Rhiannon Hendricks
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted wedding plans worldwide, with many ceremonies and receptions being postponed or cancelled. In the UK, weddings were banned under lockdown rules, except in exceptional circumstances. As of March 2021, weddings in England were limited to a maximum of six attendees, but it was hoped that weddings would resume without restrictions by 21 June. In South Africa, weddings were permitted from 17 August 2020, with a limit of 50 attendees. This posed challenges for larger weddings, which had to be postponed. To comply with safety measures, weddings in South Africa and the UK implemented social distancing, face masks, hand sanitiser stations, and restricted certain rituals and practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding laws | Outdated and overly restrictive |
| Wedding venues | Beaches, gardens, parks, forests, cruise ships, family homes |
| Wedding planning | Timeline, checklist, budget, venue, vendors, catering, dress, invitations, favours, gifts |
| Wedding laws and religion | Jewish and Quaker weddings have more venue freedom; Church of England is prevented from holding same-sex weddings |
| Wedding laws and equality | Same-sex couples have fewer options for places of worship; civil weddings must hold ceremonies for same-sex couples |
| Wedding laws and civil liberties | Banning marriage is an extreme intrusion on civil liberties |
| Wedding laws and public health | Prohibition on large gatherings is in the public interest during a pandemic |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding laws in the UK
In the UK, there are specific requirements and procedures that must be followed to ensure that a marriage is legally recognised. Both partners must be at least 18 years old (or 16 in Scotland with parental consent). Same-sex couples who marry abroad under foreign law are recognised as being married in England and Wales.
Planning a Wedding in the UK
Planning ahead is crucial, as visa applications and the legal notice period can take time. Many couples choose to work with a wedding planner or legal expert to ensure they meet all the requirements smoothly. If you need guidance on the legal process, visa requirements, or documentation, you can contact your local register office, the UK Home Office, or an immigration solicitor for expert advice.
Legal Requirements
To be legally binding, wedding ceremonies must take place with at least two other competent people present as witnesses. The marriage register is then signed by the couple, the celebrant, and the two witnesses. Civil marriages may not take place in religious venues but can take place in other licensed venues.
Religious Ceremonies
If you're planning a religious ceremony, it's important to note that while some religious groups, such as certain branches of Christianity and Judaism, now support same-sex marriages, others may not. It's advisable to check with your chosen celebrant or church to ensure they can legally conduct your wedding.
Wedding Trends in 2025
The 2025 wedding season is expected to showcase a mix of timeless romance, creative personalisation, and eco-conscious celebrations. Couples are leaning towards a more natural, effortless style that complements outdoor venues, barn weddings, or intimate ceremonies. Candlelight is taking centre stage, with couples embracing tall, tapered candlesticks and pillar candles to create a romantic and dramatic atmosphere.
Additionally, couples are increasingly focusing on capturing their weddings not just for photo albums but also for digital platforms. They are partnering with content creators to deliver behind-the-scenes moments, guest interviews, and viral-worthy clips. Grazing tables, food trucks, and signature cocktails are also gaining popularity, reflecting couples' desires to infuse their personalities into the celebration.
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Wedding planning during a pandemic
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and a global pandemic certainly doesn't help. However, with the right approach, you can still have your dream wedding during a pandemic. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Guest Safety:
The safety of your guests is paramount. Follow the local health guidelines and restrictions to ensure your wedding complies with the necessary safety measures. This may include reducing the number of guests, implementing social distancing, and requiring masks. Be transparent with your guests about the precautions you are taking so they can make an informed decision about their attendance.
Venue and Vendors:
When choosing a venue, opt for a location that allows for social distancing and good ventilation. Consider an outdoor venue or a spacious indoor area. Be mindful of the venue's cancellation and postponement policies in case of unexpected changes. Additionally, select vendors, such as caterers, photographers, and florists, who are flexible and adaptable to potential last-minute adjustments.
Virtual Elements:
To include guests who cannot attend in person, consider incorporating virtual elements into your wedding. Live-stream the ceremony and reception so that everyone can participate, regardless of their location. You can also send virtual invitations and create online RSVP systems to keep track of guest attendance.
Timing and Flexibility:
Be prepared to adjust your wedding date if needed. Many couples are opting for longer engagements to ensure they can have the wedding they desire. Consider choosing a date during the less busy seasons, as vendors and venues may have more availability then. Keep yourself open to alternative dates to increase your chances of securing your desired venue and vendors.
Local Restrictions:
Stay informed about the local restrictions and guidelines regarding weddings. These may include limits on gathering sizes, curfews, and requirements for venues. Work closely with your venue and vendors to ensure compliance with the regulations. Remember that restrictions can change rapidly during a pandemic, so be prepared to adapt and remain flexible.
Enjoy the Process:
Despite the challenges, remember to enjoy the planning process and celebrate your love. Focus on what matters most to you and your partner, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Consider hiring a wedding planner who can guide you through the unique complexities of planning a wedding during a pandemic. They can provide valuable support and ensure that your special day runs smoothly.
Planning a wedding during a pandemic may seem daunting, but it is not impossible. By staying informed, being flexible, and prioritizing the safety of your guests, you can create a memorable and joyful celebration that complies with the necessary health guidelines. Remember, your wedding is about the love between you and your partner, and that remains the most important aspect, regardless of the circumstances.
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Wedding planning timeline
Wedding planning can be a stressful process, but creating a timeline can make the whole process much more manageable. Wedding planning timelines can vary depending on how long you have to plan the wedding, with some couples planning their wedding in as little as three months and others taking up to two years. Here is a general wedding planning timeline that you can adapt to suit your needs and preferences:
12+ Months Before the Wedding
- Discuss and decide on the wedding budget, vision, and style with your partner.
