2021 COVID Guidelines for Weddings in New England: Important Dates You Need to Know

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In the past few weeks, a lot of important updates have been released regarding COVID guidelines for weddings in New England. Nearly all the states have released a “roadmap” of some type, outlining when we can expect to see changes to the current guidelines. This is great news – although not certain, it is helpful to understand what the future set of guidelines may hold for weddings in New England. There are a lot of dates, and now that we’ve been sorting through various sets of COVID rules for weddings for a year now, there’s also a lot of outdated information out there. Here is a list of important dates you’ll want to know if you are looking for the 2021 COVID Guidelines for Weddings in New England:

Connecticut:

Saturday, May 1, 2021:

  • The curfew for restaurants, entertainment venues, recreation venues, and theaters will be moved back one hour to 12:00 am midnight.
  • Bars that do not serve food can open for service – OUTDOOR ONLY. Food is still required when serving alcohol indoors.
  • The 8-person per table limit will be lifted – OUTDOOR ONLY. The limit remains in effect for indoor dining.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021:

  • All remaining business restrictions will end.
  • Indoor masks will continue.
  • The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) will issue recommendations for indoor and large outdoor events (e.g., concerts).

Maine:

Saturday, May 1, 2021:

  • All states exempt from travel restrictions (pending Maine CDC approval).

Monday, May 24, 2021:

  • The limit for indoor gatherings will increase to 75 percent, and outdoor gatherings increases to 100 percent.
Massachusetts:

Monday, May 10, 2021:

  • Massachusetts enters Phase 4, Step 2.
  • Large venues, such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks will increase capacity to 25%.
  • Amusement parks, theme parks, and outdoor water parks reopen at 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.
  • Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.
  • Singing will be permitted indoors, with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.

Satuday, May 29, 2021:

  • Gathering limits increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public and private settings.
  • Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50% of their previous capacity, may reopen. (June 19 for Boston locations)
  • Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries, and distilleries may reopen, adhering to restaurant rules with seated service only (June 19 for Boston locations).
  • Maximum table size increased to 10 people per table (June 19 for Boston locations).

Tuesday, June 1, 2021:

  • Singing indoors permitted at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses located in Boston, subject to the state’s Theater and Performance Venue guidance.

Saturday, June 19, 2021:

  • Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries, and distilleries located in Boston may reopen, adhering to restaurant rules with seated service only.
  • Maximum table size increased to 10 people per table in Boston.

Sunday, August 1, 2021:

  • All industry restrictions will be lifted, capacity increased to 100% for all industries. Social gathering limits will be rescinded (August 22 for Boston locations)

Monday, August 22, 2021:

  • All industry restrictions will be lifted, capacity increased to 100% for all industries. Social gathering limits will be rescinded in Boston.

New Hampshire

Friday, April 16, 2021:

  • Statewide mask mandate expired. Private businesses and local cities/towns within the state may still require masks, so it’s best to check with your venue for current guidance. New Hampshire state guidelines encourage people to wear masks whenever they cannot practice social distancing.

Friday, May 7, 2021:

  • Order 52, which requires some businesses to remain closed (or close early), is expected to expire.
Photo: Bénédicte Verley from Kyle + Kevin’s Wedding at the Omni Mount Washington Resort
Rhode Island:

Friday, May 7, 2021:

  • Masks required indoors and if less than 3′ spacing outdoors.
  • Dining capacity increases to 80% indoors; 100% outdoors.
  • Tables must be spaced 3′ apart.
  • Catered event capacity limits: 80% (up to 200 indoors; 500 outdoors).
  • Testing is recommended for guests attending the event; and required for student catered events.
  • Standing bar service and cocktail hours permitted at outdoor venues.
  • Social gatherings without a licensed caterer may have up to 25 people indoors and 75 people outdoors.

Friday, May 28, 2021:

  • Dining capacity increases to 100% for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Catered event capacity limit increases to 100% capacity with no cap for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Standing bar service and cocktail hours permitted at indoor and outdoor venues.
  • Open dance floors permitted.
  • No guest limit on social gatherings without a licensed caterer.

Vermont:

Saturday, May 1, 2021:

  • Indoor gatherings may have 1 unvaccinated person per 100 sq ft up to 150, plus any number of vaccinated people.
  • Outdoor gatherings may have 1 unvaccinated person for 100 sq ft up to 300, plus any number of vaccinated people.

Tuesday, June 1, 2021:

  • No quarantine or testing requirements for cross-state travel.
  • Indoor gatherings may have 1 unvaccinated person per 50 sq ft up to 300, plus any number of vaccinated people.
  • Outdoor gatherings may have 1 unvaccinated person for 50 sq ft up to 900, plus any number of vaccinated people.

Sunday, July 4, 2021:

  • Mask mandate is lifted, but mask wearing is still encouraged.
  • No capacity restrictions.
Photo: Sabin Gratz from Marie + Nic’s wedding at Riverside Farm

Title image by Studio Nouveau from Sammy + Frankie’s wedding at Rosecliff

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