Email:

ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov

BCC:

abeam@pa.gov; thostetter@pa.gov; letpamarryus@gmail.com

Subject:

Reopen Pennsylvania Wedding Venues

Body:

Dear Honorable Governor Wolf, 



My loved ones are planning a Pennsylvania wedding, and I appeal to you today in support of the reopening of Pennsylvania event venues in order to host their wedding safely.

You can help this couple save thousands of dollars by reopening event venues at their 50 percent capacity limits. As I’ve watched our government reopen other industries, I’m frustrated as the more time that lapses without clear reopening guidelines from your office.  They are spending time, money, and effort, with continuing anxiety and distress, as their venders incur substantial postponement costs which they, unfortunately must pass along to this young couple.

All event venues should be able to reopen in Pennsylvania and be allowed to host indoor and outdoor events at 50 percent of the venue’s occupancy limits. Currently, Connecticut and New York are close to reopening for indoor and outdoor events with more than 100 people. Our couple would like to keep their wedding in Pennsylvania, and host it safely in the State, just like their friends are doing in neighboring states.

And, while reopening is critical, equally critical is knowing when we will be able to host our wedding. Since weddings are planned a minimum of 3 months in advance, we are looking for guidance from you. We understand that health concerns come first, but if you can let us know at what level of caseloads or hospitalizations you would project allowing weddings in the future, we can plan accordingly. We surely understand that any plan to reopen would be subject to changes in the State’s virus situation, but some guidance is better than none.

Their venue agrees to adhere to the same safety rules and protocols for weddings that already are in place for restaurants. I agree to follow the appropriate social distancing measures too, so that the event can be held safely for our closest family and friends.

We need your help now, and your commitment to reopening event venues at their 50 percent capacity before the Spring. Engaged couples need time to make arrangements with their event professionals and other guests. We are depending on your leadership during this unprecedented time.

Will you commit to saving this wedding?

Sincerely,

A Pennsylvania wedding couple and their family and friends