What lockdown easing means for weddings as ceremonies to be permitted in late June

Yesterday’s announcement of the easing of some lockdown restrictions was welcome news to couples hoping to get married in the near future.

A further step out of lockdown in Scotland was confirmed as the country continues to make “clear and sustained progress” in tackling coronavirus.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that people will now be able to meet with up to two other households outside while maintaining physical distancing.

This means that weddings are back on the cards, albeit with limitations.

Ceremonies will be able to take place as of June 29, but will have to be outdoors.

And the limitation of gathering with two extra households only, with a maximum of eight people in the group, will apply.

Our sister title Scottish Wedding confirmed with a government representative that the celebrant or registrar will not count as one of the households.

If necessary the services of an interpreter can also be used by the celebrant or registrar.

You can read more about the new guidelines for weddings here.

Earlier this month, we reported that eloping looked set to become the most popular way to wed in 2020.

With social distancing guidelines, couples have been increasingly choosing small, quickly-planned weddings in order to get married during the ongoing lockdown.

Natasha Radmehr of Scottish Wedding said: “Couples now want to legalise their union but weddings, when they return, are going to have to be small, socially-distanced occasions.

“Eloping can do that, and many couples tell me they want to have these smaller ceremonies in the near future, and perhaps a bigger celebration next year.

“We have been inundated with messages from couples who are planning to do this and wedding suppliers, like photographers and celebrants, are telling me bookings for elopement ceremonies are up and they’re anticipating a lot more.”