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Planning and timeline · Small weddings and elopements

What are some tips for planning a micro wedding?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12

Short answer

Plan a micro wedding by focusing on the people who matter most, choosing a venue that fits your guest list, and keeping the legal steps simple. Check the notice period and venue rules with your registrar or place of worship.

Start by deciding your guest list first, because that shapes everything else. A micro wedding usually means under 30 guests, so you can choose venues that would feel empty for a larger party, like a small restaurant, a garden, or a hired room in a pub. Book your legal ceremony early, whether at a register office, an approved venue, or a religious building. In England and Wales, you both give notice in person at least 28 days before, and the wedding must happen within 12 months. In Scotland, give notice at least 29 days ahead, and in Northern Ireland 28 days. If you want a humanist or religious ceremony that is not legally binding on its own, check the rules for your area and consider adding a short civil ceremony. Keep the day simple: one ceremony, one meal, one toast. You do not need a full wedding party, but two witnesses are required across the UK. Think about what makes the day feel special to you, such as a favourite song, a meaningful reading, or a small outdoor moment if the venue allows it.

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