Micro Weddings in the UK: The Complete Guide

A micro wedding is a wedding with a small guest list, usually under 20 or 30 people. It keeps the core elements of a traditional wedding, such as a ceremony, a meal, and a celebration, but in a more intimate setting. You still have a legal ceremony, witnesses, and a celebration, just with fewer guests.

A micro wedding is not the same as an elopement. An elopement is usually just the two of you, with no guests or perhaps two witnesses, and often no planned party. A mini wedding is another term for a micro wedding, though some people use it to mean a wedding with a slightly larger guest list, up to 50. The key difference is the guest count and the level of formality.

There is no fixed number, but a micro wedding usually has between 2 and 30 guests. Many couples choose 10 to 20. The exact number often depends on the venue, the budget, and who you cannot imagine not being there.

Think about who really matters to you. A micro wedding lets you spend quality time with every guest. You can include close family, best friends, and maybe a few children. You do not have to invite distant relatives or work colleagues just because you feel you should.

The legal requirements are the same as for any wedding in the UK. In England and Wales, you must give notice at your local register office at least 28 full days before the ceremony. You need to have lived in the area for at least 7 days. The notice is valid for 12 months, so your wedding must happen within that time. You need two witnesses at the ceremony. Since February 2023, the minimum age to marry is 18.

In Scotland, each of you submits a marriage notice to the registrar for the district where the wedding will take place, at least 29 days before. Registrars advise giving 10 to 12 weeks. You can marry almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, if the registrar or celebrant agrees. You need two witnesses aged 16 or over.

In Northern Ireland, you give notice to the registrar in the district where the wedding will take place, at least 28 days before. Humanist weddings are legally binding there.

For a religious ceremony, check with your place of worship. For a civil ceremony, remember that no religious content is allowed, but poems and non-religious readings are fine. If you want a humanist ceremony in England or Wales, it is not legally binding on its own, so you may need a separate civil ceremony. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK or ask your local register office.

Many venues now offer micro wedding packages. These usually include the ceremony space, a registrar or celebrant, and a simple reception. Packages might include a toast, a small cake, and a set menu for your guests. Some include photography or a small bouquet. Always check exactly what is included and what is extra.

You are not limited to traditional wedding venues. For a micro wedding, you can consider a small hotel, a private dining room in a restaurant, a village hall, a garden, or even a beach if the weather allows. In England and Wales, approved venues can hold civil ceremonies outdoors within their grounds since 2022. In Scotland, you can marry almost anywhere agreed with the registrar. In Northern Ireland, check with the registrar.

For a truly intimate feel, look for venues that specialise in small weddings. They often have a dedicated space for 10 to 20 guests. Ask about the maximum capacity and whether they can accommodate your exact number.

A micro wedding can cost much less than a large wedding, but the cost varies widely. You pay for the legal fees, the venue, food, drink, attire, flowers, photography, and any extras like a cake or music. There is no fixed price, and costs depend on your choices and location.

To save money, consider a weekday wedding, a shorter celebration, or a venue that includes catering. You might skip a sit-down dinner and have a brunch or afternoon tea instead. A micro wedding photographer may charge less because they spend fewer hours with you, but some have a minimum fee. A micro wedding planner can help you organise everything, but you can also plan it yourself.

Remember that the legal fees are set by the government and can change. Check the current fees on GOV.UK or at your local register office. Always ask for a written quote from every supplier and clarify what is included.

A micro wedding timeline is flexible, but a simple schedule helps the day run smoothly. Many couples choose a late morning ceremony, followed by a long lunch, and then free time or a relaxed afternoon. Some prefer an afternoon ceremony with an early evening meal.

A typical schedule might be:

• 11:00 am: Guests arrive and have a drink
• 11:30 am: Ceremony
• 12:00 pm: Drinks and photos
• 1:00 pm: Lunch
• 3:00 pm: Cake cutting and toasts
• 4:00 pm: Free time or a short walk
• 6:00 pm: Simple dinner for those staying on

You do not need to fill every minute. The beauty of a micro wedding is that you can go at your own pace. Leave gaps for chatting, taking photos, and just enjoying the moment. If you have guests who travel far, consider a later start so they can arrive without rushing.

With a small guest list, etiquette matters. Be clear about who is invited and why. If you cannot invite everyone, let people know gently and personally. It is kind to tell close friends or relatives who are not invited that you are having a very small wedding and that you look forward to celebrating with them later.

Make your micro wedding feel special by adding personal touches. Write your own vows, choose readings that mean something to you, and include family traditions. You can have a meaningful ceremony, a delicious meal, and a few heartfelt speeches. Because the group is small, you can spend real time with each guest.

Consider a gift list if you want, but do not expect gifts. Some couples ask for contributions to a honeymoon fund instead. Be gracious and thank your guests personally. You might also send a small favour or a thank-you card after the day.