Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations

Summary of changes from 21 June

From 21 June the rules for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies; and wedding receptions and civil partnership celebrations will change.

From 21 June, there will no longer be a maximum number cap for attendees set out in law. Instead, the number of attendees at weddings, civil partnerships and receptions will be determined by how many people the venue or space can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place. This will be based on the risk assessment of the venue or outdoor space, and the measures put in place to limit the spread of .

In a COVID-secure venue, where the premises are operated or used by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body (such as a place of worship or a hospitality venue) your venue manager will need to tell you the maximum number of people who will be able to attend.

For events taking place in other venues, (such as a garden of a private home or on private land), organisers will need to make the space as safe as possible. A marquee or other structure in a private garden must have at least 50% of its walled area open at any time for it to be classed as 'outdoors' and for the limit based on safe capacity to apply.

If you plan on having more than 30 people in your chosen venue or outdoor space, you must do this by completing a risk assessment to determine how many attendees will be able to attend, and following this guidance to make the event as safe as possible. Please see information below on what a risk assessment is and how to complete one.

These events must not happen indoors at private dwellings, unless they are urgent marriages where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover. These can take place in private dwellings with up to 30 people. This includes enclosed structures in gardens of private homes.

Some restrictions on ceremonies and receptions remain in place to enable them to take place safely. This includes Step 3 requirements on table service, face coverings, social distancing, and restrictions on dancing and singing.

Viewings can continue to take place with appropriate mitigation measures in place at any venue which is not required in law to remain closed. This includes, for example, any restaurant or indoor visitor attraction.

Introduction

Marriages and civil partnerships are a vital part of our society, uniting couples to start their new life together and affording certain legal rights. These ceremonies are often followed by receptions and other celebrations attended by guests that are known to one another. However, by their very nature, in bringing families and friends together, they are social events which are particularly vulnerable to the spread of and restrictions have therefore been necessary to reduce the risk of transmission.

This guidance has been drafted on the basis of the scientific evidence available and will continue to be updated in line with the changing situation and as more data becomes available on .

The government has been working closely with stakeholders in the wedding industry and the Places of Worship Taskforce to consider how we are able to allow marriages and civil partnerships, including receptions and celebrations, to take place safely.

This guidance is of a general nature. For specific scenarios you're advised to refer to the legislation.

Purpose of this guidance

This guidance is designed to assist people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England and venues that host ceremonies and receptions, to enable them to prepare for these events in accordance with the associated legislation.

The guidance sets out how this can be done in a manner that is safe and complies with legal requirements and social distancing guidelines. This will minimise the risk of exposure to infection for all individuals attending the event, including those who work at the venues.

This guidance does not set out how to meet the requirements for a valid marriage, or civil partnership under the law of England and Wales, including any preliminary requirement as to where marriage and civil partnership ceremonies can be held. This guidance also does not cover urgent marriages or civil partnerships which require particular guidance from local authorities.

This guidance applies to all weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and formations taking place in England under the law of England and Wales, as well as wedding and civil partnership receptions and celebrations.

Alternative wedding ceremonies that are not binding under the law of England and Wales, whether religious, belief based, blessings, or other forms of non-statutory ceremony, are also covered by this guidance.

Those wishing to conduct them should also refer to other government guidance on gatherings. As alternative ceremonies do not take place under the law of marriage formation in England and Wales, they neither create a legally valid marriage nor confer the rights and protections that flow from one. A definition of alternative wedding ceremonies is contained with the regulations.

Those wishing to conduct a religious ceremony should refer to the places of worship guidance.

Definitions for the purpose of this guidance

'Alternative wedding ceremony'

A ceremony, including a ceremony based on a person's faith or belief, or lack of belief, to mark the union of two people, but that is not legally binding under the law of England and Wales.

'COVID-secure venue'

A COVID-secure venue is one which is operated or used by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body, for example a place of worship or a registry office, where appropriate measures will have been taken to stop the spread of . In a COVID-secure venue, a risk assessment has been carried out, the capacity is set in line with guidance to allow for social distancing, there is adequate ventilation to bring fresh air in, and surfaces which people touch often are cleaned frequently.

