Wedding rules over the four stages of easing lockdown

The government has announced its 'roadmap' for easing lockdown restrictions in England in the coming months.

And it includes much-anticipated details around resuming weddings which have been largely unable to go ahead for many months.

The first date things will change, albeit not very much, is 29 March.

At this point, weddings can proceed with up to 6 attendees but will no longer be limited to 'exceptional circumstances.'

On 12 April, the government plans to begin step 2 of the phased reopening.

At this point, the government says weddings, receptions, and commemorative events including wakes will be able to take place with up to 15 attendees in premises that are permitted to open.

Step 3 will begin no earlier than 17 May.

At this point, weddings, receptions, funerals, and commemorative events including wakes can proceed with up to 30 attendees.

A broader range of stand-alone life events will also be permitted at this step, including bar mitzvahs and christenings.

Weddings have been largely unable to go ahead for months (Liverpool Echo)

Step 4 is scheduled to being on 21 June.

At this point, the government plans to remove all limits on weddings and other life events, subject to the outcome of the scientific Events Research Programme.

What is the Events Research Programme?

The government has been working with representatives from industry and civil society to explore when and how events with larger crowd sizes, less social distancing or in settings where transmission is more likely (i.e. indoors), will be able to return safely.

This includes sports events, music festivals and large weddings and conferences.

Over the spring the Government will run a scientific Events Research Programme.

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This will include a series of pilots using enhanced testing approaches and other measures to run events with larger crowd sizes and reduced social distancing to evaluate the outcomes.

The pilots will start in April.

The Government will bring the findings from across different sectors and different settings to determine a consistent approach to lifting restrictions on these events.

Depending on the outcome of this work, the Government hopes to be able to lift restrictions on these events and sectors as part of Step 4.