Police have issued fines after breaking up an illegal lockdown wedding in an abandoned barn after guests were spotted on Snapchat maps.
Guests were leaving the venue in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, on Saturday night when officers arrived following reports of a gathering in breach of the coronavirus regulations.
According to one person, who did not attend the wedding but knew of people who did, guests could be seen at the location on Snapchat maps, reports Wales Online.
“There was a secret wedding gathering on private land in an abandoned barn," the source said.
"Police arrived at the scene and guests were seen walking away from the event. I know people who were invited to the event and it was public for everyone to see on Snapchat maps.”
The wedding was held on the same day the Welsh Government lifted a ban on travel in Wales, which meant an end to the ‘stay local’ rule.
But people are still prohibited from gathering indoors with others from other households. Outdoors, up to six people from two different households can meet and exercise.
South Wales Police said officers issued fines to eight people who attended the event.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “At around 5.20pm on Saturday evening officers attended an address in the Heolgerrig area of Merthyr Tydfil following a report of a gathering in breach of Welsh Government Covid regulations.
"Upon attendance fixed penalty notices were issued to all present (eight) and they were advised to vacate the premises.”
In February, the Welsh Government allowed licensed wedding venues, such as visitor attractions and hotels, to re-open but only to perform wedding and civil partnership ceremonies.
The number of people who can attend depends on the size of the venue and its ability to allow people from different households to observe social distancing.
Wedding receptions or other social gatherings after the ceremony remain banned.
The Welsh Government guidance states: "Many people will want to celebrate the occasion with a reception or other forms of social gatherings with friends and family. In alert level four receptions are prohibited."
The easing of restrictions on Saturday meant Wales moved out of alert level four - which has the strictest set of measures - and into level three.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "These further relaxations are part of our careful and phased approach to unlocking the restrictions and enabling people and businesses to resume their activities in the safest possible way.
"We're only able to do this because of the sacrifices everyone across Wales has made over the last few months - everything you are doing to keep your loved ones safe is also keeping Wales safe.
"The public health position remains stable; our incredible vaccination programme goes from strength to strength - we have headroom to make these changes."