'Garden of a private home'

A COVID-secure venue is one which is operated or used by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body, for example a place of worship or a registry office, where appropriate measures will have been taken to stop the spread of . In a COVID-secure venue, a risk assessment has been carried out, the capacity is set in line with guidance to allow for social distancing, there is adequate ventilation to bring fresh air in, and surfaces which people touch often are cleaned frequently.

'Household' and 'Support Bubble'

A household is a person or a group of people who live together in the same accommodation. A support bubble is a close support network which links 2 households. For further information on support bubbles, please refer to the guidance on making a support bubble with another household.

'Marriages' and 'civil partnerships'

The ceremony of solemnisation of marriage or formation of a civil partnership which includes the usages or requirements for the marriage or civil partnership to be legally binding under the law of England and Wales and may include other elements (which are not legally required).

'Must'

Where the guidance states that an activity must take place this is because it's a requirement under law.

'Officiant'

A person acting in an official capacity. This could be a person with certain legal responsibilities at the ceremony, such as a registration official or authorised person, or a minister of religion solemnising the marriage.

'Other venue'

These are venues where the premises are not operated or used by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body. This includes places such as gardens of private homes. It does not include indoors in private homes, including enclosed structures in private gardens of private homes. A marquee or other structure in a private garden must have at least 50% of its walled area open at any time to for it to be classed as 'outdoors' and for the limit based on safe capacity to apply.

'Reception' and 'celebration'

A gathering of people to mark the occasion of the marriage or civil partnership of a couple, usually involving a sit-down meal.

'Risk assessment'

A risk assessment is an exercise that you carry out to identify potential risks at the event and then work out how to minimise the risks.

It's a legal requirement for a risk assessment to be completed for a COVID-secure venue. This will typically be completed by the venue manager.

If you're organising an event in the garden of a private home, in a public outdoor place, or on private land with more than 30 attendees, it's a legal requirement for you to complete a risk assessment and follow the actions identified within it. The organiser of the event is required to complete the risk assessment.

See the simple guidance for what you should include in a risk assessment. All parties should take all reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission of during the event. This will include completing all responsibilities under the risk assessment as well as the actions outlined in this guidance, to ensure the event takes place in a safe and secure way.

'Should'

Where the guidance states that an activity should take place this is not a legal requirement under law. However it's strongly advised that consideration is given to following the advice being provided to reduce the risk of transmission of .

'Third-party supplier'

Any other individuals providing a service on site for receptions and celebrations. This can be either during the event itself, or prior to/following the event for the purposes of preparing and/or tidying up.

'Venue'

This includes any location at which a legally binding marriage or civil partnership can take place. It also covers any location where an alternative wedding ceremony, wedding reception or civil partnership celebration can take place.

'Venue managers' or 'organiser'

The person or persons responsible for the management of a venue or event, including an assessment of compliance with the following guidelines.

'Visitor', 'attendee' or 'guest'

Individuals entering a venue for the purpose of attending a marriage, civil partnership formation, alternative wedding ceremony, reception or celebration.

Summary of what you can and cannot do

The government published the ' Response - Spring 2021 ' setting out how restrictions will be eased in England, including a staged return of weddings, civil partnerships, receptions and celebrations.

Until 17 May

The guidelines under Step 3, from 17 May will continue to apply until 11:55pm on 20 June. They are set out below.

Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are permitted for up to 30 people in COVID-secure venues that are permitted to open.

Alternative wedding ceremonies, and weddings under the law of England and Wales are permitted to take place outdoors, with up to 30 people, including in COVID-secure venues or gardens of private homes.

Receptions, celebrations and viewings

Receptions and celebrations are permitted to take place with up to 30 people. They can take place either indoors in a COVID-secure venue (this does not include private homes), or outdoors (which does include gardens of private homes). Although there is no requirement to be COVID-secure in a garden of a private home, the organiser should take all reasonable steps to limit the risks of transmission and must adhere to the gathering limit of up to 30 people. If the event is taking place outdoors, it can be partially sheltered with, for example, a marquee, provided that at least 50% of the walled area remains open.

