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<p>In the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021"
target="_blank">COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021</a>, the Government has set out the
gradual and cautious approach to reopening different sectors in England, guided by
science and the data.</p><p> </p><p>We understand the unique significance that marriages
and civil partnerships hold in people’s lives, but we have to take necessary steps
to limit transmission of COVID-19. This includes restrictions on wedding and civil
partnership ceremonies, as well as other forms of social contact. By their very nature,
weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are events that bring families and friends
together, making them particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19.</p><p> </p><p>Alternative
wedding ceremonies are permitted in line with the regular wedding or civil partnership
rules, in the same locations, at each step.</p><p> </p><p>From 29 March, wedding and
civil partnership ceremonies have been able to take place indoors or outdoors in COVID-Secure
venues that are not expressly closed by the Regulations, or where a broader exemption
applies. From 12 April, 15 people are permitted to attend. This approach allows couples
to marry in legally binding licensed venues for wedding ceremonies (where outdoor
options are limited) while remaining in line with the reopening of sectors and venues
as set out in the roadmap. Wedding ceremonies should follow government guidance to
reduce the risk of transmission.</p><p> </p><p>Receptions (of up to 15 people) can
resume from 12 April. The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors
rather than indoors. That is why receptions are only permitted outdoors at this Step
and should be in a COVID-Secure venue.</p><p> </p><p>From Step 3, no earlier than
17 May 2021, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are permitted for up to 30
people in COVID-Secure venues that are not required to close, or where a broader exemption
applies. Receptions can also proceed with up to 30 people in a COVID-Secure indoor
venue, or outdoors, which includes private gardens.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance for wedding
and civil partnership receptions and celebrations can be found here - <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-wedding-and-civil-partnership-receptions-and-celebrations"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-wedding-and-civil-partnership-receptions-and-celebrations</a></p><p>
</p><p>At each step, the limits on the number of attendees includes children of all
ages, but not workers.</p><p> </p><p>For further information, please refer to the
guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships - <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships</a></p><p>
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