Deborah Chan
South Africa has experienced one of the most stringent lockdowns globally. During the early stages of the pandemic, weddings were prohibited under level 4 and level 5 of lockdown. However, as the country moved towards level 3, the government allowed weddings to take place with certain restrictions in place. This meant that weddings could be held in the presence of the couple, a marriage officer, and two witnesses. As the country moved to level 2, restrictions were further eased, allowing weddings with a limit of 50 guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding ceremonies allowed? | Yes |
| Number of people allowed | 50 indoors, 100 outdoors |
| Marriage certificates processed? | Yes |
| Social gatherings allowed? | No |
| Wedding venues allowed? | Yes |
| Social aspects of wedding ceremonies allowed? | No |
| Religious wedding ceremonies allowed? | Yes |
| Wedding celebrations and receptions allowed? | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Religious weddings allowed in places of worship
In South Africa, Level 3 regulations allow faith-based gatherings, which means that religious weddings are permitted in places of worship. These ceremonies must be solemnised by a religious marriage officer. Wedding celebrations and receptions are also allowed, as social gatherings are permitted under Level 3 regulations. However, there are strict conditions that must be adhered to.
Both the wedding ceremony and celebration are limited to 50 people or less for indoor venues and 100 people or less for outdoor venues. If the building is too small to accommodate 50 people with 1.5-metre social distancing, the number of attendees is limited to 50% of the building's capacity. All health protocols, social distancing measures, and curfew hours must be followed.
Places of worship are defined as "any place or premises usually used for religious purposes". This includes recognised places of worship such as churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples. Religious leaders and organisers must ensure that all congregants wear face masks and maintain proper hygiene and social distancing. Physical contact between individuals, including handshaking and hugging, is not permitted.
Singing during the wedding ceremony is restricted to solo or pre-recorded performances. If singing without a mask, the singer must maintain a distance of 2.5 metres from others. Any religious rituals that require personal contact, such as baptisms, are not allowed. It is crucial to avoid religious rituals that carry even the slightest risk of exposing attendees to danger.
While drive-in gatherings are not specifically provided for in the regulations, some churches in South Africa have held services in this manner. However, the government has intervened to limit the number of cars allowed at such gatherings. Overall, the reopening of places of worship under Level 3 restrictions aims to balance the spiritual needs of the community with the necessary safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Wedding ceremonies limited to 50 people indoors
As of 17 August 2020, South Africa moved from Level 3 lockdown to Level 2. This meant that the limit on the number of people allowed at a wedding ceremony increased from a small group of the couple, a marriage officer, and two witnesses to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
The move to Level 2 lockdown in South Africa meant that the restriction on gatherings for weddings was lifted. However, social distancing measures and health protocols must still be adhered to. This includes the wearing of masks at all times and social distancing of 1.5 meters between each person. If the building is too small to accommodate 50 people with 1.5 meters of social distancing between each person, the number of guests is limited to 50% of the building's capacity.
Faith-based gatherings are allowed under the Adjusted Level 3 Regulations, meaning that religious wedding ceremonies at churches are permitted, solemnized by a religious marriage officer. Wedding celebrations and receptions are also allowed under the Adjusted Level 3 Regulations, as social gatherings are permitted.
The Department of Home Affairs will provide marriage services under Level 3 lockdown. Couples are required to book an appointment by calling their nearest home affairs office.
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100 people allowed outdoors at weddings
As of 25 July 2021, South Africa moved to Adjusted Alert Level 3, allowing faith-based gatherings to take place, subject to certain conditions. This means that religious wedding ceremonies are allowed to take place at churches or other faith-based institutions, with a limit of 100 people outdoors, as long as social distancing measures are maintained.
The regulations do not specifically mention the wedding industry or social gatherings related to weddings. However, it is understood that the act of getting married at a place of worship and celebrating a wedding at an entertainment facility or restaurant is allowed, provided that the applicable restrictions are followed.
It is important to note that the regulations must be interpreted as a whole, and social gatherings at nightclubs are still prohibited. Therefore, wedding venues should refrain from social aspects that do not fall within the permissible components outlined in the regulations.
Previously, during Level 3 lockdown in 2020, weddings were permitted with a maximum of 50 people in attendance. This included the couple, a marriage officer, and two witnesses. Many couples chose to postpone their weddings or have intimate, secret ceremonies to adhere to the lockdown regulations.
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Social distancing and health protocols must be followed
Social distancing and health protocols are crucial components of hosting a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to ensure compliance with the regulations:
Guest Capacity and Spacing
The number of guests at a wedding is limited to 50 people for indoor venues or 100 people for outdoor venues. It is important to ensure that the venue is spacious enough to accommodate all guests with at least 1.5 meters of distance between each person. If the venue cannot accommodate 50 people with this social distancing measure in place, the number of guests must be limited to 50% of the venue's capacity or less.
Table Arrangements
To maintain social distancing, consider spacing guest tables further apart. One suggestion is to remove 2 or 3 seats from the usual 10-seater round wedding tables. This will provide more space between guests and reduce the risk of close contact.
Health and Safety Measures
All health protocols must be strictly adhered to. This includes the wearing of masks at all times and the provision of hand sanitiser for guests. Ensure that guests are reminded to wear their masks properly and that hand sanitiser stations are easily accessible and well-stocked.
Venue Considerations
When choosing a venue, consider selecting a place of worship or an established wedding venue with a restaurant, 'chapel', or entertainment facility. These venues are better equipped to adhere to health and safety protocols and can provide a safer environment for your guests.
Timing
Regulation 33(3) sets a 22:00 closing time for certain facilities. Therefore, when planning the wedding timeline, ensure that the event concludes before this time to comply with the regulations.
By following these guidelines, couples can ensure that their wedding complies with the social distancing and health protocols necessary for hosting a safe and responsible celebration during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.
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Wedding venues can host ceremonies, but not social aspects
As of February 2021, weddings are allowed in South Africa under lockdown level 3, but specific directives apply. Wedding venues can host ceremonies, but not social aspects.
The National Department of Cooperative Governance has stated that weddings are allowed under the current lockdown regulations. However, the regulations must be interpreted as a whole, comparing several regulations with one another. While the wedding industry is not mentioned specifically as an exclusion in Regulation 45, social gatherings at nightclubs are excluded. This impacts the 'social' components of hosting a wedding ceremony.
An established wedding venue can host parts of a wedding ceremony in their restaurant, 'chapel', or entertainment facility that fall within the regulations but should refrain from 'social' aspects that are not permissible. These 'social' aspects are not clearly defined, but social gatherings are prohibited, and health, social distancing, and curfew protocols must be adhered to.
During the previous level 3 lockdown in 2020, weddings were permitted with a limit of 50 guests, including the couple, a marriage officer, and two witnesses. The Home Affairs department provided marriage services and accepted requests for late registration of births.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, weddings are allowed during Level 3 in South Africa. However, there are specific directives that apply. Religious wedding ceremonies at churches are allowed with a limit of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Social distancing measures must be followed.
Social distancing measures must be followed. Masks must be worn at all times, and curfew hours must be adhered to.
Yes, marriage certificates are being processed during Level 3. Couples are required to book an appointment at their nearest home affairs office.
Yes, there is a limit of 50 guests for indoor venues and 100 guests for outdoor venues.
Yes, only religious wedding ceremonies are allowed. Social gatherings are prohibited, so wedding celebrations and receptions at nightclubs are not permitted.
