Wedding Receptions In NYS Can Be Held at 50 Percent Capacity, Federal Judge Rules

There was big news in New York state on Monday that will impact wedding receptions.

According to WKBW, a federal judge has ruled that wedding receptions can be held at 50 percent capacity, and not the state-mandated 50 people limit, issuing a temporary injunction.

Judge Glenn Subbady of the Northern District of New York ruled in favor of two couples who sued Governor Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General Letitia James, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, the Erie County Department of Health and the Empire State Development Corporation.

The two couples had weddings booked at the Arrowhead Golf Club in Akron.

The couples claimed Governor Cuomo's executive order violated their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.

"Restriction will deprive Plaintiffs of an 'irreplaceable life event' (i.e., their ability to have a wedding that allows their friends and family to participate to the full extent contemplated by their Christian faith)."

Wedding halls can now operate the same as restaurants -- at 50 percent capacity.

This from a spokesperson for Governor Andrew Cuomo:

"The judge's decision is irresponsible at best, as it would allow for large, non-essential gatherings that endanger public health," said the spokesperson. "We will pursue all available legal remedies immediately and continue defending the policies that have led New York to having - and maintaining - one of the lowest infection rates in the country, while cases continue to rise in dozens of other states."

Face coverings are still mandatory while not seated and guests must be placed six feet apart.

Huge news to say the least.