Drones are becoming increasingly popular at weddings, and Worcester's Diocesan Registrar is warning the public about the dangers involved.

Anyone who wishes to use a drone at their wedding must check a number of things with their chosen church before permission can be given for the use of a drone within a churchyard.

Permission is not automatic, and couples should pre-plan and get the church to confirm that they can fly a drone for video or photography.

Diocesan Registrar Stuart Ness, based in Worcester with SME Solicitors, warns that having a drone at a wedding is not as straightforward as it seems.

He said: “Issues that the bridal party must consider include confirming with the church minister that the drone will only take off and land from within the grounds of the church and then that the additional permission of the relevant land owner to take off or land elsewhere would also be obtained.

“Also, drone footage over a church cannot be used commercially or publicly. This also applies if the drone captures music that is played by the organist.”

According to Mr Ness, drones are not only being used at weddings. They are a more cost-effective way of carrying out visual inspections of church buildings, without the need to erect scaffolding and risk damage to historically significant buildings

Mr Ness also stressed the importance of using a professional drone pilot to ensure that no unintended damage is caused by the drone crashing into the building.

Anyone thinking of hiring a drone pilot for their wedding is advised to consult the Drone Safe Register, a database of qualified drone pilots approved for use at events.

Have you used a drone at your wedding? Let us know in the comments.

For more about the Drone Safe Register, go to www.dronesaferegister.org.uk