George Boyle
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted wedding plans for many couples, with large gatherings banned and restrictions on ceremonies and receptions. In California, wedding receptions were banned under COVID-19 laws, but as of 2022, there are several outdoor wedding venues available in the state. During the pandemic, some counties in California, such as San Bernardino, only permitted outdoor wedding ceremonies, while others allowed indoor ceremonies with a maximum capacity of 25% or fewer than 100 people. As California moves past the pandemic, wedding venues are advertising outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, with capacities of up to 300 guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding receptions allowed | No, wedding receptions were banned in California during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Wedding ceremonies allowed | Yes, outdoor wedding ceremonies were permitted. |
| Capacity | No capacity restriction for ceremonies, but receptions limited to 25 people. |
| Social distancing | Required. |
| Mask-wearing | Required. |
| Dancing | Not allowed. |
| Food | Allowed, but only if the venue has a valid food handling license. |
| Drink | Allowed. |
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What You'll Learn
- Outdoor wedding receptions were banned in California during the Covid-19 pandemic
- Some counties in California allowed outdoor ceremonies but banned receptions
- California wedding receptions are subject to rules regarding dancing and food handling licenses
- Wedding ceremonies are allowed if everyone is 2 metres apart, but the same doesn't apply to receptions
- Wedding receptions are allowed in California if they're held in an approved event space
Outdoor wedding receptions were banned in California during the Covid-19 pandemic
During the pandemic, wedding industry data showed that the number of weddings in California was expected to drop by 50% compared to the previous year. Many weddings that did take place were ""micro weddings," with smaller, more intimate events. While some couples chose to postpone their weddings, others opted to hold a wedding immediately and plan a reception for their one-year anniversary, hoping that it would be safer to gather by then.
In early October 2020, San Bernardino County only permitted outdoor wedding ceremonies, and receptions were not allowed under California guidelines for Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The color-coded tier system in California provided guidelines for wedding ceremonies but not receptions. The purple tier for the hardest-hit counties permitted outdoor-only ceremonies, while the red tier allowed indoor ceremonies with a maximum of 25% capacity or fewer than 100 people.
Despite the ban on outdoor wedding receptions, there were some who allegedly broke the rules. In August 2020, Diana Becton, the district attorney for Contra Costa County, was accused of breaching Covid lockdown rules by hosting a backyard wedding reception for dozens of guests. Becton claimed that the event did not break any rules as outdoor religious ceremonies were allowed at the time, and she had sought advice from public health officials beforehand. However, neighbors reported that the event continued late into the evening with loud music, indicating that it was a reception rather than a ceremony.
The ban on wedding receptions in California during the Covid-19 pandemic sparked some controversy, with some questioning why large protests and rallies were allowed without social distancing while wedding receptions were prohibited. The California Department of Public Health stated that guidelines for weddings had not yet been issued and that additional guidance would be provided as the state progressed through its reopening stages.
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Some counties in California allowed outdoor ceremonies but banned receptions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some counties in California allowed outdoor wedding ceremonies but banned receptions. This was part of a colour-coded, tier system for business activity that provided guidelines for wedding ceremonies, but not receptions. The purple tier, for the hardest-hit counties, permitted outdoor-only ceremonies, while the red tier, which applied to Riverside County in early fall, allowed indoor ceremonies with a maximum of 25% capacity or fewer than 100 people. However, wedding receptions were not allowed under the guidelines for Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
In early October 2020, San Bernardino County only permitted outdoor wedding ceremonies. Contra Costa County, one of the counties hardest hit by COVID-19, allowed outdoor religious ceremonies but banned wedding receptions. California Democrat Diana Becton, the district attorney for Contra Costa County, was accused of breaking COVID-19 rules by hosting a backyard wedding with dozens of guests in August 2020. Becton denied breaking the rules, stating that all guests were temperature-tested, wore masks, and were seated at socially distanced tables.
The ban on wedding receptions in California was controversial, with some arguing that it was discriminatory given that large protest marches and rallies were allowed without social distancing. In addition, venues such as Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo were allowed to reopen as long as they maintained sanitation and social distancing guidelines. Wedding industry data showed that the number of weddings in California was expected to drop by 50% in 2020 due to the pandemic and state guidelines that only permitted ceremonies.
