Everything you need to know as Government caps weddings at 15 people to 'tighten up' rule of six

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the number of people permitted at wedding celebrations is to be halved, in a bid to “tighten up” the current rule of six.

But he added that funeral services would be exempt from the restrictions announced on Tuesday, with the maximum number of mourners remaining at 30.

Celebrations held this weekend will narrowly avoid the new restrictions, which come into effect in England on Monday.

Setting out the measures in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson said: “Fifth, now is the time to tighten up the rule of six.

“I’m afraid that from Monday a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, though up to 30 can still attend a funeral as now.”

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions were included in a list of exemptions to the ban on social gatherings of more than six, with up to 30 people, including the couple, allowed to attend.

Funeral services remain exempt from the rule of six, unless specified in areas with local lockdown restrictions.

A maximum of 30 people are allowed to attend a funeral in England and Wales, while no more than 20 are permitted in Scotland.

But the ban on gatherings of more than six applies to wakes or receptions held in private homes or gardens in England, unless those attending are all from the same household or support bubble.

What other new measures have been introduced?

Boris Johnson has announced a host of new coronavirus restrictions for England to combat the sharp rise in cases.

The Prime Minister told MPs that the measures could last for six months, as he warned the UK was at a “perilous turning point” in its fight against the virus.

Here is a look at the key changes Mr Johnson announced in the House of Commons.

– Work from home

The Prime Minister said office workers who can work from home should now do so. But people in key public services – and professions where home working is not possible, such as retail or construction – should continue to attend their workplaces.

– Hospitality curfew

Pubs, bars and restaurants will be forced to close at 10pm each night from Thursday and must operate table service only, except for takeaways. The Prime Minister said it means “closing, and not just calling for last orders”.

– Face coverings in taxis

Passengers travelling in private hire vehicles or taxis will have to wear face coverings from 12.01am on Thursday. Face coverings are already mandatory on public transport and in transport hubs.

– Face coverings in retail and hospitality

Retail staff must wear face coverings from 12.01am on Monday. Staff and customers in indoor hospitality will also be required to wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.

– Rule of six tightening

Indoor sport will no longer be exempt from the rule of six. It means that indoor adult team sports involving more than six people – such as five-a-side football – will be banned from Thursday.

– Weddings

The maximum number of people able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions will be reduced from 30 to 15 from Monday. Up to 30 can still attend a funeral.

– Spectators at sports venues

The planned return of spectators to sports venues will now not go ahead from October 1. Mr Johnson said the spread of the virus was also affecting the ability to reopen business conferences and exhibitions.

– Tougher penalties

The penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will double to £200 for a first offence. Fines of up to £10,000 for those who fail to self-isolate have already been introduced.