How do I plan a micro wedding?

Short answer

A micro wedding is a small wedding with only your closest people, usually under 30 guests. Plan it like a full wedding but scale down. Focus on the legal ceremony, a lovely meal and meaningful details.

Start with the legal side. In England and Wales, you both give notice at your local register office, usually where you have lived for at least seven days. You must give notice at least 28 days before the ceremony, and the wedding must happen within 12 months. In Scotland, submit a marriage notice at least 29 days before, but registrars advise 10 to 12 weeks. In Northern Ireland, give notice at least 28 days before. Check with your register office for exact rules.

Choose a venue that suits a small group. A register office, a small approved venue, or a religious building can work. For a civil ceremony, remember that no religious content is allowed, but poems and non-religious readings are fine. If you want a religious or humanist ceremony, check whether it is legally binding in your country. In Scotland, humanist celebrants can conduct legal weddings. In England and Wales, they cannot, so you may need a separate civil ceremony.

With fewer guests, you can spend more per person. Plan a special meal, maybe a long table or a private dining room. Think about what makes it personal: handwritten vows, a favourite song, or a family blessing. You still need two witnesses in England and Wales, or two aged 16 or over in Scotland. Keep the day relaxed and give yourself time to talk to every guest.