Covid Guidelines for Social Gatherings Across Canada

Dec. 28, 2021 Update: Given the rapidly changing situation in Canada as a result of the Covid Omicron variant, we recommend that you check your provincial and local public health guidelines for current social gathering limits.

Here are links to the provincial websites for more information: 

• British Columbia
• Yukon
• Alberta
• Northwest Territories
• Saskatchewan
• Nunavut 
• Manitoba
• Ontario 
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• PEI
• Newfoundland

As we continue the fight against Covid-19 and the Delta variant, public health officials have revisited capacity restrictions and introduced proof of vaccination programs for social gatherings this fall in some provinces to curb the spread. Whether you're planning a mirco wedding, wedding ceremony or outdoor reception, we've rounded up the info for each province and territory so you can safely get together to celebrate with loved ones. Take note that each region writes its own social gathering guidelines and often capacity varies between a private property (i.e. backyard wedding) versus an organized event at a place of worship, event venue or public space. For further details and Covid protocols, talk to your venue coordinator or consult your government website (we've provided the links below). P.S. Check out our Covid Wedding Glossary for all the terms you need to know.

Here are the Covid 19 social gathering guidelines for each province and territory as of September 20, 2021.

British Columbia

Indoor Capacity: There are no capacity restrictions on indoor organized gatherings. Proof of vaccination is required for organized gatherings with more than 50 people. Seats must be provided for all people at weddings with more than 50 people,

Outdoor Capacity: Maximum of 5000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is greater.

There are no capacity limits or restrictions on indoor or outdoor worship services.

Masks: Masks are required in indoor public settings for all people 12 and older. 

Phase: Guidelines effective as of October 25, 2021.

Learn more at the BC government website.

Yukon

Indoor Capacity: There are no longer indoor capacity limits in Yukon for fully vaccinated people.*

Outdoor Capacity: There are no longer outdoor capacity limits in Yukon for fully vaccinated people.*  

*If you are not fully vaccinated, stick to 6 people for any indoor or outdoor gathering. Keep your social contacts small and consistent to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Masks: Masks are encouraged at social gatherings in Yukon.

Phase: Guidelines effective as of August 25, 2021.

Learn more at the Yukon government website.

Alberta

Indoor Capacity: Indoor wedding ceremonies are permitted with up to 50 people or 50% of fire code occupancy, whichever is less, unless the hosting facility implements the Restrictions Exemption Program. Indoor wedding receptions are prohibited unless the hosting facility implements the Restrictions Exemption Program.

Outdoor Capacity: Outdoor ceremonies, services and receptions are permitted with up to 200 people and must follow liquor sales and consumption restrictions (sales end at 10 pm, consumption by 11 pm), unless the hosting facility implements the Restrictions Exemption Program.

Proof of Vaccination: The Restrictions Exemption Program permits in-scope businesses, entities and organizers to operate without most public health restrictions on condition that the operator follow or exceed the program requirements at all times, including requiring all patrons/attendees aged 12 and over to provide valid:

• proof of vaccination, or
• proof of a privately-paid negative rapid test result taken within 72 hours of service, or
• documentation of a medical exemption

Masks: Masking and 2 metres physical distancing are mandatory in all indoor public spaces, workplaces, and places of worship.

Phase: Guidelines effective as of September 20, 2021.

Learn more at Alberta government website.

Northwest Territories

Indoor Capacity: Indoor social gatherings are limited to 200 people.

Outdoor Capacity: Outdoor social gatherings are limited to 200 people.

OCPHO approval is required for gatherings of over 200 people and high-risk activities, including live singing, wind instrument performances and indoor dancing.

The communities of Yellowknife, N’Dilo, and Dettah are currently under a Gathering Restriction Order and the following additional limits apply:

• Indoor events: 25 people or less are allowed; physical distancing of 2 metres, hand washing/sanitizing, and disinfection protocols where required must be in place.
• Outdoor events: 50 people or less allowed; physical distancing of 2 metres, hand washing/ sanitizing measures are in place.
• Travel by household group and no sharing of food and drinks. 

The community of Behchoko is currently under a Containment Order,

Masks: Mask use is not required but recommended for some indoor settings and activities.

Phase: Guidelines effective as of September 9, 2021.

Learn more at the Northwest Territories government website.

Saskatchewan

Indoor Capacity: There are no longer indoor capacity limits in Saskatchewan.

Outdoor Capacity: There are no longer outdoor capacity limits in Saskatchewan.

Proof of Vaccination: As of October 1, 2021, a provincial requirement for proof of vaccination or negative test will be implemented for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues that bring groups of people together, including indoor dining at restaurants, nightclubs, bars, taverns and other licensed establishments, event and entertainment venues, 

Proof of vaccination will not be required for private gatherings held at places of worship, public indoor venues (including weddings), or private gatherings at private residences.

Masks: Masks are mandatory in indoor public settings.

Phase: Guidelines effective as of September 17, 2021.

Learn more at the Saskatchewan government website.

Nunavut

Indoor Capacity: Indoor gatherings at a private residence can have a maximum of 15 people, plus the household members. Indoor gatherings are limited to 25 people or 50% of the occupancy load for the room in libraries, museums, and galleries; 100 people or 75% of the occupancy load for gatherings at places of worship, conference facilities, community halls, and other rental meeting spaces.

