The addition of a new Tier 4 means it’s more confusing than ever to know what can and cannot go ahead. Here’s a guide…

Some of the confusion around what can happen at each tier is down to the way things are worded by the governments copywriters on the gov.uk. website.

Admittedly, the rules are pretty complicated, but even so, they definitely seem to add unnecessarily ambiguity when communicating to the masses.

But never mind, I’ve poured through so you don’t have to! References are: The Tier 4: Stay At Home document at gov.uk and the general guidance for all tiers, here.

Tier 4

• Tier 4 weddings can only go ahead when considered ‘deathbed’ weddings where one party is not expected to recover, or when they may be undergoing life-changing treatment or surgery.

• Even so, the venue must be COVID-Secure or an outdoor public place. Under exceptional circumstances, this may be relaxed.

• Only up to 6 people can attend. Not clear if this is in total, or excluding registrar, photographer

• If you are travelling to a Tier 4 wedding from a lower Tier, then you must comply with the above

• If you are travelling from a Tier 4 area to a wedding in a lower tear, then the WHOLE EVENT must comply with Tier 4 gathering limits of 6 people.

Travelling outside a Tier 4 area

So, be careful who you invite from a Tier 4 area. There is nothing on the government website that stops Tier 4 people doing this, although it could be argued that the ‘Stay at Home’ guidance and also if travel restrictions happen that would solve the ambiguity anyway.

Tier 3

• Tier 3 weddings can go ahead

• 15 people including the couple, but not any venue staff, registrar or suppliers

• If anyone from Tier 4 attends this number is reduced to 6

• No receptions allowed.

• Social distancing rules apply between family groups or bubbles

• If you are travelling from Tier 3 to a lower tier then you cannot attend the reception or celebration

Tier 2

• Tier 2 weddings can go ahead

• 15 people including the couple, but not any venue staff, registrar or suppliers

• If anyone from Tier 4 attends this number is reduced to 6

• Receptions are allowed

• Alcohol must only be served with food

• Social distancing rules apply between family groups or bubbles

• Noone from Tier 3 or 4 can attend the reception.

• If you are travelling from Tier 2 to a lower tier then you simply have the ability to have a drink without food.

Tier 1

• Tier 1 weddings can go ahead

• 15 people including the couple, but not any venue staff, registrar or suppliers

• If anyone from Tier 4 attends this number is reduced to 6

• Receptions are allowed

• Alcohol can be served with and without food, but last orders are at 10pm, for a 11pm close of the bar

• Social distancing rules apply between family groups or bubbles

• Noone from Tier 3 or 4 can attend the reception.

Nick Church Photography

We offer a photography package specifically for weddings restricted by the COVID pandemic, which will ensure the finest photography, without the expense of a full day package. More details here.