COVID-19 changes to ceremonies

COVID-19 ceremony guidance - 7 March 2022

The government has removed the remaining domestic restrictions in England, There are still steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19:

• get vaccinated 
• consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
• let fresh air in if you meet indoors - meeting outdoors is safer
• get tested if you have symptoms and stay at home if positive

It’s important that we all use personal judgement to manage our own risk. All of us can play our part by exercising common sense and considering the risks.

Reducing the risk at ceremonies

There are steps everyone can take to reduce the risk of transmission at ceremonies:

• everyone should take a lateral flow test as close to the time of the event as reasonably practicable, and not attend if the result is positive
• anyone with the main symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend the ceremony 
• people should wear a face covering in enclosed and crowded spaces. People are encouraged to respect other attendees and those working at events who may wish to adopt a more cautious approach
• venues should be arranged so as to enable 2 metre distancing from the registrar and the rest of the wedding party at all times including the ceremony
• where possible, rooms should be well ventilated – even if only by opening windows

These simple measures will help to reduce risk not only to those who attend ceremonies and venue staff, but also crucially to ceremony officers, who are regularly required to attend several events over a short period of time.