Ontario’s Vaccine Passports & Weddings

On September 1, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced a Proof of Vaccination plan as the latest initiative in the quest to slow the spread of the Delta Variant of COVID-19 and to encourage more people to get vaccinated. (Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings). As with everything, this has an effect on weddings and events as well as on the wedding professionals who make them great.

Here is what we know:

INDOOR Wedding Receptions @ Staffed Venue:

Sept 22, 2021 to Oct 12, 2021 – all guests over 12 must have proof of vaccination unless they have proof of a medical exemption. This is fully vaccinated – 14 days post 2nd dose! A guest can show a negative test in place of proof of vaccination until Oct 12. No change to capacity limits – 25% with dancing or 50% without dancing.

Oct 13, 2021 – all guests over 12 must have proof of vaccination unless they have a medical exemption. This is fully vaccinated – 14 days post 2nd dose! No change to capacity limits – 25% with dancing, 50% without dancing.

OUTDOOR Wedding Receptions @ Staffed Venue::

Exempt from proof of vaccination. Capacities are still 75% at a staffed venue. 100 people on private property. * Individual venues may choose to require proof of vaccination. Talk to your venue for more details. The use of an indoor washroom does not require proof of vaccination.

Wedding Receptions @ Private Property:

Exempt from proof of vaccination. Capacities are still 25 people indoors, 100 people outdoors

Wedding Ceremonies are exempt regardless of location – church or venue.

Vendors are NOT required to show proof of vaccination.

Questions we still need answers to:

Who is responsible for checking for proof of vaccination? Venue? Wedding planner? Wedding host?
Who will be held responsible if the rules are not upheld? Venue? Wedding planner? Wedding host?

We continue to seek further clarity and answers to these questions and more.  

updated Sept 14, 2021