COUPLES with looming weddings in Cheshire are facing disappointment ahead of the next coronavirus guidelines being brought in on Saturday.

Face coverings will be mandatory for most people attending weddings in England from August 8, in addition to existing social distancing measures, such as the two-metre rule.

The couple and registrars are exempt from wearing face coverings, but only if two-metre distancing is maintained between the couple and the registrars.

Your Ceremony, the registrar service for Cheshire East, received clarification on what the rules would mean for weddings on Thursday.

In a blog post on its website explaining the new rules, Your Ceremony admitted that the rules could lead to disappointed couples changing their plans.

The post said: “There’s no easy way to say this, and even we can’t take anything positive from this.

“We have worked so hard with all our venues to ensure two-metre distancing was followed as per government guidelines and are really sorry for all our lovely couples, venues and our team that this latest ruling could have such an impact on couples and our venues.

“We do however, all need to work together to make sure we keep infection levels low and keep each other safe, and by following the government guidelines and legislation we hopefully get to a better place sooner rather than later.”

Couples looking to discuss their options are advised to speak with their venue as soon as possible, particularly if the ceremony is in the next few weeks.

To change a wedding date in Cheshire East or for more information, call Your Ceremony on 01270 375140 or email ceremonysupport@cheshireeast.gov.uk

In Cheshire West, call the council’s register office on 0300 123 7037 or email chesterregisteroffice@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk