Wedding venues across Blackburn and Darwen are being reminded not to breach Government guidelines when holding wedding celebrations as marriages and civil partnerships start up again.

This comes after the Council has been contacted by a number of venues requesting permission for hundreds of guests at re-scheduled weddings.

Given the increased local risks we are currently facing, the Council’s Public Protection Service Is urging venues to adhere to the Government’s guidance

The  guidelines for weddings and wedding receptions state that no more than 30 people should attend a wedding and that social distancing measures should be obeyed.

For wedding celebrations, it states that receptions or parties after weddings should not take place, but small celebrations will be allowed if you follow the guidelines, meaning that only up to two households could meet indoors to celebrate.

Wedding venues should also be aware that failing to follow social distancing guidelines could invalidate their insurance arrangements.

Venues should also be aware that in English law it is not possible to disclaim liability through negligence for death or injury – so customers should not be asked to sign disclaimers allowing a venue to ignore Government guidance. The Council would regard this as an unfair contract term, and take action.

You should not interact with anyone outside the group you are attending these places with even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship.

You should not hold or attend celebrations, such as parties, where it is difficult to maintain social distancing.

It would only take one person to display any Covid 19 symptoms after an event such as this were held, for every person present (including staff and guests) to be subject to the track and trace procedure.

Every person contacted would then have to self-isolate for a period of time and every person they had been in contact with after the event would also have to self-isolate. Blackburn with Darwen is one of the Local Authorities with a higher rate of infection within the community which is at risk of being locked down should it see a further spike.

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive member for Environment, said:

While it is wonderful news that couples can go now ahead with their civil marriages and civil partnerships, after having to postpone them in the Spring, I can’t stress strongly enough to all venues at this time to be responsible and follow the guidelines and not put your staff or your guests at risk.

We all need to work together to keep each other as safe as possible and large gatherings go completely against this at the moment. Any breaches of this could lead to further outbreaks and further action from us and I’m sure that is something we all want to avoid.

A wedding should be a happy occasion, let’s not make yours a sad one.”