Scotland Covid-19 Wedding FAQs

Updated November 24th 2020 – If you are planning to get married in Scotland in 2020, then we’re guessing you’ve already spent hours refreshing the Scottish Government website and checking for updates. There are pages and pages of guidance to wade through, and each change brings a new set of questions. Here are the ones we’re getting asked most…

THE FIVE LEVEL SYSTEM

How does the new five level system – starting on November 2nd – affect weddings?

Under the new five level protection approach, the following number of people can attend a wedding ceremony in Scotland (provided this can be safely accommodated with physical distancing):

Level 0 – no more than 50 people should attend (ceremony & reception)
Level 1, 2 or 3 – no more than 20 people should attend (ceremony & reception)
Level 4 – no more than 20 people should attend (ceremony only, receptions are not permitted)

As before, this number includes the couple, their guests (including children), any carers required, and any suppliers such as photographers or musicians employed by the couple. The celebrant and any required interpreter do not count towards these limits.

Can our guests travel from areas with different protection levels?

At 6pm on 20 November 2020, new restrictions came into effect, in relation to travel into and out of local authority areas affected by levels 3 and 4 restrictions.

If you live in a Level 3 or 4 local authority area you must, by law, remain within that area unless you have a reasonable excuse to travel.

For people living in a level 3 area, travel out of that area is permitted, to attend a marriage ceremony and for a wedding reception. (Wedding receptions must not take place in a Level 4 local authority area. )

For people living in a level 4 area, travel out of that area is permitted for the purpose of attending a marriage ceremony only.

We know this latest change is bringing additional anxiety for those of you whose weddings are imminent and who have immediate family in a level 4 area, who it now seems will not be allowed to attend the reception. As always, we will keep you posted if we hear of any more updates.

⚡️ Guidance on travel and transport

⚡️ See full Scottish Government wedding ceremony guidance here 

Can my makeup artist/hairdresser come to my house/venue?

Close contact services – including hair styling and makeup services (plus others including beauty services, indoor portrait photography, dress-fitting and tailoring) can operate at Level 0 and 1.

At Level 2 and 3, mobile hairdressing and barbering can continue, as can contact services that are delivered from a salon, shop or other static site, such as a home treatment room. All other mobile close contact services will not be able to operate in Levels 2 or 3.

All close contact services – static or mobile – will be closed at Level 4.

Prior to the introduction of the five level system, makeup artists were only allowed to work on their own premises. Hair stylists could, however, work on location.

⚡️ See the Retail Guidance here and more details on Close Contact Services here.

CEREMONY RULES

What are the wedding ceremony rules?

The ceremony should be kept brief and limited as far as reasonably possible to the parts necessary to make it legally binding. And couples are being urged to consider an outdoor wedding. Singing, chanting, shouting and/or playing of instruments that are blown into should be specifically avoided. The full guidance contains additional advice for faith specific practices.

If a celebrant considers the arrangements to be unsafe (for example, if more than the permitted number of people are present), they may stop the ceremony.

Meanwhile venue owners/managers must take action to minimise the potential for spreading Covid-19 among wedding guests, and anyone working within the venue’s buildings and surrounding grounds. Failure to do so is an offence.

Can I get married at home or in my garden?

The short answer for at home (indoors) is – only in special circumstances.

In your garden – yes you can.

There was previously confusion when on September 25th, National Records of Scotland announced additional restrictions for wedding ceremonies taking place both indoors and outdoors in private dwellings. Couples who were planning ceremonies in gardens began contacting We Fell In Love, saying they had been told by their local registry office that these are no longer allowed and that they need to find an alternative venue. In some cases they were told they needed a “registered venue” – meanwhile, wedding industry sources tell us there is no such thing as a registered venue.

However, in a further plot twist (as if 2020 needed one), the update to the Scottish Government wedding ceremony guidance made on September 28th related only to indoor ceremonies at private homes.

The Government has since confirmed that it has not revised the guidance relating to outdoor ceremonies and that these are still allowed.

Ceremonies at home indoors are now only allowed “where it is not possible for them to take place in a public place”, for reasons such as serious illness or a disability. Physical distancing between households should be strictly observed and numbers must be kept to the “absolute minimum” – (the couple, two witnesses and the registrar, as well as an interpreter, if required).

If you are unsure if your wedding meets the criteria, your local registrar *should* be able to advise you further.

⚡️ See full Scottish Government wedding ceremony guidance here 

Can I still get married outdoors or in a garden elsewhere?