Any venue which is not required in law to remain closed will be able to host events and allow viewings with appropriate mitigation measures in place. This includes, for example, any restaurant or indoor visitor attraction.

From 21 June

From 21 June the maximum number of attendees at a wedding, civil partnership ceremony, reception or celebration held in a COVID-secure venue (which is operated or used by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body) or other outdoor venue (such as a garden of a private home) will be determined by how many people (including children) a venue can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place. Social distancing will help keep staff and guests safe. These events must not take place inside private homes except in line with indoor social contact limits of 6 individuals, or 2 households. The only exception is urgent marriages where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover (these can go ahead with up to 30 people inside private homes).

Risk assessments

It's a legal requirement for a risk assessment to be completed for the COVID-secure venue at which a wedding, civil partnership ceremony, reception or celebration is being held. This will generally be undertaken by the venue manager or event organiser.

The requirement to complete a risk assessment also applies to all events with over 30 attendees (including the bride and groom) that are taking place in venues that are other venues (including in gardens of private homes). There is separate guidance on how to complete a risk assessment in these venues.

All parties should take all reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission of during the event. This will include completing all responsibilities under the risk assessment as well as the actions outlined in this guidance, to ensure the event takes place in a safe and secure way.

Venue capacity in COVID-secure venues

As part of the duty on venue managers and organisers to limit health and safety risks, a safe capacity for the venue should be established.

This number should enable members of staff, anyone conducting or supporting the event, and customers or guests (including children) to be socially distanced within the venue. Space in communal areas like waiting areas and corridors should be considered when setting the safe maximum number of attendees.

Guidance on meeting family and friends has been updated, with a greater emphasis on personal responsibility. Friends and family therefore may choose not to socially distance based on their understanding of the risks this involves. However, venue managers and organisers should consider how to enable social distancing between attendees, so that those who wish to maintain social distancing are able to.

Venues should decide to remain closed or not proceed with a wedding, civil partnership ceremony, reception or celebration if the event is not able to safely adhere to the guidelines outlined. Venue managers and organisers should notify the police and/or local authority if they reasonably believe that the numbers attending are likely to exceed their expectations and significantly breach the safe capacity of the venue, despite the steps they have taken to prevent this, or if the numbers in attendance have unexpectedly exceeded the safe capacity of the venue. The enforcing authority can then decide the most appropriate enforcement.

Steps to take when holding an event in other venues, including a garden of a private home, on private land, or in a public outdoor place

If you're hosting your event outdoors in your garden, on private land, or in a public outdoor place (such as a park or countryside accessible to the public) you may have up to 30 attendees (including the couple and anyone working) without conducting a risk assessment.

It's a legal requirement for a risk assessment to be completed for these events as well except for events taking place outdoors where there will be 30 attendees or less. This will generally be undertaken by the organiser. This may be the couple if the event is being organised in a garden of a private home.

Everyone should take all reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission of during the event. This will include completing all responsibilities under the risk assessment as well as the actions outlined in this guidance, to ensure the event takes place in a safe and secure way.

As part of this risk assessment, you should ensure your outdoor space is able to accommodate your guests with 2 metre social distancing (or 1 metre plus with mitigations - including being outdoors) so that they may choose to distance if they wish or need to. You must not invite more than can be safely accommodated.

Necessary precautions when holding an event

There are some steps you should take in order to ensure the safety of your guests and anyone working at your event. These include:

• completing a risk assessment
• taking all reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission
• following the relevant COVID-secure guidance

You do not need to send your risk assessment to anyone but you should keep it updated in the run up to the event.

As part of this risk assessment, you should ensure your outdoor space is able to accommodate your guests (including children) with 2 metre social distancing (or 1 metre plus with mitigations) so that they may choose to distance if they wish or need to. You must not invite more than can be safely accommodated.

When hosting an event in an outdoor space, you should continue to follow the guidance set out on this page, including providing table service (where alcohol is served), ensuring that attendees consume food and drink whilst seated, and limiting singing and dancing.

How to complete a risk assessment

Please see our guidance for organisers of weddings in your garden, on private land, or in a public outdoor space.

