Boris Johnson will lift the 30-person limit on weddings even if the easing of other lockdown restrictions is delayed beyond June 21.
The prime minister, who married Carrie Symonds on May 29, is understood to be determined to relax curbs on weddings and receptions this month.
Ministers are considering delaying the easing of lockdown rules for a fortnight amid mounting concern about the spread of the Indian variant of the coronavirus.
Many couples have had to postpone their weddings repeatedly since the first lockdown in March last year. At present 30 people are allowed to attend weddings and civil partnership ceremonies in Covid-secure venues.
It is understood that the limit will be lifted, even if social distancing remains.
Ministers are expected to bring weddings into line with funerals, for which the 30-person limit was scrapped last month. The rules will also be relaxed for other events such as bar mitzvahs and christenings.
Guests would not be required to sit at socially distanced tables, although they would still be advised to be “cautious” about contact with other households. The government’s guidance advises against dancing, with the exception of the first dance. Guests and staff will be required to wear masks unless eating or drinking.
People will be advised to make their own assessment of the risk of hugging others, in line with the present guidance. A government source said: “It’s been tough on the sector. If you’ve got stadiums full of people, why can’t weddings go ahead with more than 30 people?”
