What are the rules for weddings and can I hold a reception?
- Published
The 30-guest limit on the number of people allowed at a wedding in England will be lifted, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said.
The announcement was made despite other Covid restrictions being extended by four weeks.
What are the new wedding rules in England?
More than 30 guests will be able to attend a wedding held outside or in a Covid-secure public venue from 21 June.
There is no set maximum number of guests that can be invited. However, venues must comply with social distancing rules, which will limit how many people they can host. They must also provide table service. Dancing and singing are still restricted.
Face coverings must be worn indoors by everyone (aged 11 and over) when not eating or drinking, unless they are exempt. This includes staff at the event, but not the couple or the person officiating.
If you are holding a wedding in an outdoors private setting - such as a garden - you need to complete a risk assessment to determine how many guests you can host safely. A marquee or other structure in a private garden must have at least 50% of its walled area open at any time for it to be classed as "outdoors".
Weddings should not be held in enclosed structures in private gardens or indoors at private houses, with the exception of urgent marriages where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover.
What are the rules in Scotland?
The number of people who can attend a wedding and reception varies:
The maximum number of people depends on the size of the venue and whether social distancing can be maintained. The marrying couple and witnesses are included in this number.
Food and drink must be served at tables. Alcohol can be served until 22:30 in level two areas, 23:00 in level one areas, and in line with local licensing laws in level zero areas.
What are the rules in Wales?
Weddings and civil partnerships can take place in "approved premises", up to the capacity of the venue given social distancing requirements.
Venues must take all reasonable measures to minimise Covid spread.
Face coverings must be worn indoors by everyone (aged 11 and over) when not eating or drinking, unless they have a reasonable excuse.
This does not apply to the married couple or the person officiating.
Wedding receptions can be in regulated venues for up to 30 people indoors (outdoors limit set by Covid-risk assessment of venue), not including children under 11. They cannot take place in private homes or gardens.
Food and drink are permitted in line with hospitality guidance.
Physical distancing should be maintained at tables to avoid households mixing.
What are the rules in Northern Ireland?
There is no limit on the number of people at a wedding, but venues must assess how many they can safely accommodate.
During the ceremony, face coverings must be worn by everyone (unless exempt), apart from the wedding couple and the person officiating.
Receptions can take place but:
- There's no restriction on the number of people at the top table, but no more than 10 people (not including children) at every other table
- You need to wear a mask when not seated
- The wedding couple can have one dance only
- Pre-recorded music is permitted at background level
An "indicative" date of 21 June (subject to 17 June review) has been set to allowed live music at "ambient levels". But dancing will still not be allowed.
What are my rights if my wedding plans were affected by lockdown?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published guidance in September 2020:
- If your wedding couldn't go ahead without breaching lockdown rules, you're likely to be entitled to a refund and won't 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 may withhold money spent on your wedding that it could not recover, such as planning, but not for things like general staff costs
- Suppliers/venues must give you a cost breakdown if they wish to withhold part of your deposit
Can I claim on wedding insurance?
Wedding insurance shouldn't affect your right to a refund, but you can't get your money back twice.
Most insurance doesn't cover a ''government act", so is unlikely to pay out if lockdowns affected your wedding.
Recent wedding insurance policies are unlikely to cover coronavirus.
Some policies will pay out if your supplier/venue has gone bust. If not, you may have to register a claim with the company's administrator.
If you paid by: