HAPPY couples tied the knot on Saturday after months of wondering whether their weddings would be able to go ahead.

Since the beginning of lockdown in March, thousands of people have been forced to cancel weddings due to coronavirus.

But these couples leapt at the chance of being among the first to get married, despite still having to be careful to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Nurse Beth Miller, who has been helping on the frontline of the Covid-19 crisis, and St John’s Ambulance volunteer Jake Rowland tied the knot at beautiful Canford Magna Parish Church.

The timing for the happy couple was perfect as it was the day they had always planned for, although there was a bit of a last-minute dash to get legal permission from Salisbury Diocese in time.

The service was officiated by Rev Mike Tufnell and attended by close family only, with numbers restricted and social distancing in place. However, nearly 400 watched the live-streamed video of the service, including a number who camped outside the church, determined to get at least a brief view of the couple.

Beth said: “We were so excited when we finally heard our wedding could go ahead after-all. It might not be exactly what we had imagined, but we just wanted to be husband and wife.”

Jake added: “Getting married in a church is really important to us too as we are Christians, and I suppose it will be special looking back, knowing we were one of the first couples, post-lockdown, to get married.”

Rebecca and Robert Jesse were the first couple to marry at Bournemouth Town Hall since lockdown was imposed.

Pharmacy technician Rebecca, 38, and 29-year-old chef Robert said: “It was looking more and more likely that we would have to postpone our plans, so when the registry office confirmed we were all set to go ahead on 4th July, it was an amazing feeling.

“It’s quite incredible the date we chose for our wedding is the first allowed date post lockdown, we are very happy that we get to tie the knot and look forward to the future and the memories to cherish” they said.

Rebecca added: “I wasn’t nervous, it just seemed surreal and I couldn’t believe it was really actually happening.”

Robert’s parents said: “They were both determined that their wedding would go ahead if at all possible and we had a lovely ceremony celebrated by both families.”

Rebecca’s parents added: “We are so privileged to be parents of the bride today. It’s amazing how faith can be rewarded. We are so proud of our daughter and wish them both love and happiness.”