offer this new program for aspiring wedding professionals, to help prepare them for a role in the always-growing hospitality industry,” said Program Developer Juliet Webber.

 Industry experts leading the sessions include Linnea Tangorra, owner of Tangorra Wedding Planning, Nicole Mower, owner of Nicole Mower Weddings and Events, and Tiffany Learned, lead planner at Detailed Engagements Wedding Planning and Events.

 The certificate fee is $995. For more information and registration, visit training.unh.edu/weddingplanning or call (603) 862-7380.