The door has been opened, ever so slightly, but enough for some Couples to say “I do”.
From September 3rd 2021, Weddings are allowed in NSW with the following restrictions via NSW Health –https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20210902_01.aspx
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Small wedding ceremonies will be allowed in NSW under new COVID-19 safety rules.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard has signed an amendment to the Public Health Order to allow small wedding services, but not a gathering afterwards, to take place in NSW from Friday 3 September 2021.
Under the Order, a small wedding is a wedding of no more than five guests plus the wedding party (the two people getting married, two witnesses required for the marriage, one person conducting the service, and one person to record the wedding).
There are a number of restrictions concerning who may attend the wedding service:
- a person who lives in Greater Sydney cannot attend a wedding service, as part of the wedding party or as a guest, outside of Greater Sydney;
- a person who lives in regional NSW can only attend a wedding in Greater Sydney if they are part of the wedding party or the parent, child or sibling of one of the persons getting married;
- a person who lives in Greater Sydney, but not in an area of concern, can only attend a wedding in an area of concern if they are part of the wedding party or the parent, child or sibling of one of the persons getting married;
- a person who lives in an area of concern can only attend a wedding outside the area of concern in which they live if they are part of the wedding party or the parent, child or sibling of one of the persons getting married.
Small weddings may be held outdoors, but not in domestic households. Premises that can currently be open for a funeral can also be open for a small wedding.
Gatherings or receptions following the wedding service are not permitted. Whilst some Couples rejoice others are waiting for further restrictions to ease in NSW to proceed with their Weddings, some that have been postponed for the third or fourth time.
R&CA Webinar: The Future of the Wedding Industry in NSW
Wedded Wonderland Director Wendy El-Khoury discussed the importance of a roadmap for NSW with the Restaurant and Catering Association of Australia and guest Panelist Hon. Stuart Ayres Minister for Tourism. “The sooner we have a roadmap, the sooner our Couples can plan. We are currently advising a 4-6 week window in postponing, we need to know what Weddings will look like for October, November and December in NSW this year”
What’s next?
The Wedding Industry in NSW and VIC patiently awaits the announcement of a roadmap and restrictions on Weddings once the 70% and 80% vaccination targets have been met. Industry leaders say they can work with any conditions, as many Weddings played out in 2020 with restrictions, and the industry is ready.
Wedded Wonderland through the #saveourweddings campaign is keeping a close eye on announcements and providing live updates to their Couples via ‘Wedded Wonderland Clique” Facebook Group, as well as their other social and digital channels.
Wendy El-Khoury says “It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when” these Weddings will play out, and they will definitely be a celebration to remember. For now, some Couples are opting to proceed with their formal nuptials and postponing their reception to a later date. Wedded Wonderland will continue to share updates for NSW, as well as other States in weeks to come.
