Allow dancing at weddings before the 21st June and if lockdown gets extended

Removing any and all restrictions or advisories against dancing at weddings, particularly if lockdown/restrictions are extended beyond June 21st. Making it clear to wedding reception venues that dancing is allowed.

Dancing remains a massive part of the wedding day and is the main way to celebrate a marriage. With people now able to hug, it makes no sense to not allow people to dance especially with the majority of people present at a wedding vaccinated. It would also add further financial strains on couples having to replace those hours of dancing with an alternative entertainment source.

We know that weddings and civil partnerships are hugely significant moments in people's lives and our ambition is to enable as many weddings as possible to take place safely throughout the summer.

While you can now invite as many guests as can be safely accommodated at the venue, there are still a number of restrictions and precautions that need to be adhered to in order to allow these events to take place as safely as possible.

Social distancing is one of the main ways we can reduce transmission. We know dancing makes social distancing challenging. We therefore strongly advise against dancing in all settings, and have had to close certain venues, including nightclubs, where there are dancefloors and the risk of transmission is higher.

We know how difficult this is for couples planning their big day. We have also made it clear, in guidance, that at weddings, the couple’s ‘first dance’ can still go ahead and that dancing should not otherwise happen, to reduce the risks of transmission. In line with restrictions on nightclubs, venues must not provide a dancefloor, but can repurpose this area for seating or other activities.

At Step 4, no earlier than 19 July, the Government aims to remove all limits on weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, including where they take place. This will be subject to the outcome of the Social Distancing Review and also the Events Research Programme. Guidance will be updated again ahead of Step 4 as soon as possible.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy