Getting married during a pandemic - What are the latest rules for wedding guests?
New coronavirus regulations in force from Monday, 28 September, will limit the number of people at weddings to just 15. Since July, the limit had been 30 people. For many couples, the new rules mean yet another change of plan, and for the wedding industry, more financial uncertainty.
Rhianne Montgomery and Oliver Lucas, from Calne in Wiltshire, had originally planned a wedding for 75 people when they first booked in April 2019.
They then had to shrink the guest list to 30, and must now whittle it down by another 15. Due to a travel ban they have also had to cancel their honeymoon to Mauritius.
Despite all this, they are determined to get married this year.
The new rules affecting weddings in England from 28 September:
A maximum of 15 people at the ceremony and reception
This total includes the couple and their guests but excludes people working at the wedding, such as a registrar or photographer
The reception must be a sit-down meal in a Covid-secure venue or outdoor public space
Receptions in private homes and gardens are not allowed
People do not need to limit their interaction to groups of six, but social distancing should still be followed between people not in the same household or support bubble
According to the Government, the new guidance is being kept under review and will be updated again if and when the coronavirus situation changes.