Outdoor Capacity: There are no longer outdoor capacity limits in Nunavut.

Masks: Masks required for indoor and outdoor gatherings. All persons shall maintain a distance of at least 2 metres apart from any other person while in public, excepting members of their immediate household.

Phase: Order Respecting Social Distancing and Gatherings #18 (Effective September 20, 2021).

Learn more at the Nunavut government website.

Manitoba

Indoor Capacity: Indoor gatherings at an indoor public place is limited to 50 people or 50 percent of capacity, whichever is greater.

Outdoor Capacity: Outdoor gatherings in a public setting are limited to  500 people, or if the outdoor venue has a capacity limit, the allowed capacity is 50 percent or 150 people, whichever is greater.

Proof of Vaccination: Effective September 7, proof of vaccination will be required for weddings held in indoor licensed facilities.

Masks: Mask use is required in indoor public places.

Phase: Guidelines effective as of September 2, 2021.

Learn more at the Manitoba government website.

Ontario

Indoor Capacity: Wedding receptions are permitted indoors for up to 25 people unless held at a meeting or event space, or a restaurant or other food or drink establishment (where the venue's capacity limit will apply—ask your venue coordinator for details). 

Outdoor Capacity: Outdoor wedding receptions permitted for up to 100 people unless held at a meeting or event space or a restaurant or other food or drink establishment (where the venue's capacity limit will apply—ask your venue coordinator for details).

Place of Worship: Indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings at places of worship can take place with physical distancing.

Proof of Vaccination: As of September 22, 2021, you will need to provide proof of vaccination at indoor event spaces (and other establishments detailed here). 

Masks: People must wear masks or face coverings when:

• they are in an indoor area at a business or facility that is open to the public, with limited exceptions
• they are within 2 metres of another person who is not part of their household, with limited exceptions

Phase: Step 3 (Guidelines effective as of September 22, 2021).

Learn more at the Ontario government website.

Quebec

Indoor Capacity: Indoor wedding receptions can have up to 25 people. 

Outdoor Capacity: Outdoor wedding receptions can have up to 50 people.

Place of Worship: Weddings ceremonies are limited to 250 people inside and 500 people outside. They must stay seated during the event. An attendance register is mandatory for these ceremonies.

Physical Distancing: A distance of at least 1 metre must be maintained between people if they are not talking or if they are talking quietly, and 2 metres if they are talking or singing, even when they stay in their seat and do not move about, unless they are from the same private home or the equivalent. A mask must be worn but can be taken off when the person is in their seat, is silent or speaks only in a low voice.

Proof of Vaccination: As of September 1, 2021 vaccination passport is required for entrance into these locations. It is not required for private gatherings, ceremonies (weddings, funerals, baptisms) and places of worship.

Phase: Level 1–Vigilance Green Zone (Guidelines effective as of September 1, 2021).

Learn more at the Quebec government website.

New Brunswick

Indoor Capacity: There are no longer indoor capacity limits in New Brunswick.

Outdoor Capacity: There are no longer outdoor capacity limits in New Brunswick.

Proof of Vaccination: As of September 22, 2021, some New Brunswick businesses will require Proof of Vaccination to access non-essential services including indoor weddings.

Masks: Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces.

Phase: Guidelines effective as of September 20, 2021.

Learn more at the New Brunswick government website.

Nova Scotia

Indoor Capacity: Indoor weddings hosted by a business or organization can have 50% of the venue’s capacity up to 150 people with social distancing and masks. Informal social gatherings with household members (the people you live with) and close social contacts can have up to 25 people indoors without social distancing and masks (although masks may be required if you’re in a public place with mask requirements like a restaurant or event).

Outdoor Capacity: Outdoor weddings hosted by a business or organization can have up to 250 people outdoors with social distancing and masks. Informal social gatherings with household members (the people you live with) and close social contacts can have up to 50 people outdoors without social distancing and masks (although masks may be required if you’re in a public place with mask requirements like a restaurant or event).

Masks: Wearing a non-medical mask is required in most indoor public places. Stay 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household.

Phase: Phase 4

Learn more at the Nova Scotia government website.

PEI

Indoor Capacity: Indoor organized gatherings can have up 100 people (with an operational plan). Personal gatherings of family and friends can have up to 50 people.

Outdoor Capacity: Outdoor organized gatherings can have up 200 people (with an operational plan). Personal gatherings of family and friends can have up to 50 people.

Place of Worship: Weddings can have a maximum of 200 people.

Masks: As of September 17, non-medical masks are mandatory in indoor public places. Stay 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household.

Phase: Guidelines effective as of September 17, 2021

Learn more at the PEI government website.

Newfoundland

Indoor Capacity: Formal gatherings run by a recognized business or organization are limited to no more than 100 people. Physical distancing must be maintained. Informal gatherings are limited to only those in your Steady 20.

Outdoor Capacity: Formal gatherings run by a recognized business or organization are limited to no more than 100 people. Physical distancing must be maintained. Informal gatherings are limited to only those in your Steady 20.

Masks: Masks must be worn in public spaces.

Phase: Alert level 2

Learn more at the Newfoundland government website.

A note to our couples planning a wedding during Covid-19: we’ve put together this Covid wedding guide and opened up a dedicated hotline to answer any and all wedding planning questions that you may have – (833) 998-2865 or help@weddingwire.com