COUPLES all over Wiltshire have had their wedding plans thrown upside down by coronavirus restrictions.

Those who were planning a Church of England ceremony have been told that only the bride and groom, a minister and two witnesses would be able to attend.

This has left many couples in a state of panic and heartbreak at the thought of their carefully planned big day being thrown into disarray.

Among those to be hit are Michael Moore, 31, and his fiancee Ella Stockwell, 27, who were planning to marry at St Mary The Virgin in Bishops Cannings, near Devizes on June 20.

But last week they received an email from vicar the Rev Richard Curtis to warn them of the new restrictions.

The couple, who had the added stress last week of moving from Devizes to a new home in Bristol, are now frantically trying to re-arrange.

Marketing manager Ella said: “It is the uncertainty that is the most stressful aspect. We haven’t got wedding insurance and I don’t know if we are best to wait or to cancel or postpone now.

“There are so many different things to try to change the date for from the caterers and band to make-up and hair.”

Michael, who is a project manager, said: “Our reception is booked for Mill Farm Glamping at Poulshot and Chris Dyke is being very understanding. We are talking to them about maybe moving the date to September or October.

“We have booked teepees from Buffalo Teepee and they and our caterers Green Farm Events are also very helpful.”

Michael was due to be having his stag do in Ibiza in May but with Spain in lock-down there is little prospect that will be able to go-ahead.

Couples planning weddings in council buildings, hotels and other licensed venues are equally badly hit.

Devizes Town Council clerk Simon Fisher said all weddings booked for council owned buildings will be cancelled or postponed until restrictions are lifted. He said: “We are giving refunds.”

“This will have a big financial impact on us but hopefully we will be back to normal in the autumn.”