What are the rules for weddings and can I hold a reception?
By Eleanor Lawrie
BBC News
- Published
Restrictions on weddings have been eased across the UK - but big celebrations with lots of guests are some way off.
How are the rules changing?
What are the wedding rules in England?
Fifteen people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions - including the happy couple.
Ceremonies must take place in Covid-secure places of worship or locations already permitted to open under current lockdown rules.
Receptions must take place outdoors at Covid-secure venues and take the form of a sit-down meal.
Read the official guidance.
- 17 May (at the earliest): Up to 30 allowed at a ceremony/reception at a Covid-secure venue indoors or outdoors (including private gardens for receptions)
- 21 June (at the earliest): The government aims to remove all restrictions on weddings
What are the wedding rules in Scotland?
Fifty people (including the couple and witnesses) can attend weddings and receptions - provided venues can allow for 2m (6ft) physical distancing.
Alcohol can be served. Face coverings must be worn indoors.
It's hoped wedding rules will change next on 7 June, when Scotland will move to Covid-protection level one.
One hundred people will be allowed to meet then, but rules on social distancing and face coverings will remain in place.
What are the wedding rules in Wales?
Weddings can take place in "approved premises" with physical distancing. Venues must take all reasonable measures to minimise the risk of Covid-19 spreading.
Receptions must take place at outside venues (not private gardens) and are limited to 30 people (not including children under 11 or carers).
What are the wedding rules in Northern Ireland?
There is no limit on the number of people allowed to attend a wedding, but venues must assess how many they can safely accommodate.
Face coverings must be worn by all, except those in the marriage party.
Receptions are not permitted until at least 24 May (subject to review).
What should I do if I am due to get married soon?
If your day will be too different from what you wanted, it's generally better to postpone rather than cancel.
But couples ''need to be understanding" of current issues for venues and suppliers, says Henrietta Dunkley of Ellis Jones Solicitors.
Many companies may have lost significant sums of money, so aim for a solution that works for everyone, she advises.
For example, if the wedding was in peak season and the venue can't offer an equivalent date, it's reasonable to ask for a fee reduction or an upgrade.
What are my rights if my wedding couldn't happen?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on consumer wedding rights:
- If your wedding can't go ahead without breaching local or national lockdown rules, you're likely to be entitled to a refund and will not be liable for future payments
- Your refund may also cover a ''non-refundable'' deposit, although a venue or supplier can subtract ''limited'' costs for services already provided
- A venue can also withhold money spent on your day that it cannot recover, such as on staff planning the wedding, but not for things like general staff costs or building maintenance
- Suppliers and venues must give you a costs breakdown if they wish to withhold part of your deposit
Can I claim on wedding insurance?
Wedding insurance should not affect your right to a refund, but you cannot get your money back twice.
Most insurance doesn't cover a ''government act", so is unlikely to pay out if lockdowns have affected your wedding. New wedding insurance policies are unlikely to cover coronavirus.
Some policies will also pay out if your supplier/venue goes bust. If not, you may have to register a claim with the company's administrator.
If you paid by credit card you can claim up to £30,000 per supplier under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
If you paid on debit card, you could secure a refund under the chargeback scheme.
Can suppliers and venues charge me more if I postpone?
Businesses aren't allowed to just hike up prices.
Ms Dunkley says some couples have found venues charging far more for a postponed wedding than a new one. This is unlikely to be deemed reasonable.