Newrules foroutdoor ceremonies

Marriage and civil partnership ceremonies can now take place outdoors in South Lanarkshire.

And members of three separate households, up to a maximum of eight people, are permitted to attend.

This allows those being married (who may not be part of the same household prior to marriage) and the witnesses to attend.

The numbers allowed does not include the registrar/ celebrant or an interpreter, if necessary, under the new guidelines. At the moment, South Lanarkshire registrars can only attend ceremonies where the venue is one of the garden spaces at Chatelherault.

Head of administration and legal services at the council, Geraldine Mccann, said: “We are delighted that we are able to resume marriage and civil partnership ceremonies as the restrictions imposed by lockdown continue to ease.

“While we appreciate that the current arrangements might not be suitable for everyone, for some it will allow them to proceed with their plans.”