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• Legally-valid wedding/civil partnership ceremonies and receptions (or other wedding celebrations) can go ahead only where they can be carried out in a Covid-19 secure environment. This means they cannot take place in private homes as these would not have the same measures in place as Covid-19 secure venues.

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• The maximum capacity for both marriage or civil partnership and reception/celebration is 30 guests and this includes the couple, guests and third party suppliers such as the photographer or security (however does not include venue staff or third-party catering staff).

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• All parties should adhere to social distancing guidelines. 2 metres or 1 metre with risk mitigation (where 2 metres is not possible), are acceptable.

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• It is at the venue manager’s discretion whether they consider it safe for the venue to be open and safe to proceed.

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• No food or drink should be consumed during the marriage or civil partnership unless required for the purposes of solemnisation.

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• Hands must be washed before and after the exchanging of rings, and rings should be handled by as few people as possible.

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• During the reception or celebration, wherever possible, all food and drinks should be served by staff to minimise customer self-service, in line with the guidance for restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services.

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• Dancing should not be permitted due to the increased risk of transmission.

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• Both professionals and non-professionals can conduct indoor performances with audiences in line with the guidelines for ‘people working in the performing arts’.

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• Other activities such as cake-cutting can take place with keeping social distancing in mind.

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• Speeches should be undertaken outside or in well ventilated areas wherever possible. Social distancing between the speaker and observers should be maintained at all times and speakers should not raise their voices.

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