Northern Ireland has announced that it will allow small outdoor weddings to go ahead after 8 June, provided that the rates of Covid-19 infection in the country remain low.
Under the plans, outdoor weddings with up to ten guests will be allowed to take place, although Northern Ireland’s first minister Arlene Foster said that the executive would confirm the changes to the lockdown rules after its meeting on 4 June, the BBC reported.
Although many couples across the UK and elsewhere in the world are choosing to postpone their nuptials, some may decide to go ahead with these micro-weddings and could explore streaming options to enable guests to attend from elsewhere.
The Daily Mail recently reported that churches are considering a government proposal that would allow wedding witnesses to observe ceremonies virtually, using video conferencing tools.
According to the newspaper, this could pave the way for small wedding ceremonies to go ahead in England and elsewhere in the UK, while enabling any vulnerable friends or relatives to attend virtually, and making it possible for family and friends from overseas to be part of the service too.
Under the government proposals, this would mean that witnesses could provide a digital signature for the marriage register, rather than having to physically be present to sign it.
While there are indications that the government may allow small weddings to go ahead from June, the publication noted that the earliest that church weddings will happen is 4 July.
If you’re still planning your wedding for later this year or even 2021, make sure you take your time to find the best wedding photographer in Kent for your special day.