Couple 'devastated' after wedding at Sheffield Town Hall cancelled just five days before

Ashley Knight, 37, and Emma Manning, 33, who have had the ceremony booked since the start of the year, claim they were initially given the go ahead for their wedding despite the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had announced weddings and christenings were banned at the start of lockdown.

But the Tibshelf couple claim in May they were told the ceremony on June 6 could still go ahead - with only two witnesses.

Ashley, a self employed joiner and Emma, an NHS worker, said it was the idea of getting married that kept them going.

"The wedding was just a bit of positivity to look forward to and then we find out just five days before that it’s not going to happen”, he said.

"We were devastated, absolutely gutted and we still just don't know what is going on.”

Emma added: "We feel embarrassed.

“I've had everyone at work give me congratulations cards and presents and then the wedding isn't going ahead.

"We feel like complete fraudsters.”

The key worker has written a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to allow weddings to go ahead nationally, after MPs voted to return to Parliament earlier this week.

The couple, who have a 20-month old baby together and two other sons from a previous marriage, explained why they are so determined to tie the knot.

Ashley said: "We've both been through difficult divorces and had bad relationships and now we have found each other and we just want to finish the story off and become husband and wife.

"Obviously we'd love to have all of our family there but we were doing it for us.”

Councillor Terry Fox, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said: "I appreciate that this is an extremely disappointing and upsetting time for the hundreds of couples who have been planning and looking forward to their weddings.

"Due to coronavirus restrictions, all weddings nationally have been postponed and we have been closely monitoring the situation and following Government guidance in relation to this.

"We have continued to communicate with all couples affected by the restrictions and had hoped that ceremonies could recommence in early June, with strict social distancing and safety measures in place.

“However, the General Register Office is waiting for guidance from the Government on when things can continue.

"We regret that some couples received this disappointing news at short notice but bookings are still in place. As soon as we're given permission to conduct wedding ceremonies again, we will do all we can to honour original bookings, once the safety of all concerned can be assured.

"All affected are being prioritised and will be offered a ceremony date as soon as we can legally and safely conduct them.

"We continue to work closely with all our couples to help them plan for their special day during these very difficult and unusual times."