Understanding the new rules about weddings

The Government has issued lengthy guidance for small weddings.

Most people will be familiar with much of the advice but if you’re getting married soon there’s bad news for lovers of live music, post-wedding celebrations and (rather bizarrely) the trumpet.

There is, however, good news for fans of hand-washing and organs but if you’re hoping for a big wedding with hundreds of guests or a nice long service, you’re going to be out of luck.

Here are the highlights of the guidance which comes into effect on July 4:

It probably goes without saying that any wedding taking place should be in line with social distancing guidelines in a COVID-19 secure environment.

Wherever possible, participants should adhere to social distancing of at least two metres, or one metre with ‘risk mitigation’.

It is also advised that the ceremonies should be concluded in the shortest reasonable time and limited to the parts that are required for the marriage to be legally binding.

No more than 30 people should attend a marriage or civil partnership. So does this mean you can automatically invite 30 guests? Unfortunately not.

This maximum number includes all those at the ceremony, including the couple themselves, witnesses, officiants and any staff who are not employed by the venue - which may include photographers, security or caterers. The only upside is that it does not include staff employed by the venue.

Any receptions are strongly advised not to take place. Small celebrations should only occur if following social distancing guidelines – i.e. in groups of up to two households indoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors.

No food or drink should be consumed as a part of the event unless required for the purposes of solemnisation (the performance of a formal marriage ceremony before witnesses).

Where the exchanging of rings is required hands should be washed before and after. The rings should be handled by as few people as possible.

People should avoid singing, shouting, raising voices and/or playing music at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult or that may encourage shouting. This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission from aerosol and droplets. The rule applies even if social distancing is being observed or face coverings are used.

Only one individual should be permitted to sing or chant, and the use of plexi-glass screens should be considered to protect guests. Instead of having communal singing in marriages, the government recommends that couples should consider using recordings.

Couples are advised not to include musical instruments that are blown into, such as trumpets. Organs, however, can be played at a ceremony.

Additionally, spoken responses during marriages or civil partnerships should also not be in a raised voice.

If you want to book us to photograph your wedding next year and it gets called off because of another outbreak of Coronavirus we will refund your deposit, no questions asked. For more details click here.