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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 can take place indoors or outdoors in COVID-Secure venues
that are not expressly closed by the Regulations, or where a broader exemption applies.
Only six people are permitted to attend until Step 2, when limits will increase to
15. 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 Step 2. 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><strong><br></strong>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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