WEDDINGS in churches on the Isle of Wight should be attended by only five people and Islanders aged over 70 are 'strongly advised' against attending, the Church of England has said.

It has issued national advice that only the bride, groom, priest and two witnesses should be at any upcoming ceremonies, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Scroll down for a link to read the advice in full...

Advising couples to reschedule if possible, the Church of England said options like Skype and audio feeds should be explored and those who do attend the ceremony should observe social distance.

A statement said: "While wedding services may continue, numbers attending the ceremony in church will need to be strictly curtailed to the legal minimum, which is the priest, bride, groom and two witnesses.

"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.

"Where no audio link can be achieved, an order of service could be sent either by email or post.

Isle of Wight County Press:

"Apart from the bride and groom, the physical distance should be observed as far as possible.

"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."

Meanwhile, it says there ceremonies will be held without organists and vergers and receptions should not be held afterwards.

Read the advice in full here.