VIDEO: Wing-walking wedding in Gloucestershire

By Tom Morris

An adrenalin-seeking couple wed on a wing and a prayer yesterday when they exchanged their vows at a heavenly 1,000ft.

Daring Katie Hodgson, 23, and Darren McWalter, 24, said their high-octane vows at Rencomb airfield in Gloucestershire after being married at Cirencester register office.

The bride was strapped on the wing of one biplane, the groom on the wing of another and the vicar – was strapped facing backwards on a third aircraft. Methodist minister George Brigham, 67, stepped into the fray just three weeks ago after Peter Quinnell, who oversees the parishes of North Cerney, Stratton, Baunton and Bagdendon, pulled out because of work commitments.

Rev Brigham, who works around Shipley, near Bradford, was called upon after officiating a similar ceremony seven years ago.

Despite the last-minute change and grey skies, nothing could dampen the spirits of the happy couple who both took to the skies in full wedding regalia.

Fitness instructor Darren, 24, who works in Parr, Lancashire, described his wingwalking wedding as “out of this world” and “overwhelming.”

He said: “It was overwhelming. Sunshine would have been extra special but it was still a fantastic day.”

“It was a bit rocky now and then, but that was half the fun. It was out of this world and I'm lost for words.

“I've only just passed my driving test so we've got 12 months to think about what we'll do for our first wedding anniversary.”

Katie, 23, nee Hodgson, who works as a postwoman in Leyland, Lancashire, admitted she is a “daredevil” bride.

She said: “Our wedding day was beyond everything we were expecting. I'm a daredevil - I've already done two skydives and white water rafting.

“The hardest thing was stretching our arms out to wave to everybody because of the air pressure.”

Around 100 guests watched from the ground and listened to the speakers on the ground as the couple exchanged vows as jets of white smoke fired from the back of the aeroplanes.

The fact that they had to shout so loud raised a chuckle from the assembled friends and family.

Fearless Rev Brigham, said he was not in the least fazed by the whole experience.

“I did this before, about eight years ago,” he said.

“It's certainly the most unusual wedding I've ever done.

“The only hairy moment was when I thought my goggles were about to come off.”

The couple met in 2005 while travelling across Australia and their shared love of extreme sports saw them perform their first ever wingwalk on Valentine's Day.

The pair got engaged on holiday last year after Darren popped the big question in the middle of the Amazon rainforest with a ring made of coconut shells.

Formation wingwalkers Team Guinot flew the couple 1,000 feet in the air for the ceremony.

The couple exchanged rings inside the reception hall at the airbase before sitting down for a private dinner and party.

The McWalters had originally hoped to wed on the planes until the Archbishop of Canterbury said the marriage would not be legally recognised.

The adrenaline-seeking newlyweds are now heading off to enjoy a relaxing honeymoon - on safari in Tanzania.