To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the latest regulations regarding the permitted size of wedding receptions; (ii) the dates and details of anticipated changes to these rules, including outdoor receptions; and (iii) any risk assessments that will be required prior to hosting wedding receptions.

Weddings and civil partnerships are celebratory social events, which are particularly prone to the spread of COVID-19 and restrictions are therefore necessary to reduce the risk of transmission.

The arrangements for weddings are as set out in The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021, available at:

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk)

A frequently asked question document is available on the Executive's website: Guidance for marriages, civil partnerships or other celebratory events

Guidance for places of worship is also available at: Coronavirus (COVID-19): places of worship

From 24 May 2021, post wedding and civil partnership receptions are permitted, with the numbers determined by the venue on a risk assessed basis. To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend an indoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment. Indoor gatherings of 15 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment.

A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide a copy of the risk assessment and an account of the reasonable measures taken. The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

There are no restrictions on the number of people seated at the top table, but other tables should not exceed 10, with no household restriction. Children under 12 excluded are not counted for the table numbers. No dancing is permitted, except for the couple’s first dance. Music must be at ambient level to permit normal conversation.