UK Roadmap out of lockdown: what it means for weddings and photography services

Based on the Prime Minister’s announcement of the 22nd of February, here’s what we will be able to do over the next few months, and what the new rules mean for weddings and photography services – to the best of our knowledge.

Step 1: No earlier then the 8th of March.

The current rules remain in place, but with a small difference concerning weddings:

• Stay at home and work from home if you can;
• You are allowed to meet with one person outdoor for exercise but no households mixing is allowed, either indoor or outdoor;
• Weddings are now allowed for up to 6 people, which means Elopements are now allowed.

What does it mean for photography services?

Since trades people are allowed into people’s homes, local portrait sessions and elopements can be organised and photographed, indoor and outdoor.

Step 1: No earlier then the 29th of March

• Weddings of up to 6 people are allowed (i.e. Elopements);
• Minimise Travel: holidays abroad are not permitted yet, nor travelling within the country, although at this point the “stay at home” order will end;
• You can meet outdoor following the rule of 6 (or two households);
• No household mixing indoor is still permitted;
• Parents and children groups are allowed to meet outdoor, up to 15 people;

What does it mean for photography services?

Portrait sessions and elopements can be photographed, indoor and outdoor,as long as  social distancing rules are followed. Although the government guidelines recommend to stay local, the definition of “local” is left to people’s discretion.

Step 2: No earlier than 12th of April.

• All retail and personal care premises will reopen;
• Most outdoor attractions, venues and restaurants will also reopen as long as social distancing rules are in place;
• Weddings and other commemorative events will now allow up to 15 people;
• Minimise Travel: holidays abroad are not permitted yet;
• Self-contained accommodation, such as holiday lets without shared indoor facilities, can reopen;
• Household mixing indoor is still not permitted, although two households or 6 people can meet outdoor.

What does it mean for photography services?

Portrait sessions can be photographed, indoor and outdoor, following social distancing rules, while weddings and other life events, will see their guest number rise to 15 people.

Step 3: No earlier than 17th of May

• Outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people are now allowed;
• Indoor mixing of two households or 6 people is now permitted;
• All indoor venues and restaurants will reopen, following indoor and outdoor mixing rules;
• Weddings and other private events will be able to be attended by 30 people;
• Large indoor venues will allow 1000 people or half capacity
• Large outdoor venues will allow 4000 people or half capacity;
• International holidays may start again, although it is subject to review.

What does it mean for photography services?

Portrait sessions of larger groups can now be photographed indoor and outdoor, following social distancing rules, while weddings and other life events will see their guest list rising from 15 to 30 attendees.

Step 4: No earlier than 21st of June

• It is hoped that all legal limits on social contacts can be lifted;
• All remaining venues, such as nightclubs, will re-open;
• Weddings and other life events will have all their limitations lifted;
• International flights and travel will be fully allowed again.

What does it mean for photography services?

All portrait sessions as well as every different kind of events (weddings, elopements, birthdays and corporate parties) will be able to be photographed again.

In conclusion, the roadmap outlines four steps for easing restrictions, provided that infection rates will keep being low, and it is subject to review over the course of the next few weeks.

In any circumstance, us photographers will keep following strict rules at all times, for the safety of our clients:

• Wearing a mask all the time;
• Maintaining social distance;
• Sanitize hands and equipment before and after every session.

For any questions or booking enquiries, please get in touch through the contact form below.