Ministers leading a service and couples getting married are likely to be exempt from the new rules about face coverings which will come in on Saturday in places of worship. 

The Church of England has updated its guidance on face coverings in anticipation of this. 

Boris Johnson announced the change on 31st July, at the same time as announcing that wedding receptions would not be allowed for another two weeks. 

Face coverings already have to be worn on public transport and in shops. 

The Church of England's updated guidance says "those who are leading services or events in a place of worship, and those who assist them (for instance by reading, preaching, or leading prayer) do not always need to wear a face covering, although one should be worn especially if physical distancing cannot be maintained (i.e. distributing consumables). This exemption does not apply to worshippers, who should wear face coverings consistent with the requirements for any other public space."

For weddings, the Church of England explained that couples will not have to wear masks as they take their vows, although it seems bridesmaids and the rest of those at the ceremony will: "exemptions will also cover the bride and groom at a wedding and those officiating/leading the wedding. This exemption does not apply to those observing the wedding, who should wear face coverings consistent with the requirements for any other public space."

Weddings can still only be 30 people and wedding receptions will not be allowed until Saturday 15th August. Congregational singing is not allowed.