State-by-State Group Gathering Guidelines

Updated May 6, 2021

Stay home orders are a moving target, depending on the coronavirus’ community spread. Governors are redefining guidelines and policies for gatherings in each state. To help keep track of what the rules are, we are listing them, organized by state, here. We also have an article about each state’s municipal offices, and what to do if you need a marriage license and the clerk’s office is closed.

Please remember, the best way to show your love for your friends and family is to be safe and follow guidance.

Remember:

★ Outdoors is safer than indoors
★ Social distancing guidelines are 6 feet apart AND (not or) wear a mask.
★ CDC guidelines say if you’ve been fully vaccinated, you can gather in a home or private setting without a mask with other fully vaccinated people of any age; and visit inside a home or private setting without a mask with one household of unvaccinated people who are not at risk for severe illness. The rules change when more than two households gather.

Connecticut

Effective Saturday, May 1, 2021

★ Masks or cloth face coverings that cover a person’s nose and mouth are required to be worn when in public and a six-foot distance is unavoidable when indoors. This does not apply to anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to their health because of a medical condition.

★ Private party or backyard gatherings, indoor capacity is 25 and outdoor is limited to 100. Social distancing and face masks continue to be required.

★ Commercial event venues will be limited to 50% capacity and 100 people indoor, 200 people outdoor. Social distancing and face masks continue to be required.

★ The 8-person per table limit will be lifted – OUTDOOR ONLY. The limit remains in effect for indoor dining.

★ Restaurants require 6 ft. spacing or non-porous barrier between tables, with an 8-person maximum table capacity. All restaurants and indoor recreation continue to be subject to an 12:00 midnight closing time.

Effective Wednesday, May 19, 2021

★ All remaining business restrictions will end.

★ Masks or cloth face coverings that cover a person’s nose and mouth are required to be worn when indoors and a six-foot distance is unavoidable. This does not apply to anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to their health because of a medical condition.

★ Private party or backyard gatherings, indoor capacity is 25 and outdoor is limited to 100. Social distancing and face masks continue to be required.

★ Commercial event venues will be limited to 50% capacity and 100 people indoor, 200 people outdoor. Social distancing and face masks continue to be required indoors.

★ Restaurants require 6 ft. spacing or non-porous barrier between tables, with an 8-person maximum table capacity indoors. All restaurants and indoor recreation continue to be subject to an 12:00 midnight closing time.

Florida

On May 3, 2021, Governor DeSantis suspended all COVID-19 restrictions and mandates on individuals and businesses.

★ The Justice of the Peace Association and findaJP.com encourage all officiants and couples to follow safe COVID protocols and wear a mask when within six feet of others outside of one’s household.

★ Senior citizens and the immunocompromised should avoid crowds and limit exposure.

Maine

★ All indoor gatherings

Effective March 26, 2021 through May 23, 2021: 50% of permitted occupancy or 50 persons (or 5 people per 1,000 square feet for retail establishments), whichever is greater.

Effective May 24, 2021 and thereafter: 75% of permitted occupancy or 50 persons (or 5 people per 1,000 square feet for retail establishments), whichever is greater.

★ Any outdoor gathering taking place at a facility or event that is subject to a permitted occupancy limit is subject to the following limits:

Effective March 26, 2021 through May 23, 2021: 75% of permitted occupancy.

Effective May 24, 2021 and thereafter: 100% of permitted occupancy.

★ Face coverings must be worn in public settings.

Massachusetts

Because of increasing coronavirus cases, Governor Baker renewed stay at home orders and announced new restrictions that go into effect March 22, 2021.

★ Mask mandate for everyone over the age of 5, regardless of social distancing.

★ Gatherings at private residences: 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors

★ Gatherings at event venues and in public settings: 100 people indoors, 150 people outdoors

★ Effective April 29, 2021, Face coverings are required for all present at any indoor event if people from more than one household, except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability. This includes private functions as well as public venues. Outdoors, masks are required if unable to maintain a 6-foot distance.

★ Travelers entering the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must quarantine for 10 days or provide proof of a negative test unless: visit is for less than 24 hours, provide negative COVID test, fully vaccinated over 14 days earlier. More info here.

New Hampshire

Effective May 8, 2021: Governor Sununu issued COVID guidance, available through this Best Practices bulletin.

★ Face masks are encouraged for all people who are within six feet of each other for 10 minutes or longer for delivery of service. Face masks may be required by businesses, organizations and event organizers for those entering the venue.

★ Ideally group sizes should be limited to 20 people or fewer. Social distancing and face masks should still be considered when in the cohort/group.

★ Practice appropriate hand hygiene and use hand sanitizer.

Vermont

Effective May 1, 2021: Vermont has limits on social gatherings and events based on whether you are fully vaccinated or not. You are fully vaccinated 14 days after your final shot. Since children under age 16 cannot get vaccinated at this time, they are considered unvaccinated.

For indoor gatherings:

★ There can be one unvaccinated person per 100 square feet up to 150 unvaccinated people (whichever is less), plus any number of fully vaccinated people. 100 square feet is about the area covered by a big sports utility vehicle (SUV).

★ If only fully vaccinated people are at the gathering, no one needs to wear a mask or stay 6 feet apart.

★ If anyone at the gathering is unvaccinated, at higher risk of severe COVID-19, or lives with someone at who is at higher risk, then everyone needs to wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart.

For outdoor gatherings:

★ There can be 300 unvaccinated people, plus any number of fully vaccinated people.

★ When you’re outdoors, masks are only required when you’re in a crowd or with multiple other households where you can’t maintain a 6-foot distance. Follow this guidance whether you are vaccinated or not.

If you are a visitor traveling to Vermont and staying at a lodging establishment, short-term rental, or with friends and family, must follow these gathering restrictions. Staying with another household is considered a social gathering and you must follow the rules listed above.