THE number of guests permitted to attend a marriage or civil partnership ceremony has been reduced from 30 to 15.

Worcestershire County Council has assured that ceremonies are still taking place with social-distancing measures in place, however groups are now limited to 15 and still depend on the capacity of the venue.

The group of 15 includes the couple and witnesses, but anyone working such as the officiants, photographer and caterer are not included in this number.

Some aspects of the marriage or civil partnership ceremony remain restricted to follow Government guidelines and everyone is required to wear a face covering unless exempt.

Despite this change in regulations, Worcestershire Registration Services are still determined to give couples their big day while keeping them safe - as they have been doing since July when ceremonies were able to take place again.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for communities, said: “We are keen to ensure couples can still celebrate this special time in their lives but must ensure they do so whilst sticking to the guidelines which set-out to keep everyone safe.”

“I would like to thank Worcestershire Registration Services for the hard work they have put in to ensure despite the regulations, couples still have the celebration they deserve.”

“We understand the difficulties faced by couples getting married in this period and I have no doubt the Registration Service will continue with this empathy following the latest announcement.”