- Hire a wedding planner, if desired.
- Start researching and considering potential wedding venues and ceremony locations.
- Begin planning the guest list and deciding on the approximate number of guests.
- Pick potential wedding dates, considering any important guests' availability.
- Research wedding services and suppliers, such as photographers, florists, caterers, etc.
- If desired, have an engagement party.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
- Send 'Save the Date' cards, especially if you're getting married abroad or during a busy season.
- Start dress shopping and ordering your wedding dress, as some boutiques may consider under six months a 'rush order' and charge extra fees.
- Begin planning the hen and/or stag parties with the help of the bridal party.
- Decide on the prayers, readings, and music for the ceremony.
- Research and book your desired honeymoon destinations.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding
- Finalise your wedding guest list and send out invitations, confirming addresses and spelling.
- Choose and book your desired florist, ensuring they can deliver your vision within your budget.
- Select and order any accessories, decorations, and wedding favours.
- Plan and organise the logistics of the wedding day, including the timeline and flow of events.
- Finalise the menu and catering options, ensuring they align with your budget and tastes.
- Begin cake tasting and select a reputable baker who is available on your wedding date and can create your dream design.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding
- Host pre-wedding celebrations, such as a joint party for both sides of the wedding party.
- Buy any finishing touches and decorations for the wedding venue.
- Order your wedding guest book, stationery, place cards, signs, and menus.
- Purchase your wedding rings.
- Create a gift registry or honeymoon fund, if desired.
- Set up a wedding website to keep your guests informed about the plans and details of the wedding.
1-3 Months Before the Wedding
- Finalise all the details with your wedding planner, venue, caterers, and other suppliers.
- Confirm the timeline and schedule for the wedding day with all the relevant parties.
- Plan and organise the return or cleaning of any rented items, such as the wedding dress or tuxedo.
- Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer's contact on the wedding day.
- Enjoy your wedding day!
Please note that this timeline is a general guide, and you may need to adapt it to suit your specific circumstances and cultural context. Additionally, there may be legal requirements or restrictions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, that impact your wedding planning timeline. Always stay informed about the latest guidelines and regulations in your region.
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Wedding costs
The reception venue is often the biggest wedding expense, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total budget. Couples may also choose to hire a wedding planner, who can guide them in selecting a venue, tracking their budget, and handling logistics. The cost of a wedding planner typically amounts to about 6% of the total budget, or around $2,000 for a $33,000 wedding.
Other significant expenses include catering, which can vary based on the number of guests and the type of food and drink options provided, and entertainment, such as a DJ or band, which typically makes up about 9% of the budget, or around $3,000. Couples may also choose to allocate a portion of their budget to photography and videography, wedding attire and accessories, invitations, and rehearsal dinners.
It's important to note that the average cost is just a starting point, and each couple's budget will be unique to their circumstances and preferences. Strategic choices and careful planning can help couples reduce costs and create a memorable day that aligns with their vision and budget.
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Same-sex weddings
Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage, is the marriage of two people of the same legal sex. As of 2025, same-sex marriage is legally recognised in 38 countries, with a total population of 1.5 billion people (20% of the world's population). The most recent country to legalise same-sex marriage is Thailand.
The first same-sex couple in modern recorded history to obtain a marriage license was Michael McConnell and Jack Baker, whose marriage took place on September 3, 1971, in Minnesota, USA. The first law providing for marriage equality between same-sex and opposite-sex couples was passed in the continental Netherlands in 2000 and took effect on April 1, 2001. Since then, several TV shows and series have featured same-sex marriages, including Married...with Children, Roseanne ("December Bride"), Glee, Friends ("The One with the Lesbian Wedding"), and Modern Family, among others.
The legalisation of same-sex marriage has had positive economic effects. A study published in May 2020 by the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy found that the legalisation of same-sex marriage boosted state and local economies by an estimated $3.8 billion. The 300,000 same-sex couples who married in the U.S. since 2015 generated about $3.2 billion for local and state economies, with an additional $544 million spent by travelling wedding guests.
However, same-sex marriage is not universally accepted. Some countries, such as Nigeria and Russia, restrict advocacy for same-sex marriage. As of 2023, 35 countries constitutionally define marriage to prevent same-sex couples from marrying, with most of these provisions enacted recently. While same-sex marriage is legal in Taiwan, it is only available to Taiwanese citizens or citizens of foreign countries that recognise same-sex marriage. Notable politicians who have opposed same-sex marriage include Rick Santorum, Mike Huckabee, and Sarah Palin.
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Frequently asked questions
The UK government has not set a ban on weddings, but rather on large gatherings, which include weddings. Wedding planning is still ongoing for 2025, and new laws are being proposed to allow weddings in parks, forests, family homes, and on beaches.
The Scottish government has prohibited large gatherings such as weddings in the interest of public health. However, there is no ban on marriage, and marriages can take place during the pandemic without risking public health.
There are approximately 39,000 places of worship registered for weddings and 7,400 approved premises for civil weddings. A religious venue only needs to pay a one-off fee to be registered, while a venue for civil weddings needs to pay a considerably higher fee to renew its license every three years.
The Law Commission has proposed a series of recommendations to liberate couples from the "outdated, overly restrictive current law of weddings". The changes would allow couples to marry in a wider range of locations and give them greater freedom in their choice of wedding venue.
The Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is set to announce the plans in more detail in the coming months. The changes will come into effect before the next election.
