Junior Rasmussen
From July 2020, weddings were allowed to take place in the UK with certain restrictions in place. In 2021, it was announced that outdoor civil weddings would be allowed in England and Wales from July 1st until April 2022. This change will also apply to civil partnerships and will allow couples to invite more guests while adhering to social distancing measures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | July 1, 2021 |
| Location | England and Wales |
| Type of wedding | Outdoor civil weddings |
| Venue | Approved venues including hotels |
| Number of guests | Based on the amount of space available |
| Social distancing | Required |
| Face coverings | Required |
| Restrictions | Maximum of six guests per table, receptions must be table service, no singing or dancing |
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What You'll Learn
Outdoor weddings allowed in England and Wales
Outdoor weddings will be allowed in England and Wales from July 1st, 2021. This change in legislation will enable couples to host their entire civil wedding ceremony outdoors. Previously, the law stated that approved premises needed to host wedding ceremonies "in an approved room or permanent structure".
The new legislation will apply to civil partnerships as well, allowing couples to invite more guests while adhering to social distancing measures. The number of guests will be determined by the amount of space available, and social distancing and face covering protocols must be enforced. Certain restrictions will remain in place until further notice. For example, the maximum number of guests at a table will be six, and receptions must be table service. Additionally, congregational singing and dancing are advised against, although couples can still have their first dance.
This change in legislation has been designed to support couples, the wedding industry, and the hospitality industry. Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland shared that "a couple's wedding day is one of the most special times in their lives, and this change will allow them to celebrate it the way that they want". This change will also help venues meet the demand for larger ceremonies and provide greater choice for couples.
While this legislation is temporary, it will likely become permanent if it proves successful and popular. This change is especially significant as almost 75% of weddings are now non-religious, taking place on approved premises rather than in churches or other religious buildings.
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Social distancing and safety measures
In July 2021, social distancing measures and face coverings were still required at weddings in England and Wales. The number of guests was determined by the amount of space available, and certain restrictions remained in place for outdoor weddings until at least 19 July. These included a maximum of six guests per table, table service for receptions, and advice against singing and dancing.
In Ireland, weddings were allowed from 20 July 2020, with social distancing rules in place for indoor gatherings of up to 100 people.
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Guest numbers and restrictions
In 2022, weddings are expected to be back in full force, with 2.6 million weddings expected in the US, according to The Knot. Outdoor weddings are likely to remain popular, as they allow for easier social distancing. Some couples are still choosing to downsize their weddings, shifting to entirely outdoor and socially distanced weddings.
In some places, restrictions on guest numbers remain in place. In Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, for example, wedding permits have been tightened. Requests for wedding permits in the park have doubled in recent years, and park officials have limited ceremonies in six front-country areas to a maximum of 40 people. However, the park is planning to offer additional permits for weddings of less than 12 people held outside of these areas.
For couples who are planning weddings during this time of uncertainty, flexibility is key. Wedding vendors are reporting that couples are increasingly prioritising sustainability, and vendors are stepping up to meet this demand.
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Ceremonies and receptions
From July 1, 2021, couples in England and Wales will be allowed to host outdoor civil wedding and partnership ceremonies. This means that approved venues, including hotels, will be permitted to host wedding ceremonies outside. The previous law stated that approved premises needed to host wedding ceremonies "in an approved room or permanent structure". The change will also apply to civil partnerships.
The number of guests at a wedding or civil partnership ceremony can be based on the amount of space available, as long as social distancing measures and face-covering protocols are enforced. However, certain restrictions will remain in place with outdoor weddings in England and Wales until at least July 19, 2021. For example, the maximum number of guests at a table will be six, and receptions must be table service. Congregational singing and dancing are also inadvisable, although couples can have their first dance.
The new rules will also apply to private homes until at least July 19, 2021, with ceremonies continuing to be limited to six guests.
Further reforms being considered include the possibility of weddings via video conferences. A Law Commission report later in 2021 is set to suggest reforms such as allowing a wider range of locations for weddings. Reforms are planned so that all religious wedding ceremonies can take place outdoors, and these are set to require more complex changes to legislation.
In Ireland, from July 20, 2020, indoor gatherings of up to 100 people were allowed, which meant that many couples were able to have their wedding celebrations.
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Locations and venues
July is a popular month for weddings, and with good reason. The weather is usually warm, and there are fewer holidays to work around. However, this also means that popular venues and vendors are often booked up well in advance, so it's important to plan ahead.
The sunny days of July lend themselves to a variety of wedding locations and venues. From seaside ceremonies on either coast to the blue-green waters of island destinations, there are many options for couples to choose from. For those who prefer a more intimate setting, a backyard wedding can be a great option, especially with the longer days and warmer nights.
If you're looking for a more rustic feel, barn weddings with DIY touches can be a perfect choice for a July wedding. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the summer blooms and opt for a wedding in a botanical garden or a vineyard. For couples who want a more adventurous setting, national parks offer a unique backdrop for their special day.
It's important to keep in mind that July is peak wedding season in many regions, so venues and vendors may be in high demand. This can also drive up costs, especially if you need to factor in a backup plan due to unpredictable weather.
While July offers a lot of flexibility for weddings, it's worth noting that the 4th of July is a popular holiday in the US, so it may be best to avoid this date as it could conflict with guests' schedules.
Overall, July is a great month to take advantage of the summer weather and choose a location or venue that suits your style, whether it's a seaside ceremony, a rustic barn celebration, or an intimate backyard gathering.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, weddings will be allowed in July.
In England and Wales, weddings will be allowed in registry offices and other approved venues. In North Tyneside, this includes the Gateshead registry office. In Ireland, gatherings of up to 100 people will be allowed from July 20.
Yes, social distancing and face-covering protocols must be enforced. Ceremonies should be kept as short as possible and no guests with coronavirus symptoms will be permitted to attend.
Yes, outdoor weddings will be allowed in England and Wales from July 1st. This change will also apply to civil partnerships.
Yes, certain restrictions will remain in place for outdoor weddings in England and Wales until at least July 19th. The maximum number of guests at a table will be six, receptions must be table service, and dancing and singing are advised against.