Social distancing measures

At Step 3 from 17 May, the guidance on meeting friends and family changed, with a greater emphasis on personal responsibility. Instead of instructing people to stay 2 metres away from anyone they do not live with, people are encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with and actions to take to help keep friends and family safe.

You should always make space for other people to keep their distance if they want to. Close contact, including hugging, increases the risk of spreading .

If it's not possible to keep 2 metres distance, reduce the risk to yourself and others at 1 metre by taking suitable precautions:

• limit the number of people or households that you come into contact with
• sit or stand side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them
• meet people outdoors, rather than indoors
• keep interactions brief
• increase ventilation
• avoid loud talking or singing with others

Please refer to the guidance on meeting friends and family for further information and the actions to take to reduce the chance of spreading .

Face coverings and hygiene

In England, at Step 3, face coverings are required by law to be worn in many indoor settings, including places of worship. Attendees and staff at a wedding ceremony or reception must wear a face covering (except when eating or drinking), unless exempt. Read more about when to wear a face covering and how to make your own.

There are valid exemptions for some individuals and groups to not wear a face covering in these settings. In particular, those who are leading services or events in a place of worship. Those exemptions will also cover the couple being married or joined in a partnership and those officiating at the wedding. This exemption does not apply to those observing the wedding, who should wear face coverings consistent with the requirements for any other public space.

There is no legal requirement to wear a face covering when outdoors at a ceremony or reception. This includes when taking place in a marquee, provided at least 50% of the walled area is open for it to be classed as 'outdoors'.

Employers must not, by law, prevent their staff or any other person present from wearing a face covering where they are required to do so.

For further information, please refer to the guidance on the wearing of face coverings at a place of work and guidance on face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one.

Venue managers should provide hand sanitiser at convenient points throughout the venue and encourage attendees to use it.

Attendees, including children, should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with running water and soap frequently throughout the day, or use hand sanitiser ensuring that all parts of the hands are covered.

The police have the powers to enforce the wearing of face coverings, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notices) of £200, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £6,400.

People who have symptoms should not attend

Any guests or those involved in the ceremony or reception who have symptoms of (a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell), should not attend. They should immediately self-isolate, follow the stay at home guidance, and request a test online, or by contacting NHS 119 via telephone if you do not have internet access. Remote participation should be considered, for example by live streaming.

If either member of the couple has symptoms of , the ceremony should not go ahead.

People who are required to self-isolate

If you have been instructed by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate because you have tested positive for , or you're the close contact of someone who has tested positive for , you must self-isolate and not attend a wedding or civil partnership ceremony due to the risk you pose to others. Please refer to guidance for households with possible or confirmed infection.

Protecting the vulnerable

If you're clinically extremely vulnerable, you will have received a letter to inform you of this and you may have been advised to shield in the past.

If you're clinically extremely vulnerable, you're able to attend weddings but you may want to consider taking extra precautions to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus. Organisers and venue managers should follow the guidance on protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. You may wish to participate remotely if possible but if you do choose to attend, you're advised to inform those organising the wedding and you should minimise close contact with others, especially in larger groups, continue to wash your hands regularly, and practise social distancing (unless you make a personal choice to not distance from friends and family, as outlined above).

If you become aware that someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable will be attending a wedding, you should:

• enable them to participate remotely where this is possible
• encourage other attendees to remember that some people are more vulnerable than others
• ensure attendees are aware that there are other attendees who are clinically extremely vulnerable and of their need to minimise close contact, especially in larger groups

Young people and children

Parents or guardians should ensure children frequently wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with running water and soap and dry them thoroughly or use hand sanitiser ensuring that all parts of the hands are covered. When interacting with friends and family, minimise how many people they are in close contact with, and for how long - remembering that some people are more vulnerable than others. Please see guidance on meeting friends and family.

Outdoor playgrounds are permitted to open where venue managers risk assess that it's safe to do so and ensure facilities are cleaned regularly. Any indoor shared facilities for children, such as play corners, soft furnishings, soft toys and toys that are hard to clean, should be removed or closed. Under Step 3, such indoor facilities are open in line with the guidance on soft play areas. Particular attention should be paid to cleaning surfaces frequently touched by children and those that are at child height.

