CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has confirmed that it will be able to conduct wedding ceremonies again from July 4.

It comes after the Government recently published new guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships.

From Saturday, weddings can be held in England provided measures are in place to keep couples and anyone else present at the ceremony safe.

They can only take place in Covid-secure environments and venues are required to carry out risk assessments.

Protective measures include conducting ceremonies in the shortest reasonable time and keeping the number of attendees to a minimum.

Cheshire West and Chester Council will be able to provide Register Office ceremonies from Saturday, and registrars can also officiate at ceremonies booked with approved venues.

The council’s registration team will now be contacting couples who have already made a booking either for a Register Office or approved venue ceremony.

From July 20 new bookings can be taken for ceremonies set to take place after December 31.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore, said: "Being able to conduct wedding ceremonies again is wonderful news and I'm sure many couples across the borough will be delighted.

"However, coronavirus hasn't gone away and it is vital we keep everyone safe and healthy.

"Marriage and civil partnerships are a vital part of society and bring people together for the happiest of occasions. It is important wedding ceremonies are conducted following the very latest guidance giving the happy couple and their guests the confidence they are enjoying their big day safely."

Booking requests should be emailed to chesterregisteroffice@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk .

The council says its registration team is currently receiving high volumes of enquiries at the moment and urged people not to submit repeat enquiries, where possible, as this is slowing down the response time.