Current government restrictions allow for small weddings, with up to 15 people able to gather for a ceremony and / or a seated reception. These guidelines may have stripped away the grand celebrations of recent times but leave the real heart of a wedding still possible – exchanging vows and showing your commitment to one another in front of your nearest and dearest.
It may be difficult to limit guest numbers to only 13, but some couples have actually embraced this – especially those struggling with the expectation of a huge wedding when they hoped for something more intimate.
Bath’s Historic Venues and their caterer Searcys have put in place additional measures at weddings for the safety of both guests and staff at their venues. They have already hosted several covid-secure weddings and the feedback from couples has been overwhelmingly positive.
Pippa and Chris got married in July at the Roman Baths, and Pippa said “The Roman Baths has stood for 2000 years and is timeless and beautiful regardless of lockdowns and pandemics. It was perfect for our original plan of 60 people and it was equally special with only 7. Having a unique space like that to yourselves is a once in a lifetime experience.
We count ourselves lucky to have been working with such an understanding venue. The Bath's Historic Venues team were the best people to have on our side throughout this whole experience, they were great at communicating with us about the new guidelines and letting us know what was our responsibility and what was theirs. We changed our date twice and both times it was no stress, this helped us so much and gave us the confidence to go ahead with the day.
It was the perfect day (even the weather showed up for us) and everyone working there on the day were so lovely and helpful. Having a lovely wedding is still 100% possible, you just have to be a little flexible and accept the idea that you get to celebrate over a much longer period of time.”
Couples who hold an intimate ceremony at the Roman Baths can take advantage of a two part-wedding offer: If you have a ceremony before April 2021 you’ll receive a 15% discount on the hire of your chosen venue for a party at a later date. You won’t pay anything for the party element until you have chosen a date. For further information, terms and conditions visit: https://www.bathvenues.co.uk/marry-now-and-party-later
At the Roman Baths ceremonies can take place at either 8.30am or 7.30pm. The unique and historic venue is also outdoor and sheltered, with plenty of space for guests to distance. The Terrace overlooking the steaming waters of the Great Bath is an atmospheric spot for a meal afterwards, and the events team can help plan your seating to meet government guidelines.
As well as the Roman Baths, ceremonies are available at the Victoria Art Gallery, which is ideally suited to small weddings and ideal for art lovers. It is also possible to marry at the Grade I listed Assembly Rooms or the opulent Guildhall.
For more information about Covid-secure weddings at Bath’s Historic Venues, please visit www.bathvenues.co.uk/Covid-secure
Photo: Beata Cosgrove