Births, deaths and ceremonies

On 22 February 2021 the Prime Minister announced his plans for emerging from the current lockdown and presented a roadmap with a step-by-step plan to ease restrictions in England. The plans apply to all areas of England from the dates specified but are subject to the four tests outlined in the roadmap being met at each step.

Marriages and Civil Partnerships in England

The changes planned are:

• Step 3: No earlier than 17 May – Legal limit of 30 attendees
• Step 4: No earlier than 21 June – No legal limit on attendees - Please note that the actual number of people able to attend a wedding or civil partnership ceremony will depend on how many people can be safely accommodated within the venue with social distancing, and where the venue manager has carried out a risk assessment and taken all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Please liaise with your venue regarding covid room capacities.

As is currently the case, the number allowed to attend includes the couple, witnesses, and guests, but those working, such as registration officials and venue managers are not included.

There is no change to social distancing rules or face covering guidance, which must continue to be worn by the guests inside at all venues.

The number of attendees permitted in our ceremony rooms continues to be limited to meet covid-secure requirements, however they have been re-assessed considering family bubbles and social distancing the following numbers have been agreed.

• Bloxam Room Rugby 24 guests if in 'bubbles'
• Henley Room Stratford 8 guests if in ' bubbles'
• Pageant House Warwick 22 guests if in 'bubbles'
• Riversley Park 18 guests if in ‘bubbles’
• Register office Warwick 2 witnesses only

The registrars and couple are not included in these figures.

Guidance will change periodically, and we plan to issue updates as and when any changes are published. Further details are available at gov.uk

Changes to Marriage Ceremonies from 4 May 2021

The Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc.) Act will come into force on 4 May 2021.

The Act provides for the modernisation of marriage registration for the first time since 1837, by introducing a marriage schedule system and registration in an electronic register.

Paper marriage registers will no longer be used by Registrars attending Civil ceremonies or be used for ceremonies taking place at churches and places of worship. You will no longer receive a handwritten marriage certificate at the ceremony.

• More information on changes to marriage ceremonies