When calculating the safe capacity of your venue, this number should include children of all ages who are attending.

During marriage or civil partnership ceremonies

It's advised that ceremonies and services should be concluded in a reasonable time. Couples should therefore discuss the content of their ceremony with the officiant. Religious communities should therefore adapt traditional religious aspects, especially where celebrations would otherwise have taken place over a number of hours, or even days, to ensure the safety of those present and minimal spread of infection.

No food or drink should be consumed as a part of the marriage or civil partnership ceremony unless required for the purposes of solemnisation.

Venues and places of worship are able to provide food and drink but should adhere to the guidance on hospitality at this step, including that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that individuals remain seated whilst consuming food or drink. This sharing of vessels or glasses, including where part of a religious service, should be avoided. More detail can be found in the places of worship guidance.

Washing/ablution rituals

Please see the places of worship guidance for advice on the use of water in rituals.

Handling objects and communal resources

Venue managers should take steps to prevent visitors from touching or kissing devotional and other objects that are handled communally. Where shared items are required, hands should be washed before and after. The items should be handled by as few people as possible. Barriers or clear signage should be put in place where necessary.

Books, reusable and communal resources such as service sheets, prayer mats, or devotional material should be removed from use. Single use alternatives can be provided as long as they are removed by the attendee. Items owned by individuals for use in the ceremony or registration (such as a prayer mat or religious text, a pen for the signing of the register) may be brought in but should be removed after the marriage or civil partnership.

Where possible, venue managers should discourage cash donations and continue to use online giving resources where possible minimising contact around transactions. Regular cleaning and hygiene should be maintained and gloves worn to handle cash.

Faith and belief marriage rituals

If a faith or belief marriage ritual or ceremony is taking place as a wedding reception, it should take place within a reasonable timeframe alongside the legal solemnisation of the marriage.

Singing

Congregational and communal singing is strongly advised against. spreads from person to person through small droplets, aerosols and through direct contact. Singing, playing some musical instruments, shouting and physical activity increases the risk of transmission through small droplets and aerosols.

Venues for weddings and civil partnerships

Under Step 3, marriage and civil partnership formations must only go ahead where they can be done in a COVID-secure venue or in other venues where appropriate mitigations have been taken. Such gatherings cannot by law take place indoors at private dwellings, unless they are urgent marriages where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover ('deathbed weddings'). These can take place inside private dwellings with up to 30 people. Receptions must also not take place indoors in private homes, except in line with social contact limits of 6 individuals, or 2 households.

Viewings can take place in venues permitted in law to be open at each step, but must take place in accordance with social contact rules. Under Step 3 only those venues which remain closed in law (for example nightclubs) will be unable to host viewings, ceremonies, or receptions and celebrations.

Singing, music, and entertainment

spreads from person to person through small droplets, aerosols and through direct contact. Singing, playing some musical instruments, shouting and physical activity increases the risk of transmission through small droplets and aerosols. Steps should be taken to reduce the risk of transmission. This includes limiting the number of individuals participating as far as possible.

Singing should follow the principles for safer singing, and any performances should follow the performing arts guidance. This applies to the performers and audience.

Under Step 3, indoor and outdoor professional performances can take place, including at a ceremony or reception. Although there is no limit on the number of professional performers that can perform at a ceremony or reception, the number should be determined by how many the venue can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place between the performers and guests. Performances should follow the guidelines as set out in the performing arts guidance.

Amateur choirs, bands, or musicians should only perform in a group of up to 6 indoors. Outdoors, they may perform in groups of up to 30.

All performances should follow the principles for safer singing and performing arts guidance. Communal singing should not take place indoors.

To minimise risk of droplet and aerosol transmission from the combined attendees including the performer/s, audience, wedding party and associated staff and site providers, outdoor performances are always preferable. Where any indoor performances are planned they should be limited in size, implement strict social distancing rules, only take place where high rates of air flow can be maintained and should use amplification systems to create volume rather than natural voices. Those planning the wedding should consider how the performers will impact the total size of the wedding party and therefore the safety of their event, although those working at the event are not included in the limits on attendees at each step. Please see the performing arts guidance for advice on how to manage this.

