Virtual witnesses could allow an early return for small weddings

WEDDING witnesses could soon be allowed to observe ceremonies using video conferencing technology under proposals being considered by the Government, The Daily Telegraph understands.

In order to enable small weddings to resume this summer, ministers are considering changes to the law to allow witnesses to dial in remotely rather than being physically present. The proposals have been shared with senior figures from the Church of England.

While nothing has been finalised, it is hoped that “remote witnessing” could allow those unable to attend, including those self-isolating with Covid-19, still to fulfil their role as a witness. The proposals open up the possibility of close friends or relatives being able to participate virtually from abroad, if they are unable to travel due to national lockdowns. At present, all weddings require two witnesses, the couple and wedding official to be present for the marriage to take place.

Witnesses must observe the ceremony and sign the marriage register, although it is hoped that a virtual witness could sign the register using an electronic signature. Last night, a government source confirmed that officials were “drawing up options” order for small weddings to restart.

However, they played down the prospect of the traditional wedding returning soon, pointing out that social distancing measures were likely to rule out large gatherings for the foreseeable future. “I don’t think we’re suddenly going to be back to the days of the giant wedding. That’s not going to be happening for a while,” the source added.

Marriages have not taken place since the lockdown was imposed on March 23. Before the ban, the Church of England advised that the number of people attending church weddings should be limited to the legal minimum of five to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has previously indicated that restarting small weddings is likely to be included in step two of its roadmap out of lockdown, due to start on June 1. According to documents published earlier this month, officials are now “examining how to enable people to gather in slightly larger groups to better facilitate small weddings”.

Church weddings are not expected to resume until July 4 under the recovery strategy. Last night a Church of England spokesman said: “We are actively exploring a number of ideas with the Government to help make it possible for couples to marry while observing the necessary physical distancing requirements.”