If you're planning a 2021 wedding in Vermont, you likely have some questions around the current state guidelines for events and travel as it relates to COVID-19. To help, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about weddings in Vermont during the coronavirus pandemic.
Vermont's wedding professionals managed hundreds of safe, beautiful weddings and elopements in 2020, and the industry is ready to do it again this year!
The below information is current and accurate to the best of our understanding as of April 6, 2021. As new information is available, we will make every effort to update this page. Please note that this guide is not a substitute for legal advice, and we encourage readers to consult with their wedding teams to discuss how the state guidelines apply to each specific wedding.
What will the gathering size limits be this summer for weddings in Vermont?
The state has issued the following numbers as a baseline for planning for summer 2021:
As of May 1, 2021:
- Indoor: 1 unvaccinated person per 100 sq ft up to 150 people + any number of vaccinated people
- Outdoor: 300 people + any number of vaccinated people
- Masks & social distancing with non-household members required
As of June 1, 2021:
- Indoor: 1 unvaccinated person per 50 sq ft up to 300 people + any number of vaccinated people
- Outdoor: 900 people + any number of vaccinated people
- Masks & social distancing with non-household members required
As of July 4, 2021:
- No gathering size restrictions
- Masks & social distancing encouraged
These dates and numbers are tied to vaccination milestones to ensure a safe easing of personal restrictions and continued reopening of the state's economy.
EXAMPLE: A 6,000 sq ft venue with a pre-COVID capacity of 200 guests
- May 1: Up to 60 unvaccinated guests (1 per 100 sq ft) + 140 vaccinated guests (total 200 guests)
- June 1: Up to 120 unvaccinated guests (1 per 50 sq ft) + 80 vaccinated guests (total 200 guests)
- July 1: 200 guests - no count of vaccinated/unvaccinated
___
Can out of state couples or guests visit Vermont for a wedding?
Yes!
As of April 9: cross-state travel is allowed without quarantine with a negative COVID test within 3 days of arriving or returning to Vermont.
As of June 1: no quarantine will be required for cross-state travel.
___
Are masks required for my Vermont wedding or elopement?
As of Saturday, August 1, 2020, Vermonters and visitors are required to wear masks or cloth facial coverings over their nose and mouth any time they are in public spaces, indoors or outdoors, where they come in contact with others from outside their households, especially in congregate settings, and where it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet.
However, you and your partner may remove your masks during your wedding ceremony provided you stay six or more feet from the officiant.
Guests may remove masks to eat and drink while at their tables / with members of their household / while socially distanced from other guests.
___
Can we have a dance floor at our wedding?
Yes; bust a move!
___
Can we have a cocktail hour or a buffet at our wedding?
Yes; after May 1, guests can stand for cocktail hour. Buffets will also be allowed.
___
Can we obtain a marriage license in Vermont during coronavirus?
Yes; you can obtain a marriage license in VT. Check with the town office on how to get your marriage license; some are operating by appointment only.
If both you and your partner are Vermont residents, you may go to the town clerk in either of your towns of residence. If just one of you resides in a Vermont town, you must buy the license in that town. If neither party is a Vermont resident, you may get the license from any town clerk in the state.
___
Can brides get hair and makeup done?
Yes, hair and makeup stylists are still able to perform styling services. To keep everyone safe, your team will likely ask you to wear a mask during your hair styling. You do not need to wear a mask during makeup application. Have a conversation with your styling team regarding if/how they want to set up a separate space for these applications. (As the weather warms up, some stylists are able to accommodate groups outside, on a covered porch, for example.) You will likely need to limit the number of people in the "getting ready" area to people who are only getting services done at that time.
___
How do I ask guests if they will be vaccinated for my wedding?
You may want to ask about vaccination status so you can plan for your wedding capacity. While this is new territory for everyone, everyone is going through it together and your loved ones will understand. Below is some sample language you may consider using as a starting point.
As we're sure you can imagine, we have been closely monitoring Covid-19 and how it will impact our wedding plans. The health and safety of our community is our priority. With the new state guidelines for gathering size, we are limited in the number of unvaccinated guests our venue can accommodate.
As such, we are asking the following:
1. We kindly request that all guests who are attending our wedding in-person to be fully vaccinated before attending the wedding. (Please note that to be fully vaccinated you must have the second dose at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding.)
2. If vaccination is not possible (and we understand it may not be), please obtain a negative Covid-19 test the week of the wedding.
3. If you choose to not be vaccinated, and cannot obtain a negative Covid-19 test, we ask that you please join us virtually.
Thank you for helping us to joyfully and safely celebrate our wedding!
Bottom line: Be honest and clear with your expectations so guests can plan accordingly!
You can include a question about vaccination status in your RSVP, or include a poll on your website (if you've already sent out invitations). Here are some visual examples:
(Thank you to Jaclyn Watson Events who helped provide direction for these examples.)
Related articles
- How to Navigate Postponing Your Wedding
- Ideas to Celebrate Your Original Wedding Date
- How to Elope in Vermont
Want more wedding inspiration?
Every wedding featured in this post took place - safely - during 2020!
- A Casual Weekend Wedding with Beautiful DIY Details at Sterling Ridge Resort
- This Couple Celebrated in Her Parents' Backyard with the Help of Their Community
- A Beautiful Socially-Distanced Backyard Tent Wedding
- A Colorful Celebration with Mountain Views
- A Glamorous, Intimate Fall Wedding at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel
- This Couple Celebrated with Their Immediate Family and Their Dog by Their Side
- These Creatives Celebrated Their Stunning Wedding at a Vermont Winery
Check the blog for more 2020 weddings and fresh inspiration each week!
Sources:
Leave A Comment
Comments (8)
If you are unable to have a Vermont indoor wedding due to restrictions are the vendors required to refund your deposits and payments?
Hi Terry, thanks for your question! That's not something we could answer for weddings at large; it will depend on the specific venue/situation.
Thanks for all this information! It's very helpful. Can you please confirm where you saw dancing is allowed on the states site?
Hello this is helpful information I thought I read that dance floor were restricted under guidelines line previous to the one released this week also just wondering where you found the information about cocktail hours and bars thank you !
Hi Haley! Thanks for your comment. As of May 1, all sectors are moving to Universal Guidance (albeit with some gathering restrictions as laid out in this post). Here's the link: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/vermont-forward/business-operations#universal-guidance. This will allow for dance floors etc. Please continue to talk with your vendors about how these guidelines apply to your specific event! Happy planning!!
Hi! Where did you hear that cocktail hour (standing room) is allowed? My wedding is May 29 and I'm so concerned we can't have a cocktail hour, but more importantly a dance floor. Do you think that even though they never banned dance floors before they may do it again? I'd hope not!
Hi there! Congrats on your wedding so soon!! As of May 1, all sectors are moving to Universal Guidance (albeit with some gathering restrictions as laid out in this post). Here's the link: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/vermont-forward/business-operations#universal-guidance. This will allow for dance floors etc. Please continue to talk with your vendors about how these guidelines apply to your specific event! Happy planning!!
Hi Kelli! You can still have a dance floor, but guests do need to observe social distancing / masking while dancing up until the July 4 date. I hope that helps! Congrats on your wedding plans!!