Forget that big church wedding... only 5 will be allowed to attend

CHURCH weddings can go ahead during the coronavirus crisis – but with just five people present.

Social distancing rules mean only the vicar, bride, groom and two witnesses – most likely a best man and bridesmaid – can attend.

Similar restrictions will apply to baptisms, with godparents required to stand well back from the font.

Clergy officiating at services will not be allowed physical contact with couples marrying – by tradition a vicar touches rings or the couple’s hands – or with the baby at a baptism.

The Church of England said that some couples might prefer to postpone their weddings, or organise a later blessing ceremony if they still wished to go ahead now.

The Church of Scotland said it may be necessary to ‘restrict’ funerals to the minister, immediate family and funeral directors and ‘rearrange’ weddings.

A statement from the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said: ‘For the celebration of baptisms, funeral Masses and weddings we would ask that only close family are invited.’

Church services have been stopped north of the Border for now, as religious leaders look to avoid larger gatherings. The

Church of England’s wedding and baptism limits follow its decision this week to stop Sunday services – for the first time in its history.

Congregations are no longer welcome to attend communion, morning prayer or evensong, while Roman Catholic and smaller churches, together with other faiths, have also curbed meetings and worship.

The Church of England is encouraging clergy to conduct online services. The Archbishop

of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will head a Mothering Sunday service this week to be available online and through BBC local radio stations.

The Church said weddings could be streamed in the same way as other services.

The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, 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.’

Meanwhile, undertakers have begun restricting funeral numbers to just a handful of close relatives to comply with a government ban on mass gatherings. Mourners who cannot attend are being given a link to watch proceedings online.

The funeral of one of the UK’s first coronavirus victims is due to be held in the coming days.