Updated guidelines for weddings in England

Here we break down the guidelines published by the Government for weddings and civil partnerships in England, including the latest changes on guest numbers…

There have been a lot of changes surrounding weddings in the last 6 months. The latest changes came yesterday when Boris Johnson announced guest numbers were to limited to 15 for weddings and receptions in England.

Below we’ve laid out some of the key wedding guidelines for you to consider;

• • Ceremonies and receptions should only take place in a COVID-19 secure environment
  • From 28 September, weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and wedding receptions are restricted to 15 people.
  • Anyone working is not counted as part of the limit.
  • Receptions must be sit down meals.
  • Within these larger gatherings, people do not need to limit their interaction to groups of 6, but social distancing should still be followed between people not in the same household or support bubble.
  • Such events should not take place in people’s private homes (or adjoining outdoor spaces like gardens), given that these will not have the same COVID-19 Secure measures in place
  • Ceremonies advised to be kept as short as reasonably possible for it to be legally binding
  • Venue managers will have discretion over when they consider it safe to open
  • All parties should adhere to social distancing guidelines (2 metres or 1 metre with risk mitigation)
  • Attendees and staff are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering
  • Attendees, including children, should frequently throughout the day wash their hands
  • Singing, shouting, and raising voices should be avoided – even if social distancing is being observed or face coverings are used.
  • The playing of instruments that are blown into should be specifically avoided.
  • Seating arrangements should follow social distancing guidance
  • Dancing should not be permitted due to the increased risk of transmission
  • From 15 August 2020 socially distanced indoor and outdoor performances to a live audience, with strict social distancing arrangements in place, can take place
  • Activities that involve objects being thrown (such as confetti or bouquet toss) or passed from person to person should be avoided to reduce the likelihood of transmission.
  • Speeches should be undertaken outside or in well ventilated areas wherever possible.
  • Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend
  • This guidance remains under review and may be updated in line with the changing situation.

Useful links with more information:

Guidance for wedding ceremonies

Guidance for Wedding receptions

Coronavirus FAQs

If you do decide to go ahead, we’ve got more details about planning a small wedding here.

(Main image credit: Rick Liston https://rickliston.com/)