WEDDINGS venues across Colchester are “relieved and grateful” the Government has made a vow to remove the 30 person cap as planned.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed the limit on the number of people who can attend weddings will be lifted from June 21.

Instead the number of attendees will be determined by how many people the venue can accommodate with social distancing measures in place.

Adam Dixon-Smith, managing partner of Houchins Wedding Venue, in Colchester, said he is grateful the Government has been able to make an exception for wedding venues as most Covid rules in England will remain in place for another four weeks after June 21.

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He added: “We are trying to work through the final details following the announcement, but I am relieved by the Government’s decision.

“We can still host lovely weddings for our customers over the next four weeks.

“We can make sure our couples can have the wedding they have been waiting for as some have been waiting for the past 18 months.”

Kirsty Lowry, wedding and events manager at East Mersea Hall, said: "We were really happy to see some sort of movement forward for our industry.

"However, there is still a real lack of clarity for a lot of things.

"Yes, the restrictions on guests numbers has been lifted, but we are still restricted on numbers because of venue size and social distancing.

"It's been absolutely heart breaking speaking to our couples trying to figure out the best plan, what we can and cant do and how we can still give them the best day that they absolutely deserve."

Essex County Council operates several wedding venues which will be subject to a limit of 30 people for another week.

After that point, more people will be able to attend weddings, provided that social distancing rules are observed. The same applies to funerals.

The Prime Minister explained a delay until July 19 would reduce hospital admissions by up to a half, as more people will be vaccinated against the now dominant Delta variant.

Graham Butland, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for arts, heritage and culture, said: “The relaxation on rules will mean couples will be able to have more of their friends and families with them to celebrate their special day.

“Wedding venues have been hit hard and we recognise they will be disappointed the restrictions will continue, however the relaxation on numbers will hopefully be seen as a small but welcome boost.

“There are also benefits to suppliers and of course to our wider economy from those who will be visiting our beautiful county for a wedding or other ceremony.

“It is welcome news the same restrictions will be lifted for other commemorative events such as wakes.”