Government publishes new guidance on small marriage ceremonies and coronavirus (COVID-19)

Article summary

The government has published new guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England and Wales, and for the venues hosting such ceremonies during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The guidance is intended to assist parties in preparing for small ceremonies which will be allowed to restart in accordance with associated legislation that will come into effect on 4 July 2020. The government advises that ceremonies are kept as short as reasonably possible, limited only to the parts of the ceremony that are required for the marriage/civil partnership to be legally binding. It is advised that no more than 30 people attend the ceremony, in a coronavirus-secure venue where social distancing can be accommodated. It is strongly advised that receptions following the ceremony do not take place, however, small celebrations (with groups of up to two households indoors, or up to six people from different households outdoors) can take place if...