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California wedding receptions are subject to rules regarding dancing and food handling licenses
For instance, in San Diego County, couples are allowed to host a post-wedding dinner with guests at a restaurant as long as the restaurant meets county guidelines for capacity, social distancing, and seating arrangements for household members. In San Bernardino County, only outdoor wedding ceremonies are permitted as of early October.
In terms of food handling licenses, anyone who handles food for others in California, including restaurant, cafe, and food truck workers, must obtain a California Food Handler Card, also known as a food handler's license or food handler certificate. This license demonstrates that the individual has completed a food safety training course and passed an exam. The course covers topics such as safe food storage, cooking, and maintaining safe temperatures for all foods. The license typically costs $10 or less per person and must be renewed every three years. It's important to note that some counties in California, such as Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego, have distinct exams and requirements for food handlers.
Additionally, restaurants serving alcohol in California must obtain the appropriate liquor license and adhere to local laws regarding alcohol sales. This includes training staff to recognize intoxicated patrons, understanding the legal drinking age, and following specific rules for selling alcohol in different areas. By enforcing these licensing requirements, customers can have peace of mind that their food and drinks are handled safely and responsibly.
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Wedding ceremonies are allowed if everyone is 2 metres apart, but the same doesn't apply to receptions
Wedding ceremonies are allowed in California if everyone is 2 metres apart, but wedding receptions are subject to different rules. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, California state guidelines have only permitted wedding ceremonies, with receptions being prohibited. This has led to a rise in "micro weddings", smaller, more intimate events, and outdoor ceremonies.
In early October 2020, San Bernardino County only permitted outdoor wedding ceremonies. The purple tier of California's colour-coded, tier system for business activity, which applies to the hardest-hit counties, also only permits outdoor-only ceremonies. Riverside County, which was in the red tier, allowed indoor ceremonies with a maximum of 25% capacity or fewer than 100 people.
Wedding receptions, however, are a different matter. Wedding industry data has shown that the pandemic has disrupted the wedding industry, with many couples forced to cancel or postpone their weddings. In 2020, the number of weddings in California was expected to drop by 50% compared to the previous year.
Some couples have opted to hold a wedding ceremony and plan a reception for their one-year anniversary, hoping that it will be safer and legal for everyone to participate by then. However, the ban on wedding receptions has been a controversial topic, with some questioning why large protests and rallies have been allowed without social distancing, while wedding receptions are still restricted.
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Wedding receptions are allowed in California if they're held in an approved event space
Wedding receptions in California have been impacted by the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, some wedding receptions were banned under California coronavirus laws that prohibited events where people were unlikely to adhere to mask-wearing and social distancing rules. However, wedding ceremonies were allowed to take place, provided that everyone was 2 meters apart.
Wedding receptions are allowed in California if they are held in an approved event space. The rules for rented meeting and event spaces outline a 25% capacity, with a maximum of six people per table and no dancing. An approved event space must have a valid food-handling license, which would qualify it as a "restaurant" and therefore an operator that can control food handling and safety.
Some counties in California have been more severely impacted by COVID-19 than others, and the reopening of their economies has been more gradual. For example, San Bernardino County permitted only outdoor wedding ceremonies as of early October 2020. Riverside County was in a similar situation, with only outdoor-only ceremonies permitted under the purple tier of the state's tier system for business activity.
There are many approved outdoor wedding venues in California, including in Northern California, where there are venues in Carmel Valley, Sonoma Wine Country, Santa Cruz, and Cloverdale. These venues offer various services and amenities, such as sprawling lawns, accommodations, views of mountains and beaches, and included or external catering options.
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Frequently asked questions
Outdoor wedding receptions were banned in California during the pandemic. However, outdoor wedding ceremonies were allowed as long as everyone was 2 meters apart.
Indoor wedding receptions were also banned in California during the pandemic. However, some indoor ceremonies were allowed, with a maximum capacity of 25% or fewer than 100 people.
Wedding receptions could be held in an event space if the space had a valid food-handling license, which would classify it as a "restaurant." In this case, the event space would be subject to restaurant rules, which allow food and drink to be served.
Examples of outdoor wedding venues in California include the Mountain House Estate in Cloverdale, Gardener Ranch in Carmel Valley, and The Ranch at Lake Sonoma.
Some couples chose to hold a small wedding ceremony and postpone the reception until a later date, such as their one-year anniversary, when it would hopefully be safer to gather.
