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Confusion Over Whether Couples Can Kiss At Altar Under New Covid Rules

Confusion Over Whether Couples Can Kiss At Altar Under New Covid Rules

Social distancing rules in the Government guidelines seemed to have complicated the issue, but we've gotten to the bottom of this one

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

The kiss at the end of a wedding is traditionally one of the day's highlights - but the Government's Covid safety guidelines nearly dampened that fire, as they gave the impression that couples getting married who aren't already living together may not be able to share a smooch.

With weddings able to go ahead from 12 April (for up to 15 people anyway), the rules seemed to suggest that a finalising smooch may have been off the cards. I mean, you'd just want to cancel the day, wouldn't you?

But why would newly-wed couples have been banned from kissing in front of their guests?

It's because - as we all should know by now - you must stick to social distancing guidelines if you're from different households. So while co-habiting couples getting hitched would have been clear to smooch, things were a little muddier for those not already living together.

PA

The government's coronavirus rules clearly state: "During all activities linked to the reception or celebration, all parties, especially people from separate households/bubbles, should adhere to social distancing guidelines; 2 metres or 1 metre with risk mitigation (where 2 metres is not viable) such as wearing face coverings."

Well, rest assured - already living together or not, couples are actually FINE to kiss at the altar.

LADbible reached out to Number 10 for comment on the grey area in the guidelines, and a government spokesperson said: "Social distancing is not expected between the couple getting married."

They went on to confirm that the Government understands that weddings and civil partnerships may involve the joining of two households, but confirmed that all other attendees should adhere to social distancing guidelines.

As we all know, that's remaining two metres apart - or where that's not viable, one metre apart as long as there's some mitigation of risk such as wearing face coverings.

Well, that's a relief, eh?

PA

From Monday (29 March), weddings can take place and six people (including the couple) can be there in attendance.

From 12 April at the earliest, up to 15 people can attend a marriage ceremony and reception but they can only be held in places of worship, public buildings and in locations that are already permitted to open, with outdoor receptions only.

Then from 17 May (again, at the earliest), numbers double and up to 30 people may be allowed at both the ceremony and reception.

As we all know though, come 21 June (at the earliest), the Government is hoping to remove all limits on social contact.

This could mean restrictions at weddings will be a thing of the past.

Here's hoping.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Coronavirus, UK