All venues should ensure that steps are taken to mitigate the increased risk of virus transmission associated with aerosol production from raised voices, such as when speaking loudly or singing loudly, particularly in confined and poorly ventilated spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, lowering the volume of background music, and refraining from playing music or broadcasts that may encourage shouting, particularly if played at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult. Evidence on the most effective steps that can be taken to limit the transmission of the virus continues to be reviewed. This guidance may be updated in the future in response to changing scientific understanding.

Other activities

Dancing is advised against due to the increased risk of transmission, except the couple's 'first dance'. Dancefloors and other spaces for dancing must remain closed but can be repurposed for additional customer seating or other relevant purposes, ensuring this is in line with the social distancing guidelines.

Any other activities at a reception, including those that involve or are watched by attendees (such as cake cutting and the playing of games) can take place. In line with the updated advice on personal contact between family and friends, guests should exercise caution by minimising how many people they are in close contact with, and for how long, remembering that some people are more vulnerable than others. Please see guidance on meeting friends and family.

Other objects in the reception venue being touched by several people (such as guest books, polaroid camera stations or games) should be minimised and hand sanitisation encouraged both before and after contact.

Speeches should be undertaken outside or in well ventilated areas wherever possible. Ventilation with external air should be maximised in all buildings where people are gathering. For example, windows and doors should be opened as much as possible, and the sides of marquees removed or rolled up throughout the event and when groups of staff are preparing and clearing away. At least 50% of the wall area of the marquee must be open for the venue to be classed as 'outdoors'. Air conditioning systems using recirculated air are not advised. PA systems should be utilised wherever possible to help amplify speeches without speakers needing to raise their voices. Social distancing between the speaker and observers should be maintained at all times and neither speakers nor participants should raise their voices, to avoid the increased risk from aerosol transmission.

Serving and consuming food and drink

Where food and drinks are consumed, staff and attendees should follow the guidance for restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services. This includes informing people of the requirements in relation to face coverings and ensuring that employers do not knowingly allow a worker (including agency workers) who is required to self-isolate to come to work. Regulations now require certain businesses to implement specific aspects of this guidance, or pay a fine of up to £10,000 (fixed penalty notice).

Under Step 3, if the event is taking place at a COVID-secure venue where alcohol is served, all food and drink (including non-alcoholic drink) must be ordered, served and consumed by the customer while seated at a table.

Businesses that sell alcohol must introduce systems to take orders and payment from seated customers, instead of at a bar or counter. Any premises wishing to avoid this requirement would need to stop serving alcohol. This has been introduced to prevent crowding and social contact. We advise that this guidance should also be followed where events take place in gardens of private homes, public outdoor places, and private land.

Businesses that do not provide alcohol but serve food or drink (licensed or not) must take all reasonable steps to ensure customers remain seated while consuming food or drink on the premises. This means that in unlicensed premises, food and drink can be purchased or ordered at a counter, but customers must sit down to consume it, even in outdoor settings. We advise that this guidance should also be followed where events take place in private gardens, public outdoor places, and private land. At Step 3, there is no requirement for guests to be placed on socially distanced tables, though they should consider the risks of not doing so, as set out in new guidance on meeting friends and family.

If the event is not taking place in a COVID-secure venue, the organiser must still take all reasonable steps to limit the risks of transmission. Where food and drinks are consumed, the guidance for restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services should be followed to reduce the risk of transmission.

Travel

You're permitted to travel to attend a marriage or civil partnership ceremony or reception in accordance with the legislation in England.

You're also able to leave England and travel to other parts of the UK (or abroad), to attend a marriage or civil partnership ceremony, again when it's taking place as set out in the legislation. This guidance is only applicable in England. Therefore, if you travel outside England to attend a wedding or civil partnership, you must follow the rules on weddings in place at your destination as well as any relevant restrictions on international travel. For further information, refer to guidance from the relevant national governments, and guidance on international travel.

