Lyla Dejesus
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted wedding plans for many couples. In New Jersey, indoor weddings were banned in June 2020, but as of March 2021, Governor Phil Murphy has allowed indoor wedding receptions to operate at 35% capacity, up to 150 people. This executive order also applies to religious ceremonies, political activities, and memorial services. However, the state's rate of transmission and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 will continue to influence these restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are indoor weddings allowed in New Jersey? | Yes, as of March 3, 2021, indoor wedding receptions are allowed to proceed at 35% of an indoor venue's capacity up to 150 people. |
| Are there any restrictions? | Yes, the capacity limit excludes venue staff members, and receptions must follow indoor and outdoor dining guidance, which requires that people eat and drink while seated and wear face coverings at all other times. |
| Who allowed indoor weddings in New Jersey? | Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order allowing indoor wedding receptions. |
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What You'll Learn
Indoor wedding receptions allowed at 35% capacity
On March 3, 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order allowing indoor wedding receptions to operate at 35% of an indoor venue's capacity, up to 150 people. The order, which took effect on Friday, March 5, 2021, at 6:00 a.m., marked a significant shift from previous restrictions, which had banned indoor wedding receptions in the state.
The decision to allow indoor wedding receptions at limited capacity was influenced by the declining COVID-19 cases in New Jersey at the time. Governor Murphy emphasized that the state was not declaring victory over the coronavirus but acknowledged that weddings require months of planning. By increasing the capacity limit to 35%, Governor Murphy aimed to provide couples and wedding planners with more certainty and flexibility in their preparations.
This executive order applied specifically to indoor wedding receptions and did not address other types of indoor gatherings or events. It is important to note that the 35% capacity limit referred to the room in which the reception was held and excluded venue staff members. To ensure the safety of guests and staff, the receptions were still required to follow indoor dining guidance, including requiring people to eat and drink while seated and wear face coverings when not seated.
While the executive order allowed for up to 35% capacity, the total number of people permitted at indoor wedding receptions was capped at 150, including guests, staff, and vendors. This cap on attendance aimed to balance the needs of those planning weddings with the ongoing public health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order also did not change the restrictions for outdoor wedding receptions, which were allowed to have up to 150 attendees as well.
The announcement regarding indoor wedding receptions was part of a broader set of decisions made by Governor Murphy to ease restrictions in New Jersey. He also indicated that overnight camps would be allowed to resume operations during the upcoming summer season, providing clarity for families and camp organizers. Additionally, the state increased the capacity limits for many public indoor gatherings from 25% to 35%, matching the limits for restaurants and other businesses.
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Outdoor weddings allowed
On June 11, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy announced that outdoor weddings in New Jersey were allowed, but indoor receptions were banned. The order came at a time when the wedding industry was suffering due to the pandemic, with many couples having to postpone their weddings.
On March 3, 2021, Governor Murphy signed an executive order allowing indoor wedding receptions to operate at 35% capacity of the room in which they are held, up to 150 people. This order also applied to outdoor wedding receptions, which could also allow up to 150 people. The indoor and outdoor capacity limits did not include venue staff, and receptions were required to follow indoor and outdoor dining guidance, which included eating and drinking while seated and wearing face coverings at all other times.
Prior to the March 2021 order, indoor events and weddings in New Jersey were limited to 5 guests per 1,000 square feet, with a maximum of 50 guests total. Outdoor events and weddings were limited to 50 guests, unless a licensed caterer was present, in which case the limit was increased to 100 guests.
As of February 3, 2021, New Jersey increased the capacity limits for many public indoor gatherings from 25% to 35%, with a maximum of 150 people. This applied to religious ceremonies or services, wedding ceremonies, political activities, and memorial services or funerals. The increased capacity provided a small boost for smaller venues that had been restricted in the number of guests they could accommodate.
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Indoor dining guidance
On March 3, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order allowing indoor wedding receptions to operate at 35% of an indoor venue's capacity, up to 150 people. This order also applies to outdoor wedding receptions. The capacity limits exclude venue staff members, and the receptions must follow indoor and outdoor dining guidance during the pandemic. This requires that people eat and drink while seated and wear face coverings at all other times.
The indoor dining guidance for wedding receptions in New Jersey is as follows:
- People must eat and drink while seated. Standing bar or food service is not permitted.
- Guests must wear face coverings at all times except when eating or drinking.
- Social distancing rules must be followed. Tables must be six feet apart, and there should be no more than six guests per table.
- Caterers must follow all food restrictions, which differ by county.
- Entertainment is allowed as long as social distancing can be maintained. Small group bands and solo music artists are permitted in outdoor areas if they can maintain a distance of six feet from each other and any tables.
- The number of guests is limited to 35% of the room's capacity, up to 150 people. This limit does not include venue staff.
It is important to note that these restrictions may change over time, and it is recommended to check for the latest updates from official sources.
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Overnight camps allowed to resume
As of March 2021, indoor wedding receptions have been allowed to resume in New Jersey at 35% of an indoor venue's capacity, up to 150 people. This was a slight increase from the previous 25% capacity limit. The change was implemented by Governor Phil Murphy, who noted that the rate of transmission in the state was 0.95, indicating that the pandemic was under control.
Now, onto the resumption of overnight camps in New Jersey.
In June 2020, it was announced that youth summer camps in New Jersey would be allowed to resume operations from July 6 onwards. However, residential and overnight camps were not permitted at that time. Day camps were allowed to operate with COVID-19 health and safety guidelines in place, including the use of cloth face coverings for staff and campers when social distancing could not be maintained.
Governor Phil Murphy also announced that summer camps with pools would be allowed to utilize them from July 6. In March 2021, Governor Murphy stated that sleep-away camps would be allowed to safely resume in the summer of 2021. This decision was made with the understanding that camps require a long runway to plan and organize, and it was emphasized that the state was not declaring victory over the coronavirus but rather adjusting restrictions based on current conditions.
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Utility and internet shut-offs paused
On March 3, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey signed an executive order allowing indoor wedding receptions to resume at 35% of an indoor venue's capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. This came as a relief to many couples who had to postpone their weddings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which effectively wiped out spring and early summer ceremonies in 2020.
Prior to this order, indoor wedding receptions were banned in New Jersey, with only outdoor weddings being permitted. During the pandemic, the wedding industry faced significant challenges, and many couples had to make difficult decisions about their wedding plans.
In addition to the challenges faced by the wedding industry, the COVID-19 pandemic also brought about another issue: the risk of utility and internet shut-offs for hundreds of thousands of families and small businesses in New Jersey. Due to accumulated overdue bills, many residents were at risk of losing access to essential services such as electricity, gas, and water.
To address this issue, New Jersey implemented a moratorium on utility shut-offs during the pandemic. The state's investor-owned utility companies initially voluntarily committed to suspending shut-offs for non-payment. However, this voluntary commitment was ended on October 15, 2020, leaving many residents at risk of losing access to vital services.
In response, advocates urged the Governor and the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to implement comprehensive measures to prevent any utility shut-offs and provide relief for struggling residents. They emphasized the need for enhanced utility assistance measures funded by utility companies and their investors to support families facing economic hardship due to the pandemic. Additionally, Governor Murphy extended the pause on utility and internet shut-offs through June 30, providing temporary relief to residents.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, indoor weddings are allowed in New Jersey. However, there are restrictions on the number of attendees.
The maximum number of people allowed at indoor weddings in New Jersey is 150. This number includes the wedding party but excludes venue staff.
Yes, masks are required at indoor weddings in New Jersey, except when eating and drinking.
No, dance floors are not permitted at indoor weddings in New Jersey. Social distancing rules must be enforced.
