Planning for a Baptism, Wedding, Funeral and Religious Service in NSW

Eased restrictions to help with planning for an event at home, parks, restaurants or church.

NSW has hit the 80% (aged 16 and over) double-dose vaccination target, which means that from Monday 18 October 2021, restrictions will ease for those who are fully vaccinated.

Baptisms:

  • Baptisms may resume across the Archdiocese of Sydney.
  • Premises can have no more than 1 person per 4 square metres indoors and 1 person per 2 square metres outdoors, except for members of the same household.
  • No more than 10 people can sing as part of a choir. They must be fully vaccinated.

First Holy Communions and Confirmations:

  • First Holy Communions and Confirmations may resume across the Archdiocese of Sydney.
  • Premises can have no more than 1 person per 4 square metres indoors and 1 person per 2 square metres outdoors, except for members of the same household.
  • No more than 10 people can sing as part of a choir. They must be fully vaccinated.

Weddings:

  • Wedding ceremonies and receptions may be held with UNLIMITED attendance for fully vaccinated, providing there are no more than 1 person per 4 square metres indoors and 1 person per 2 square metres outdoors.
  • You can eat and drink while standing.
  • You can dance
  • You can attend a wedding and reception anywhere in NSW.
  • If some of the attendees are not fully vaccinated, then only up to 5 people may attend. This number excludes the couple getting married, the priest celebrating the wedding, two witnesses and a camera operator recording the ceremony.

Funerals and memorial services:

  • Yes, funerals may be held with UNLIMITED attendance, providing the four-square metre rule is observed and all attendees have been fully vaccinated.
  • If some of the attendees are not fully vaccinated, then only up to 10 people may attend.
  • This number excludes the priest and funeral company representatives.

Hosting at home?

  • Up to 20 visitors allowed in your home at any one time (visitor limits do not apply for children under the age of 12).
  • Small outdoor gatherings and recreation permitted for up to 50 people (2-person limit for people not fully vaccinated).

Hosting at a Restaurant?

  • Hospitality open with density limit for up to 20 people per booking (takeaway only for people who are not fully vaccinated).
  • From 1 November, bookings for hospitality venues will no longer be capped.
  • No singing indoors (except for performers).
  • Dancing is permitted indoors and outdoors (except at nightclubs)
  • Drinking indoors and outdoors may be seated or standing.

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