Guidance for venue managers or organisers

Third-party suppliers

For suppliers present during the wedding reception or celebration, they and the venue managers should ensure that all activities undertaken are subject to a risk assessment and that they maintain social distancing during any activities the suppliers are responsible for. For hospitality services, this includes following the rules and guidance set out above.

Venue managers should ensure that all third-party suppliers follow the guidance on inbound and outbound goods as set out in the guidance on restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services.

NHS Test and Trace

The NHS Test and Trace service helps to manage the risk of the virus re-emerging. The service:

• provides testing for anyone who has symptoms of to find out if they have the virus
• gets in touch with anyone who has had a positive test result to help them share information about any close recent contacts they have had
• alerts those contacts, where necessary, and notifies them they need to self-isolate to help stop the spread of the virus

Further information can be found online including for contacts of people with possible or confirmed infection who do not live with the person and for places of work. See the guidance on NHS Test and Trace in the workplace.

All venues being operated or used by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body, should assist this service by keeping a temporary record of visitors for 21 days, and assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed for contact tracing and the investigation of local outbreaks. You should also display official NHS QR code posters so that those with the app can scan in if they choose. Find further information on maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace.

While generally consent is not always required, we do recommend that consent is collected in places of worship. This is because of the potentially sensitive nature of the data collected in these circumstances, which is protected by law. Guidance on collecting visitor details for Test and Trace, including issues around consent, is provided by the Information Commissioner's Office. You should make clear that giving contact details is optional and is not a condition of attending your place of worship.

When the event is taking place in a private garden, on private land or outdoors there is no legal requirement for the organiser to keep a temporary record of visitors for 21 days. However, you should provide NHS Test and Trace with guest information if requested to assist with national tracing efforts. Please also note that there is legal requirement to self-isolate when you're positive, or told to do so as a close contact by NHS Test and Trace.

Opening of the economy and public services is reliant on NHS Test and Trace being used to minimise transmission of the virus. In order to ensure that businesses and local services are able to remain open, we are now mandating that designated venues in certain sectors have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of . See the guidance on maintaining records to support NHS Test and Trace.

Enforcement

Where the enforcing authority, such as the Health and Safety Executive, your local authority, or the police, identifies employers, venues or people responsible for events that are not taking action to comply with the relevant public health legislation to control public health risks, or with health and safety legislation, they are empowered to take a range of actions to improve control of venue risks. This includes events held in gardens of private homes. Enforcement officers will take relevant guidance into account.

Businesses and others obligated to conduct a risk assessment should ensure it takes into consideration the relevant Covid-19 guidance for the event type. Failure to do so, or after completing a risk assessment, failing to put in place sufficient measures to manage the risk of , could constitute a breach of existing health and safety legislation.

COVID-secure venues

The actions the enforcing authority can take include the provision of specific advice to venues to support them to achieve the required standard, through to issuing enforcement notices to help secure improvements. Breaches of the legal requirements and failure to comply with enforcement notices can constitute a criminal offence, with serious fines and even imprisonment for up to 2 years. Penalties increase for repeated breaches under the various regulations in place for measures. There is also a wider system of enforcement, which includes specific obligations and conditions for licensed premises.

Venue managers are expected to respond to any advice or notices issued by enforcing authorities rapidly and are required to do so within any timescales imposed by the enforcing authorities. Our expectation is that venues and venue managers will act responsibly and join with the UK's fight against by working with the government and their sector bodies to protect their workers and the public. However, regulators are carrying out compliance checks nationwide to ensure that employers and venues are taking the necessary steps.

Gardens of private homes, public outdoor places and private land

Organisers of events in gardens of private homes, public outdoor places and private land (where this is not operated or part of premises used for the operation of a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution or a public body) may be liable for a £10,000 fine (fixed penalty notice) where they fail to take the required precautions when holding an event.

This includes the need to take all reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission by completing and following a risk assessment, and following the relevant COVID-secure guidance.

Other guidance

This guidance has been published alongside other specific guidance provided by the government (all of which is subject to review and update), which should be used together to ensure public safety. These include:

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