Yes, the Scottish Government confirmed on September 30th that the latest update affects indoor ceremonies only, and there has been no change to the guidance with regards to ceremonies outdoors – either on public or private land.

What is considered to be a “private dwelling” – are private hire properties included in this?

Following a request from WFIL, the Government has clarified that the definition of a private dwelling includes self-contained self-catering and other private hire holiday accommodation. It said the use of private hire exclusive use premises (such as castles and historic houses) for ceremonies will depend on the arrangements in place.

The ceremony guidance has been updated to state: “If the venue is managed and regulated, with venue staff to ensure that the relevant guidance, including this guidance and statutory hospitality guidance is followed, then the ceremony will comply with the applicable regulations and guidance.

“The venue would not be classified as a private dwelling and indoor marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships could proceed there under this guidance.”

What about non legal ceremonies/wedding blessings/vow renewals, etc?

It’s not good news here, we’re afraid. The Scottish Government has stated that the guidance applies only to marriages and civil partnerships.

Other ceremonies, such as blessings or celebrations of existing marriages are not covered. For these, the guidance on gatherings applies (currently six people from two households only).

Will we have to wear face masks?

Not if you are the couple getting married.

On August 13th 2020 the Scottish Government brought in a new rule – the wearing of a face covering is now mandatory in certain indoor premises, such as hotels and places of worship.

While there are exemptions to this requirement, including for individuals who are leading a ceremony, it was later confirmed that the couple getting married would have to wear a face covering indoors.

However, the Scottish Government then announced that as of Friday, October 16th this would no longer be the case – and the couple getting married does not have to wear a face covering.

We know this has been an added stress for many of you, and we really feel for everyone for whom this change came too late. As we see it, you’re part of the extra limited edition 2020 Newlywed Badass Club – not even a global pandemic or having to wear PPE could stop you!

⚡️ Read the guidance relating to face coverings here

RECEPTION RULES

And what about the wedding reception rules? 

Under the new five level protection approach introduced on November 2nd, the following number of people can attend a wedding reception in Scotland in hospitality premises, such as a hotel (provided this can be safely accommodated with physical distancing):

Level 0 – no more than 50 people
Level 1, 2 or 3 – no more than 20 people
Level 4 – no reception allowed

In levels 0 and 1, “consideration should be given to a sensible closing time that is in line with licensing requirements”. In levels 2 and 3, the closing time permitted is 10pm.

New measures in force from 2 November generally restrict the sale of alcohol depending on the protection level where a hospitality business is operating. However, there is an exception in the regulations which permits the sale of alcohol at a permitted wedding reception.

As before, this number includes the couple, guests (including children) and suppliers employed by the couple (such as a photographer), but does not include venue staff or third-party catering staff.  The venue must be able to safely accommodate those attending with physical distancing in place.

At this time, wedding receptions won’t be as we’ve previously known them. Face coverings must be worn other than when eating and drinking. No music, singing, dancing or shouting is allowed. Speeches should be made outside wherever possible and physical distancing should be maintained during them. Food and drink must be via table service and buffets are not allowed.

Guests should be seated by household and seating may be for up to a maximum of 6 persons per table. There should be no more than two households per table and distancing measures should be applied between each household seated at the same table. There should be no mixing between tables, guests should be seated as soon as possible and should remain seated at all times, other than when entering/exiting premises or using toilet facilities.

Cake-cutting may take place with physical distancing being maintained at all times and the numbers of guests involved limited wherever possible, with people remaining seated in their household groups.

Activities that involve objects being thrown (such as confetti or bouquet toss) or passed from person to person should be avoided to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Other objects in the venue being touched by several people (such as guest books, pens or polaroid camera stations/photo booths) should be minimised and hand sanitisation encouraged both before and after contact. The exchange of cards and gifts during receptions should be minimised wherever possible.

⚡️ Industry guidance for venues hosting wedding receptions in Scotland (all wedding guests are also being asked to read this)

Is a post-ceremony gathering allowed elsewhere? 

The new social gathering rules (6 people/two households) announced on September 10th apply here.

While the increase in people allowed at wedding receptions to 20 from September 14th was good news (under the previous gathering rules it was 8 indoors from a maximum of three households and 15 outdoors/max 5 households), many couples who had responsibly planned a backyard or outdoor micro wedding as their Plan B or C option, found themselves having to source and book a reception venue at very short notice to meet the new guidance.

⚡️ See Scottish Government gathering guidance here

What constitutes a “regulated setting” – is a DIY wedding allowed?

