Ohio Reveals Plan to Allow Wedding Receptions with Up to 300 Guests as of June 1st

Large gatherings, including wedding receptions and other events, have been banned in Ohio since mid-March, but that’s all about to change. As of June 1st, Ohio will begin allowing wedding receptions with up to 300 guests, effectively re-opening the wedding photo industry… with some restrictions.

According to Cleveland.com, the plan was unveiled by Lt. Gov. Jon Husted during Thursday’s coronavirus briefing. The new guidelines allow banquet venues and catering services to re-open while following the same rules that have been set out for Restaurants and Bars, including:

• Ensure minimum of six feet distance between groups and set up barriers when this isn’t possible
• Increase the frequency of surface cleaning, handwashing, and sanitizing
• All employees must wear face coverings
• All guests are recommended to wear face coverings
• Close all “open congregate areas” that aren’t “necessary for the preparation and service of food or beverages,” such as billiards, card playing, pinball games, video games, arcade games, dancing, and entertainment.

That last point probably has you scratching your head, but it isn’t a typo. Not only will tables/groups need to be kept six feet apart, there is to be no congregating during these events, even if there is the maximum 300 people in attendance. You can see the full guidelines for yourself below, or read them at this link:

“We recognize that there are a lot of weddings and events that are important to people’s lives that can and should go on,” Husted said during yesterday’s briefing. “We are just asking that it be done safely—as safely as possible—to avoid the spread of the virus.”

A spokesperson later clarified that gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited state-wide under the current stay-at-home order. The 300-person limit only applies to events being held at established venues.

The announcement comes just one week after Washington State revealed re-opening guidelines for professional photographers, but if that’s a baby step towards reopening in earnest, Ohio’s announcement is a giant leap that not everyone will agree with. It does, however, mean that some wedding photographers will be able to get back to work… albeit shooting receptions with no dancing, congregating, or “entertainment” of any sort.