Government Response

The Government responded to this petition on Monday 5th July 2021

Dancefloors and other spaces for dancing must remain closed due to the significant risk of transmission, except in the case of the couple’s first dance

We know that weddings and civil partnerships are hugely significant moments in people's lives and our ambition is to enable as many weddings as possible to take place safely throughout the summer.

While you can now invite as many guests as can be safely accommodated at the venue, there are still a number of restrictions and precautions that need to be adhered to in order to allow these events to take place as safely as possible.

Social distancing is one of the main ways we can reduce transmission. We know dancing makes social distancing challenging. We therefore strongly advise against dancing in all settings, and have had to close certain venues, including nightclubs, where there are dancefloors and the risk of transmission is higher.

We know how difficult this is for couples planning their big day. We have also made it clear, in guidance, that at weddings, the couple’s ‘first dance’ can still go ahead and that dancing should not otherwise happen, to reduce the risks of transmission. In line with restrictions on nightclubs, venues must not provide a dancefloor, but can repurpose this area for seating or other activities.

At Step 4, no earlier than 19 July, the Government aims to remove all limits on weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, including where they take place. This will be subject to the outcome of the Social Distancing Review and also the Events Research Programme. Guidance will be updated again ahead of Step 4 as soon as possible.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy