HERITAGE PARK WEDDINGS

 

The purpose of this blog is to provide you with an honest and clear update with relation to your venue booking

and the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.

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See 'keeping your guests safe' for further guidance on current procedures at the Temple of Minerva. 

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Friday 28th January 2022

With no additional restrictions introduced in the last month, this is great news for 2022 weddings! 

Since July 2021 we have been working at a reduced capacity inside the Temple of Minerva to ensure 2m distance is provided for staff. From Monday 7th March 2022 we will be increasing to full capacity - 35 guests. Please refer to our updated 'keeping your guests safe' guidance for our current procedures at the Temple of Minerva

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Tuesday 14th December 2021

As there is some uncertainty around the new variant I am keeping a close eye on guidance and awaiting an update from the Weddings Taskforce. As it stands the above keeping your guests safe guidance still applies, over the coming weeks I will ensure to update the guidance with any changes.

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Monday 19th July 2021

Today we move into step 4 which means that restrictions on weddings are lifted, this is a huge step for the industry! 

At Heritage Park Weddings we will be keeping some measures in place in order to keep your guests and our staff safe, please see our keeping your guests safe guidance, using the link above for more information 

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Wednesday 23rd June 2021

Step 4 which was due to start from Monday 21st June 2021 has been postponed until Monday 19th July. this means that the Step 3 guidance will apply to all weddings within this timeframe. One main change is that weddings are no longer limited to 30, but instead the capacity of the venue. To summarise: 

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• Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies & receptions are permitted at our venues, at the Temple of Minerva the capacity inside is maximum of 16 (dependant on household groups) and outside also 16, therefore a maximum capacity of 32 for your ceremony (your guests and the wedding couple)

• If holding a reception with us on the lawn, the capacity for this can increase. On the Temple Lawn the capacity is 80 but the weather and a plan for what would happen should the weather be drizzly must be considered when increasing numbers

• If the event is taking place outdoors, it can be partially sheltered with, for example, a marquee, provided that at least 50% of the walled area remains open.

• The guidance on meeting friends and family has a greater emphasis on personal responsibility. Instead of instructing people to stay 2 metres apart away from anyone they do not live with, people will be encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with COVID-19 and actions to take to help keep friends and family safe.

• Where there is alcohol all food and drink (including non-alcoholic drink) must be ordered, served and consumed while seated at a table.

• Tables are not limited to the rule of 6

• Face coverings are required in indoor settings – those sat outside are not required by law to wear a face covering, all guests should bring a face covering as a face covering will need to be worn when entering the building. The wedding couple are exempt from wearing face coverings during the ceremony.

• Both indoor and outdoor performances can take place

• Dancing is advised against, except your first dance

• Other activities such as cake cutting and playing of games can take place

• Other objects in the reception venue being touched by several people (such as guest books, polaroid camera stations or games) should be minimised and hand sanitisation encouraged both before and after contact. We have hand sanitiser and wipes at the venue.

• Speeches should be undertaken outside or in well ventilated areas wherever possible. Ventilation with external air should be maximised in all buildings where people are gathering. As you’ll know our venues are mostly outdoors, at the Temple of Minerva we have the 3 double doors and 2 windows that we will open up for ventilation

 

You may have heard about the change in law for marriages, at present the wedding couple, the registrars and the witnesses must be under the roof of the licenced premise to ensure it is a legal marriage. There is shortly due to be a change in law (planned for 1st July although this may be delayed) which will mean that couples will be able to hold their ceremony completely outdoors, anywhere within the venues boundary without the need to be under the licensed structure. If this is something you may be interested in, let me know and we can discuss in more detail

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Monday 17th May 2021

The long awaited specific step 3 guidance has now been published, to make it nice and simple I have outlined the key points below: 

 

• Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies & receptions are permitted at our venues for up to 30 people from today, Monday 17th May

• If the event is taking place outdoors, it can be partially sheltered with, for example, a marquee, provided that at least 50% of the walled area remains open.

• The guidance on meeting friends and family has changed, with a greater emphasis on personal responsibility. Instead of instructing people to stay 2 metres apart away from anyone they do not live with, people will be encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with COVID-19 and actions to take to help keep friends and family safe.

• At our venues we will be providing the 2m distance during your ceremony 

• All food and drink (including non-alcoholic drink) must be ordered, served and consumed while seated at a table.

• For your reception the rule of 6 applies indoors, but outdoors we're not limited to the rule of 6

• Face coverings are required in indoor settings – except when eating & drinking. The couple being married are exempt as well as those officiating your wedding

• Both indoor and outdoor performances can take place – socially distanced

• Dancing is strongly advised against, except your first dance

• Other activities such as cake cutting and playing of games can take place

• Other objects in the reception venue being touched by several people (such as guest books, polaroid camera stations or games) should be minimised and hand sanitisation encouraged both before and after contact. We have hand sanitiser and wipes at the venue.

• Speeches should be undertaken outside or in well ventilated areas wherever possible. Ventilation with external air should be maximised in all buildings where people are gathering. As you’ll know our venues are mostly outdoors, at the Temple of Minerva we have the 3 double doors that we can open up for ventilation

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Tuesday 30th March 2021

Subject to Government review, from 12th April the Temple of Minerva in the Botanical Gardens is permitted to hold wedding ceremonies and receptions in line with the latest Government guidance

 

Receptions and celebrations can take place outside with up to 15 people. This should be in the form of a sit- down meal. They may take place in any COVID-secure outdoor venue that is permitted to open. Outdoor venues may be partially sheltered, such as marquees, but cannot be enclosed or substantially enclosed. At least 50% of the wall area of the marquee must be open for it to be considered outdoors.

 

Key points in Step 2

• Receptions are only permitted outdoors

• They should be a sit-down meal and take place in a COVID-secure venue. In line with social contact limits, guests should remain seated in groups of 6 or 2 households.

• Table service must be provided for food and drinks to minimise customer self service

• Attendees should maintain social distancing and avoid physical contact with individuals from different households.

• Attendees and staff must wear a face covering (except when eating or drinking)

• Cake cutting is permitted with social distancing in place

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Step 3 - Further guidance will be published closer to the time 

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Monday 22nd March 2021 

Today the Government Guidance for Small Marriages and Civil Partnerships has been updated, this confirms the Temple of Minerva is able to open for wedding ceremonies for 15 people from 12th April. Guests will be sat in households at a 2m distance from each other.  We are currently awaiting the specific guidance for wedding receptions. 

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Monday 22nd February 2021

The Government today have outlined the road map out of National Lockdown:

Step One, From Monday 8 March: Weddings will be able to proceed with 6 attendees only - no longer limited to exceptional circumstances

Step Two, no earlier than 12 April:  The numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events will rise to 15 (from 6).

Step Three, no earlier than 17 May: Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings & receptions

Step Four, no earlier than 21 June: It is hoped all legal limits on social contact will be removed, this will guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings

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Tuesday 5th January 2021

Due to the new national lockdown, weddings are only permitted to take place in exceptional circumstances, such as ill health. These must only take place with a maximum of 6 people including the wedding couple, witnesses and guests, but those working, such as registration officials and venue managers, are not included. All January and February bookings have been postponed to a new date.

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Venue show rounds will be taking place virtually via zoom.

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Thursday 31st December 2020

As of today, Bath has moved into Tier 3. This means Wedding ceremonies can still take place for up to 15 attendees but wedding receptions are currently not permitted.  

 

 

Wednesday 2nd December 2020

Our venues have reopened following lockdown 2.0 and we are delivering intimate Winter Wedding ceremonies and receptions at the Temple of Minerva.  
Bath is in Tier 2, which means weddings, partnerships, receptions can take place with 15 people in attendance, not including those working.
Venue show rounds are taking place. If you are in a Tier 3 area we suggest postponing your show round until you can leave your tier and happy to offer you a date for the new year. 

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Guests are required by law to wear a face covering, this is optional for the wedding couple. 

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Guests will be sat in households at a 2m distance from each other and should continue to social distance during the reception. ​

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Thursday 5th November 2020

From Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December 2020 the UK will enter into the second National Lockdown. Weddings and Civil Partnership Ceremonies will not be permitted to take place during this time and while the Temple doors are temporarily closed we are still available for online meetings.  

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Tuesday 22nd September 2020

From Monday 28th September 2020 the attendance numbers for weddings and receptions will be reduced to 15 including the wedding couple and guests. Anyone working, for example the two Registrars, photographers, caterers, venue staff or musicians if attending will not be counted. 

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Monday 3rd August 2020

A planned relaxation in restrictions to allow a total of 30 people to attend wedding receptions from the 1st of August has been put back until the 15th of August at the earliest by Boris Johnson. This means any celebrations after the ceremony can only be attended by two households or six people from different households. 

 

We will be delivering Bijou Ceremony bookings only at this time or picnics within the restrictions. You will still be able to enjoy photos and confetti throwing within your private space in the gardens. This is a big disappointment to us all and as a Wedding Sector we are doing all we can to get clarity from the government and a clear road-map, so that you are able to put your plans in place. 

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Check out our guidance for 'keeping your guests safe' during their visit to the Temple of Minerva.

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Please contact me if you would like to discuss your day and I will have further information and hopefully better news on the 15th.  

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The most up-to-date information from the government can be found HERE. 

 

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Tuesday 21st July 2020

From the 1st August small Wedding Ceremonies, including Wedding Receptions will be able to take place for up to 30 people subject to Covid-19 secure guidance. We believe we can offer a Covid secure environment and will be operating within the government guidelines and legislation

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The Temple of Minerva can seat 12 guests indoors and 12 guests on the terrace at a social distance, sat in households. There is plenty of space and fresh air on the Temple Lawn for 30 to enjoy drinks, nibbles, a sit down meal or a picnic after your ceremony. 

 

 

Monday 29th June 2020

Heritage Park Wedding venues will be opening for ceremonies from the 4th July. We believe we can offer a Covid secure environment and will be operating within the government guidelines and legislation

 

This means that ceremonies can take place with up to 30 people in total, including the wedding couple, registrars, witnesses and any suppliers such as a photographer or caterers. It does not include any venue staff. Numbers should be kept as low as possible to reduce the risk. We feel the Temple of Minerva can safely seat 12 guests inside, allowing for social distancing. It will be possible to have more guests sat outside on the terrace area.  

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Social distancing means a 2 meter gap between guests who are not in the same household or 1 meter with risk mitigation, such as face masks. 

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Ceremonies should be kept short and singing, raised voices and wind instruments should be avoided. We have a Bluetooth speaker available for hire so you can use recordings. Infants should be held by a person in their household. 

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It is strongly advised that receptions do not take place and any small post celebrations following the ceremony are only permitted for up to 6 people from different households outside or two households or bubbles inside or outside. 

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Guests who are considered high risk or anyone experiencing symptoms should not attend. 

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We realise that this announcement is very restrictive and hope guidance will continue to ease within the next few months. We also know we have lots of couples who are really keen to proceed with their ceremony and start their new life together and for those we are ready to deliver a special ceremony, in beautiful and safe surroundings.  

 

 

Thursday 25th June 2020

We are hoping that we will be able to hold ceremonies from the 4th July 2020, but we are awaiting official guidance.
I am currently in the process of finalising arrangements with my couples who have bookings over the next few months, including information on guest numbers and households numbers. We should have clearer guidance by Monday 29th June 2020

We are ready to open our doors and believe we are Covid secure, offering plenty of outdoor space, well ventilated venues and hand washing facilities.

 

Further  clarification was published today from the government, with regards to Weddings in the UK

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1.17 Can weddings go ahead?
Yes, from 4 July, weddings and civil partnerships will be allowed to take place. You should only invite close friends and family, up to a maximum of 30 people. The wedding exception is for wedding ceremonies only. Large wedding receptions or parties should of course not be taking place. Wedding celebrations can only happen when people follow the guidance of six people outdoors, support bubbles, or two households indoors or outdoors. It is critical for these guidelines to be observed to keep you and your family and friends as safe as possible.

 

Gov.uk FAQ's

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Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your options or if you are interested in booking a ceremony. I can arrange for a picnic on the lawn following your ceremony but only with 6 people, support bubbles or two households.   

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I am also proceeding with onsite show rounds, which will take place outdoors and social distancing will apply. 

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Wednesday 24th June 2020

I am sure many of you will have seen the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday and whilst it is great news that Weddings in the UK are permitted to take place from the 4th July, this is currently only in relation to places of worship. We are still waiting for to be given the green light for Civil Ceremonies to take place, which includes all of Heritage Park Weddings venues. I will update you as soon as I can.

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Wednesday 17th June 2020

Onsite meetings for venue show rounds and wedding/celebration planning will resume from Thursday 25th June 2020. These will take place outdoors and social distancing guidance will apply. I therefore will sadly not be able to give you a hug and will be keeping a distance of 2 meters from you at all times. Please do not be offended! I will have a table set up on the lawn, where we can sit and chat. I will be wearing a face visor for this part of the meeting. I am looking forward to meeting up with you. Drop me an email if you would like to get a date in for an onsite meeting. I am also able to offer you a live onsite video call, so you can see the venue and discuss your plans from the comfort of your home. 

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Monday 1st June 2020

Sadly there is no change at this time - Weddings & Events are still unable to take place, as you cannot gather in sufficient numbers indoors to enable a wedding ceremony to take place safely. The government are keeping these restrictions under review and will ease them as soon as it is safe to do so and as soon as they do, we will be ready to open the doors again. 

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We cannot be sure what restrictions will be put in place once Weddings can take place again but we will work closely with each of our wedding couples to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for their special celebration. 

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We are lucky that our venues are mostly outdoors with space for social distancing and hand washing facilities, so we are well equipped to reopen when the time comes.  

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The good news is that from today we are able to meet in groups of up to six people, including people outside of our household in an outdoor setting, so hopefully you can start to enjoy the company of your friends and family but do not forget to follow the social distancing guidance and stay 2 meters apart. 

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Find out what else you can and can't do HERE 

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Stay Alert, best wishes 

Jess 

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Wednesday 13th May 2020

Weddings & Events are currently suspended until further guidance from the government. The government is examining the possibility of small ceremonies taking place from June and I am expecting further announcements in the coming weeks. 

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If you would like to discuss postponing your wedding, please call me on 07966 285573, it is a very easy process and there will be no additional costs.  

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If your notice of marriage or civil partnership expires before your new ceremony date, you will need to book an appointment at your local register to give fresh notices. Notices are valid for a year after the date you gave your notice.

 

I am still accepting bookings for future weddings and celebrations and I am expecting to resume venue show rounds very soon.    

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Stay alert
We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
•    stay at home as much as possible
•    work from home if you can
•    limit contact with other people
•    keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
•    wash your hands regularly
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
 

For the current guidance on Staying alert and safe please visit Gov.uk

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Monday 20th April 2020

The Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, confirmed on Thursday 16th April, that the lockdown restrictions in the UK will continue for at least another 3 weeks as it tackles the coronavirus outbreak. Weddings & Events booked in during this time will be required to postpone.   

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The current situation therefore continues:  
•    Stay at home 
•    Only go outside for food, health reasons or if you are a key worker 
•    If you go out, stay 2 metres away from other people 
•    Wash your hands as soon as you get home 
•    Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms. 

 

I am available by email, phone and video call if you want to discuss your wedding plans. 

 

Keep well everyone, best wishes

Jess
 

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Tuesday 24th March 2020

Following Boris Johnson's announcement last night (Monday 23rd March 2020) Heritage Park Wedding venues will be closed for the next three weeks. The Prime Minister has banned gatherings of three or more, including weddings, as part of the UK lockdown, in a bid to fight the coronavirus.

 

Wedding ceremonies and other event bookings have been postponed until later in the year. Wedding couples with dates over the coming months are also being offered alternative dates. If it is possible to proceed with an intimate bijou style ceremony, which includes the wedding couple and two witnesses only, then this is what we will offer as an option. 

 

If you are postponing your wedding date, ensure to contact your registrars to arrange giving notice again and also check they are free on your new date.  

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Bath & North East Somerset Parks & Open Spaces will remain open and can be used for your daily exercise either alone or with the people you live with but please remember to keep 2 meters (6ft) away from other people.  

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You can find guidance on staying at home and staying away from others HERE 

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Hitched have some useful resources and articles to help wedding couples plan during this time. 

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Stay home, stay well 

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Thursday 19th March 2020

• We are now able to offer online Wedding Planning Meetings through video calls to our couples who are self-isolating or practising social distancing. 

• If you would like your ceremony to proceed with smaller guest numbers and have a party to celebrate with all of your guests later in the year or next year, we can help you with that. 

• Guests at the Temple of Minerva will be asked to wash their hands on arrival and those guests considered to be in the vulnerable list - over 70, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant should not attend. Guest who are showing symptoms of coronavirus - high temperature and/or new and continuous cough should not attend. 

• The Temple Open Day planned for Sunday 5th April will be postponed until the Summer.  

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Sunday 15th March 2020 

I recognise that this is a rapidly evolving situation, I am therefore following Public Health England (PHE) advice and guidance and receiving daily updates to review the situation.

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All Weddings, celebrations and bookings at Heritage Park Wedding Venues will be taking place as planned on your booked dates.  

 

If guidance changes between now and your booked date, I will work together with you to move your booking to another suitable date later in the year or in 2021. Rest assured that if your wedding is not able to take place, this does not mean that your wedding is cancelled, it is just postponed, and I am here to help ensure this has minimal impact on your special day and avoid causing you any unnecessary stress.  

 

I will be continuing to meet up with you for show rounds, planning meetings and will be taking bookings as normal. I am also able to help with short lead enquiries if your destination wedding plans have been affected by coronavirus.

 

At present national policy is that events should go ahead, this is in line with the measured approach of Public Health England (PHE) and the government trying to balance risks of the virus and risks of mass disruption to normal life.

 

You can do your part by providing relevant information to your guests as to who should stay away, how to stay healthy and by enhancing hygiene onsite on the day.

 

We are lucky that our venues are mostly outdoor spaces. Regular and thorough cleaning will take place at the Temple of Minerva before and after bookings.

 

Whatever the outcome, I will work hard to ensure you have the perfect day. If you are feeling anxious about your plans, then please pick up the phone, I am 100% here to help.

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Best wishes
 

Jess Taylor

Commercial Manager

07966 285573

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For Public Health England updates, click HERE