On September 10th, the Scottish Government said that wedding receptions would be permitted in “regulated settings” and gave hospitality venues as an example. The guidance updates since state that a wedding reception can take place in hospitality premises, such as a hotel.

Hospitality premises are having to meet rigorous requirements to host receptions. And failure to do so is an offence.

Meanwhile, folks hoping to have their wedding in a village hall or other dry hire or exclusive use venue were left facing uncertainty as to whether they would be able to proceed.

When asked for clarification, the Scottish Government told WFIL that wedding receptions can only take place in a regulated venue such as hospitality premises, whilst complying with the statutory hospitality guidance, wedding guidance and industry guidance.

“Restrictions on gatherings in public places are in place to prevent the spread of the virus. A wedding reception is exempt from this providing the guidance is followed. The key question is whether the venue where the reception is taking place is equipped to and can provide the necessary services to comply with the guidance. For example, staff are required.

“Except in limited circumstances, people should not be gathering indoors in private dwellings. Therefore, it is not possible for members of the public to use their own private dwelling or hire accommodation for the purpose of hosting a wedding reception themselves.”

If you’re unsure if your wedding reception venue meets the Scottish Government requirements, we suggest contacting your local council and asking to speak to trading standards or licensing.

Are children included in the 20 people number?

We know that children are not included in the new 6 person/two household social gathering rule. However, they are included in the 20 people at a ceremony count (as are the couple, their guests, any photographers/musicians/suppliers not employed by the venue – but not the celebrant/officiant).

It therefore seemed likely that children would be included in the 20 people at a wedding reception rule and this was later confirmed in the reception guidance for venues.

Third party catering staff are not included in the reception numbers: “This number includes the couple, guests (including children) and third-party suppliers (such as a photographer), but does not include venue staff or third-party catering staff.”

ADVICE & SUPPORT 

Do you have any advice for couples planning a 2020 wedding?

Our hearts go out to everyone trying to navigate this time. Please know that We Fell In Love and the Scottish wedding community is doing everything it can to support you.

You’ll find the latest updates on our Instagram (we save these into the C19 Scotland highlights folder). And we’ve also created The WFILcircle – a warm, intimate FB group for couples riding the CoronaCoaster to share their hopes and fears, and support each other on their journey to the aisle.

We are also creating a series of posts to celebrate micro-weddings (photos are being edited and Q&A forms filled in as I type!). We want to responsibly inspire our readers, and not add to the current confusion over what is and isn’t allowed, and this makes sifting through submissions that bit slower.

Issue Seven of our online magazine will celebrate love triumphing over adversity and will feature inspirational elopements, micro-weddings and two part celebrations. So whether you’ve paused your plans to hold out for the big day of your dreams or you’re going for it in true 2020 style, there will be something there for you.

STAY SAFE

While most couples are doing their best to adhere to the guidance, we have also heard worrying reports of physical distancing not being observed at some weddings taking place this summer, and of suppliers being asked to work at a wedding that goes against Scottish Government advice.

It’s understandable – trying to keep apart from people we love and haven’t seen for so long is so, so tough. But please do think long and hard about whether the celebration you are planning can be carried out in a safe way before going ahead and putting others at risk.

We know that weddings have the potential to be super-spreader events, as we have seen happen elsewhere with tragic consequences.

By failing to observe the guidance, you are not only putting others at risk, and your suppliers in a really difficult position, but you also risk spoiling it for folks whose wedding is still to come if tighter restrictions have to be brought in to address failure to comply. It’s our hunch that the move to “regulated settings” for receptions reflects this.

The last thing anyone wants is for all the progress that has been made here in Scotland to be lost. And for the NHS and our hospitals to be overwhelmed.

We all want to see weddings celebrated in true Scottish style again. And by working together to keep each other safe, we’ll get there sooner.

USEFUL LINKS 

We’ll be looking for further clarity and will keep you posted. But in the meantime please do get in touch with any questions (you can follow our updates on Instagram and DM us there). We have a wonderful community here and we all want to help each other through this.

⚡️ Scottish Govt wedding ceremony guidance

⚡️ Wedding reception venue guidance for Scotland

⚡️ Link to download new Test & Protect app for Scotland (for residents and visitors)

This article was published on September 11th 2020 and was last updated on November 24th at 9pm. We’re doing our best to keep you up to date, but please be aware we’re an indie publication with a teeny team (one most days!). Given that the guidance updates regularly, please keep checking the Scottish Government website for the latest news.