The barn owl took 40 winks in the rafters of the Holy Cross Church in Wiltshire (Picture: SWNS)

It was supposed to come sweeping down in a magnificent display of elegance.

However, an owl, which should have delivered rings to a couple at the foot of the aisle on their wedding day, instead flew up into the church rafters and fell asleep for an hour.

The service, in the Holy Cross Church in Sherston, Wiltshire, had to be halted while desperate helpers tried – and failed – to coax the barn owl down.

The owl, named Darcey, had other ideas and felt that the corner was far too cosy.


Having fallen asleep for an hour, with red ribbons still attached to its feet, Reverend Chris Bryan decided not to sit through the pause, but continued with a set of back-up wedding rings until the bird felt ready to descend.