[Editor's note, May 23, 9am: A previous version of this article inaccurately stated that a maximum of 10 people is allowed to attend the ceremony, including the couple and the officiant. The 10-person limit excludes the Licensed Solemnizer. We have since amended our article to reflect this change.]

As part of Phase 1 (Safe Reopening) post-circuit breaker, couples will be allowed to hold their marriage solemnisation in-person from June 2.

Still, only a maximum of 10 people is allowed to attend the ceremony, limited to the immediate families of the couples and witnesses. The 10-person limit excludes the Licensed Solemnizer.

Here's what a marriage solemnisation could look like in Phase 1:

Couples previously had to solemnise their marriage via live video

Previously, solemnisations for civil and Muslim marriages had to be done via live video or live television link during the circuit breaker period, with safeguards to ensure the legitimacy of the marriage.

Before the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures for Solemnisation and Registration of Marriages) Bill was passed, about 1,100 civil marriages and close to 200 Muslim marriages had to be postponed.

Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee shared in a Apr. 26 Facebook post:

"Even during a crisis, we should try to enable important life events such as marriages to go on. We should not let COVID-19 hold back those who are ready to start a new life together."

The Bill ensured that couples no longer had to postpone their marriage solemnisation during the Circuit Breaker period.

Top photo by Peppermint Studios 65/ Facebook.