June 14, 2021 update: Vermont is fully open! As of today, more than 80% of eligible Vermonters have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and Governor Phil Scott has authorized the move to Step 4 of the Vermont Forward Plan, lifting business, gathering, and travel related restrictions, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. That means all event and gathering restrictions and requirements are lifted.
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What will the gathering size limits be this summer for weddings in Vermont?
There are no gathering size restrictions for weddings in Vermont at this time.
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Can out of state couples or guests visit Vermont for a wedding?
Yes! There is no quarantine or testing requirement to travel to Vermont.
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Are masks required for my Vermont wedding or elopement?
All masking and physical distance mandates are lifted.
- Unvaccinated individuals seeking recommendations should reference the Department of Health website.
- Check with your individual vendors for their specific rules and recommendations.
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Can we have a dance floor at our wedding?
Yes; bust a move!
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Can we have a cocktail hour or a buffet at our wedding?
Yes!
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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.
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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 may 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.
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How do I seat guests? Can guests from multiple households sit together for dinner?
You can have guests from multiple households seated at a table. There are no restrictions on how many people may be seated at a table.
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How do I ask guests if they will be vaccinated for my wedding?
The maximum gathering size restrictions based on vaccination status have been lifted in Vermont. However, if you and your partner still want to ask about vaccination status for your wedding, please see some examples below.
Sample language: 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!
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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!!