Since lockdown began on 23 March, weddings in England have been banned under almost all circumstances but the Government is now going to allow these to take place but with severe restrictions in place.
In Northern Ireland, weddings of up to 10 people are allowed outdoors. In Wales, ceremonies can also take place, but social distancing must be observed, while outdoor marriages and civil partnerships can take place in Scotland..
The Government ruling says according to The BBC website:
- Ceremonies should be kept “as short as reasonably possible” and limited as much as possible to just the parts that are legally binding
- No more than 30 people should attend
- Everyone should follow the 2m rule if possible, or 1m with extra safety measures
- No food and drink should be consumed as part of the event
- Hands should be washed before and after the exchanging of rings, and the rings should be handled by as few people as possible
- Singing, shouting or playing music at a volume that means people have to raise their voice should all be avoided. Instead of singing, recordings are suggested
- Speaking during the ceremony – for example saying the responses to the vows – should not be in a raised voice
- Playing instruments that are blown into should be avoided
- When singing or chanting is required, only one person is allowed to and the couple or venue should consider installing a clear screen
- Venues frequently used for weddings should mark the floor with tape or paint to help people maintain social distance.
The government advice also suggests changing traditional wedding layouts to avoid face-to-face seating, improving ventilation or using face masks.
The requirement to follow the 2m rule – or 1m with extra precautions – will likely rule out the tradition of a father walking his daughter down the aisle, unless they live in the same household.
The maximum number of 30 people includes everybody at the ceremony – including the couple, witnesses, officiants, guests and suppliers such as photographers and caterers.
The guidance also says receptions that “typically follow or accompany marriages or civil partnerships are strongly advised not to take place at this time”.
It says small celebrations should only take place if they follow social distancing guidelines, such as groups of up to two households indoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors.
The government says venues that do not follow the guidance could face action from the Health and Safety Executive or the local authority.
Failing to put in place sufficient measures could constitute a breach of existing health and safety legislation and venues could face enforcement notices, the guidance adds.
The 2020 spring and summer wedding season in the UK has been hit hard by the pandemic, with many couples forced to postpone their weddings.
Unity News Network (UNN) Staff Writer | To find out more details about our staff, please head to the About Us section on our website.
