So can I have my wedding now, will my guests have to wear masks, and are we allowed to dance? As Boris Johnson pauses Freedom Day, we answer the vital questions on how your nuptials could be affected

  • The 30-guest limit is being removed for services and receptions from Monday
  • Guests to be seated in groups no bigger than six and tables socially distanced 
  • Hospitality venues such as hotels will have to do risk assessments for weddings

By MARTIN BECKFORD, POLICY EDITOR

Published: | Updated:

Can I have a big wedding now?

Yes – as long as your venue is big enough. The 30-guest limit is being removed for services and receptions from Monday.

What Covid curbs will remain in place?

Guests will have to be seated in groups no bigger than six and the tables will have to be socially distanced. This means small venues will not be able to accommodate large numbers.

Do guests have to wear masks?

Yes, they will have to wear face coverings throughout the ceremony and at receptions, except when sat at a table.

The 30-guest limit is being removed for services and receptions from Monday. (Stock image)

The 30-guest limit is being removed for services and receptions from Monday. (Stock image)

How can we decide on a safe number?

Hospitality venues such as hotels will have to do risk assessments for planned weddings to see how many people can be accommodated while maintaining social distancing. 

The Government says it will also publish a simple risk assessment for couples to follow if they want more than 30 people see them get married on private land.

Can we dance?

Newlyweds can enjoy the traditional first dance. But at private weddings, dancing will remain against the Government’s guidance, as will guests singing. And commercial venues will still be legally required to keep their dance floors closed.

 

Guests will have to be seated in groups no bigger than six and the tables will have to be socially distanced. (Stock image)

Guests will have to be seated in groups no bigger than six and the tables will have to be socially distanced. (Stock image)

Can we have other entertainment?

Existing government guidance remains in place, which permits professional performers as long as they can socially distance, and recommends they play outdoors. Other popular activities such as photo booths and the signing of guest books are discouraged.

Do marquees count as indoors or outdoors?

If two sides of the canvas are lifted up, a marquee reception is counted as being outdoors.

How many can attend a home wedding?

If it’s inside, only six. But the limit is increased to 30 if it is a ‘deathbed’ ceremony when bride or groom is ‘seriously ill and not expected to recover’.

Most watched News videos