What does the Ontario government’s “Stage 2” reopening mean for weddings?

On Monday, the Ontario government announced that, effective Friday, June 12, 2020:

“the province will increase the limit on social gatherings from five to 10 people across the province, regardless of whether a region has moved to Stage 2. “

This is GREAT news for couples who are about to get married, because the permitted number of participants in their wedding has now DOUBLED from 5 to 10! That means a wedding can include the married couple, the officiant, and up to seven other participants—like, for example, four family members, two close friends, and a photographer.

[UPDATE June 13, 2020: the Ontario government has further announced that outdoor wedding ceremonies may now have up to 50 attendees. Click here for the latest update!]

Everyone is still required to take all necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, including having all participants standing two metres away from one another.

We do note that the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton remain in Stage 1 until at least June 19th. According to the CBC:

The regions that will not move onto Stage 2 are Durham, York, Toronto, Peel, Halton, Hamilton and Niagara[,]

This is not surprisingly considering the significantly higher population for these regions. However, this Stage 1 status has no bearing on your ability to have a wedding with 10 participants given that the increased limit on social gatherings applies even to Stage 1 regions. Take a sign of relief that you now have lot more flexibility in planning your wedding!

At N95 Nuptials, we are committed to continue offering our “Socially-Distanced Wedding” Special for only $174. The offer allows for only the married couple, the officiant, and two witnesses to participate, but you may add up to five (5) guests for $10/guest.

We ask that you take great care in ensuring that 1) you and all invited participants have not contracted COVID-19 or come into contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and 2) that all your invited participants do not have underlying health conditions that would put them significantly at risk if they gather in groups. Should you or any other participant develop COVID-19 symptoms, please contact the relevant health authorities immediately and seek medical attention.