Koksijde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Koksijde opens Sint-Idesbald Beach, Ten Bogarde Arts Center, and Ter Hille Golf Club for outdoor weddings supported by Alderman Peter Hillewaere. Oostduinkerke celebrated Ko and Liza’s vow renewal.
The local government in Koksijde has made a major development. Couples organise their wedding celebrations outdoors, which was not allowed before. There are three places to choose from. The beach in Sint-Idesbald is near the water sports club KYC. This spot is expected to be the most popular. It offers a romantic view for couples who want a wedding by the sea.
Couples can also choose to marry in the inner courtyard of the arts centre, Ten Bogarde, which has a cultural feel. Another option is the golf club Ter Hille, which is filled with nature. These choices let couples pick a place that fits their style and dreams for their special day.
How will Kokside’s new outdoor wedding options impact couples?
Alderman Peter Hillewaere from N-VA talked about how more couples want to organize outdoor weddings. He said that many couples are looking for special places to say their vows. The beach is a popular choice for these weddings. The new outdoor wedding options will be available during the warmer months. This is from May 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
The couple can organize their weddings in outdoor settings. The couples want more different places for their wedding ceremonies. Peter mentioned that it gives a fresh option compared to the usual indoor town hall. With the beach, the arts centre, and the golf club now available, couples in Kokside have more choices than ever to make their wedding day special.
The wedding of Ko and Liza happened in Oostduinkerke. The giant figures of Ko and Liza renewed their wedding vows in a special ceremony. These tall figures represent Victor ‘Ko’ Legein and Maria ‘Liza’ Pylyser, a real couple from the town. They were well-known in the local fishing community.
The ceremony included the mayor, local leaders, and two priests. It has been said that it showed how important this occasion is for the town’s culture and history. Even though the real Ko and Liza got married many years ago, this event lets the town celebrate their love and the giant figures that tell their story.
The giant figures of Ko and Liza were made in 1955. This project started with Honor Loones, the grandfather of the current mayor, Sander Loones. This link adds a personal touch to the story of the giants. Ko and Liza are now a key part of Oostduinkerke’s history.
They stand for the town’s proud fishing tradition. The vow renewal ceremony with the giants honoured the real couple and showed how the local community connects with its past.
Mayor Sander Loones (N-VA) said:
The fishing couple Victor ‘Ko’ Legein and Maria ‘Liza’ Pylyser from Oostduinkerke were the models for the giants. They were made in 1955 on the initiative of my grandfather Honor Loones.
