By Eleanor LawrieBBC News
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Plans to ease the tight restrictions on weddings have been announced as part of England and Scotland’s lockdown exit plans.
When do wedding rules change?
At the moment, ceremonies can only take place in England in exceptional circumstances – for instance, if the bride or groom is extremely ill. This is set to change:
29 March: Any single adult can get married, and six people (including the couple) can attend the ceremony12 April (at the earliest): Up to 15 people will be allowed to attend a wedding ceremony and reception, but ceremonies can only take place in places of worship, public buildings and in locations that are already permitted to open, with outdoor receptions only17 May (at the earliest): Up to 30 allowed at ceremony and reception21 June at the earliest: The government aims to remove all limits on social contact, including wedding restrictions
In Scotland from 26 April, wedding ceremonies and receptions can resume for up to 50 people, but no alcohol will be allowed at receptions.
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What are the current wedding rules around the UK?
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are currently very restricted, with receptions are not allowed in any part of the UK.
In England, wedding and civil partnership ceremonies can only take place in exceptional circumstances, for example if one of the couple is seriously ill and not expected to recover. Up to six people can attend, not including those working at the event In Scotland, ceremonies can be held with up to five people, including the couple, witnesses and the officiantIn Wales, licensed visitor attractions and hotels can open to hold wedding ceremonies. The maximum number of attendees is determined by the building’s capacityIn Northern Ireland, up to 25 people can attend a ceremony, although events with more than 15 people require a risk assessment. Face masks must be worn by guests
What should I do if I am due to get married soon?
If your day will be too different from what you wanted, it is generally better to postpone rather than cancel.
But couples ”need to be understanding” of current issues for venues and suppliers, says Henrietta Dunkley of Ellis Jones Solicitors.
image copyrightimage captionIt’s been a very difficult time for wedding venues, caterers and florists
Many companies may have lost significant sums of money, so aim for a solution that works for everyone, she advises.
For example, if the wedding was on a Saturday or in peak season and the venue can’t offer an equivalent date, it’s generally reasonable to ask for a fee reduction, or an upgrade.
What are my rights if my wedding couldn’t happen?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on consumer wedding rights.
If your wedding can’t go ahead without breaching local or national lockdown rules, you’re likely to be entitled to a refund and will not liable for future payments Your refund may also cover a ”non-refundable” deposit, although a venue or supplier can subtract ”limited” costs for services already proedA venue can also withhold money it has spent on your day that it cannot recover, such as on staff planning the wedding, but not for things like general staff costs or building maintenanceSuppliers and venues must give you a costs breakdown if they wish to withhold part of your depositimage copyrightimage captionEven if a wedding can’t take place, couples may need to pay for some of the services already received
Can I claim on wedding insurance?
Wedding insurance should not affect your right to a refund, although you are not entitled to get your money back twice.
Most insurance does not cover a ”government act”, so is unlikely to pay out if lockdowns have affected your wedding, while new wedding insurance policies are unlikely to cover coronavirus.
image copyrightimage captionIt’s a good idea to check the rules on cancellation or date changes
A few insurers have paid out under some circumstances, where the wedding was arranged before coronavirus hit.
Some policies will also pay out if your supplier or venue goes bust. If not, you may have to register a claim with the company’s administrator.
Can suppliers and venues charge me more if I postpone?
Businesses are not allowed to just hike up prices.
Ms Dunkley says some couples have found venues were charging them far more for a postponed wedding than if they were a new customer. This is unlikely to be deemed reasonable.
