From Monday, weddings in England can only involve 15 people but those in the industry in Harrogate say small ceremonies can still be “beautiful”.
New government restrictions this week will limit weddings to a maximum of 15 people, including the couple.
The decision has left venues and wedding vendors struggling. It also means couples have to decide whether to rearrange for a later date or go ahead with a more intimate occasion.
A celebrant and wedding planner from Harrogate both said they hope to encourage couples to continue with their weddings safely. Both agreed that smaller weddings can still be just as special.
Rachael Meyer, humanist celebrant from Harrogate, said:
“It’s tough on the couples and the venues. I feel so sorry for them and everyone involved in the day. But there are ways to have a beautiful day with small numbers. I’ve done several small ceremonies and they were beautiful. Those couples chose to have limited numbers and everyone is completely involved, which is fantastic. It made them rethink why they were getting married.
There is a feeling of uncertainty but love wins and will go ahead even if it is different.”
Laura Lindsay, a Harrogate wedding planner, said:
“It’s disastrous for everyone in the industry. It’s the yo-yo of rules: we can get married, we can’t get married – it’s not fair. Some people could have a small wedding now and big party next year. There’s still some lovely, beautiful, intimate weddings happening.”
Read more:
- The demand for humanist weddings is rising in Harrogate.
- Harrogate couple has to cancel wedding for the third time following further covid restrictions.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the restriction on numbers was part of a six month plan to curtail the rise in covid cases.
No indication has been given yet about whether the restrictions on weddings will change again before March.
