COUPLES whose big days were on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic will have reason to celebrate as weddings and civil partnerships in East Sussex are set to resume.

With changes in Government guidance and following careful planning to ensure couples, their guests and Registration staff can stay as safe as possible, ceremonies will restart from July 21.

Those with a future date booked are currently being contacted in chronological order and offered the chance to proceed as planned with restrictions in place or postpone to a later date with no additional costs.

Cllr Bill Bentley, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for communities, said: “It’s fantastic news that East Sussex couples facing uncertainty over their big day can now resume their planning.

“Our Registration team has worked incredibly hard to ensure that, when ceremonies do restart, all the practicable measures are in place to keep everyone as safe as possible.

“While there are restrictions still in place, I’m sure that those who choose to go ahead with their wedding or civil partnership ceremony will be able to enjoy their special day. Those who choose to postpone, will not incur any additional costs.

The latest Government guidance allows ceremonies to take place at East Sussex register offices, licensed venues and places of worship where a registrar is required.

The number of people attending is limited by law and numbers will vary depending on the venue to ensure two metre social distancing can be achieved.

From July 21, couples will also be able to book Notice of Marriages and Notice of Civil Partnership appointments for existing ceremony bookings, and book new ceremonies for 2020 subject to availability of dates, venues and notice appointments.

For full details of the measures in place visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships

For more information about East Sussex Ceremonies visit www.ceremoniesineastsussex.co.uk

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