Coronavirus Tier 4 and What It Means For Weddings

As of 19th December 2020, the Prime Minister has announced that some areas of the South East, East of England and London will now be in Tier 4 from Sunday 20th December. According to guidance published on gov.uk, "weddings and civil partnership ceremonies should not take place except in exceptional circumstances."

The full guidance pertaining to weddings in Tier 4 areas reads as follows:

"Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals must only take place in COVID-19 secure venues or in public outdoor spaces unless in exceptional circumstances.

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies should not take place except in exceptional circumstances, for example where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover ('deathbed wedding') or due to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery. These weddings are limited to 6 people.

If you live in a tier 4 area and are going to a wedding, funeral or linked commemorative event outside the tier 4 area, the event must follow the tier 4 gathering limits on the events.

If you live outside a tier 4 area and are going to a a wedding, funeral or linked commemorative even inside the tier 4 area, you must comply with the tier 4 gathering limits on the events."

Jeff Sham Photography is based in Surrey and as such we are subject to Tier 4 restrictions. At the time of writing, we interpret the official guidance on going to work such that we can continue to travel for work and thus attend and photograph your wedding if you are in Tiers 1-3. Should you have any queries, please get in touch and we can discuss further.

Up to 15 people are able to attend a wedding in Tiers 1-3 in England, but weddings in Tier 3 will not be allowed to have a reception following the ceremony. See the following infographic for a summary.

Click here to find out the coronavirus restrictions in your local area (official gov.uk link).

For an excellent constantly-updating article on the current news on weddings in the UK, click through to this Guides for Brides page.