The Church of England has been forced to limit the amount of people legally allowed to attend a wedding as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the number of people to no more than five. That would be the priest, the bride and groom, and two witnesses.
In an update posted to their website the Church of England stated, "While wedding services may continue, numbers attending the ceremony in church will need to be strictly curtailed to the legal minimum."
"Where family relatives or friends are unable to attend given the restrictions on numbering, churches will be happy to explore ways to allow others to join the service, either through platforms such as Skype, or recording the service to send at a later date to anyone unable to attend."
Of the five attending the wedding, everyone is to practice social distancing with the exception of the bride and groom.
This is, of course, much different than traditional Church of England weddings, which can be elaborate affairs full of people.
"The priest does not have to touch the rings to bless them, nor does he or she have to touch the couple’s hands as part of a prayer or blessing, so it is possible for the service to proceed as normal."
"No additional church personnel will attend the service, for example organists, vergers or sound system operator etc."
"If a couple wishes to cancel their wedding, then any fees or deposit paid to the church will be refunded in full, and if the couple wishes to postpone, the church will work with them to find a suitable future date wherever possible."
Dr. David Walker, Bishop of Manchester said, "Couples and parents, friends and families will have been planning for months, even years for their special moment, whether a wedding or a christening."
"Now it can go ahead – but with only the minimum required in attendance. You may need to cancel or postpone."
"Whatever decision is made, God’s love and blessing will still surround all those who would have been there that day. Prayers will still be offered, and there will be a special day to look forward to in the future."
The guidance recommends streaming as a possibility to include other people in the ceremony, but also acknowledged that couples may wish to postpone their wedding altogether.
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