how to plan a simple wedding in the UK
Simple guidance for couples planning a small wedding or elopement in the UK in 2026Thinking of planning a quiet, simple wedding in the UK – something relaxed, real, and rooted in nature and feeling?
You’re not alone in wanting something simpler. In 2026, more and more couples are going to choose small, meaningful weddings over big, performative ones – intimate days that feel like them, not a show for everyone else.
Across the UK, micro weddings (usually 20–50 guests) are becoming the norm, and couples are leaning into slower, more intentional ways to celebrate. There’s also a quiet movement toward eco-conscious choices – saying vows in naturally beautiful places, supporting local makers, and keeping things minimal but full of meaning.
If that’s the kind of day you’re dreaming of – calm, personal, and deeply connected – you’re already in tune with where weddings are heading in 2026. This guide will help you shape a celebration that’s simple, soulful, and truly yours.
Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet ceremony in the hills, a laid-back but unforgettable outdoor celebration, or a small wedding day filled with a handful of loved ones and meaningful details – here’s how to plan something simple, beautiful, and completely stress-free in the UK (and yes, as quickly as you like).
And what do I know about planning a small wedding? Quite a lot, actually. I’ve spent years helping couples create and capture intimate, nature-led days – the kind that swap pressure for peace, perfection for presence, and Pinterest checklists for genuine connection. Every celebration I photograph is living proof that small can still be powerful, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.
Here’s a quick look at the Table of Contents:
- What’s the quickest way to get married in the UK?
- Getting married in the UK quickly isn’t for everyone – and that’s okay!
- How to start planning a quick wedding in the UK;
- Wedding planning on a budget;
- Find the right venue for your quick and simple wedding plans;
- Invite your guests to your simple wedding;
- Plan what to do on your simple wedding day;
- How to plan a simple wedding quickly in the UK.
1. Straight down to it: What’s the quickest way to get married in the UK?
If you’re dreaming of something small, calm, and uncomplicated – good news. Tying the knot in the UK is simpler than most people think. There are just a few legal steps and a short waiting period to keep in mind, but beyond that, you have plenty of freedom to shape a day that feels like you.
1. Give notice of marriage
This is the very first step – and it’s a legal one.
You’ll need to visit your local register office to give notice of your intention to marry. From that date, there’s a 29-day waiting period before your ceremony can take place (or – if one of you isn’t a British national – this can sometimes be extended to 70 days.)
When you give notice, bring proof of your identity, age, and nationality – things like passports or birth certificates. Your local office will confirm exactly what they need.
2. Choose the kind of ceremony that feels right
You can keep things beautifully simple with a civil ceremony, usually held at a register office or approved venue.
If a religious ceremony feels more meaningful to you, the timing may depend on the availability of the officiant or the place of worship.
Both are equally valid – it’s just about what feels most natural to you. (And check out the separate post I wrote about ceremony options in Wales if you’re ready for a deep-dive)
3. Find a venue with space and heart
If you’re hoping to marry soon, a register office is often the quickest and easiest choice.
They tend to have more flexibility and availability for short-notice weddings – and despite the myths, registry office weddings in Wales can be incredibly warm and romantic.
If you prefer an approved venue, look out for weekday dates or last-minute cancellations. I’ve shared some of my favourite small wedding and elopement venues in North Wales here.
4. Stay flexible
Being open with your date or time can make all the difference. Weekdays are quieter (and often more affordable) than weekends – Tuesdays tend to be the most budget-friendly, and Friday the 13th is usually wide open for those who don’t mind a touch of superstition.
5. Bring your witnesses
You only need two witnesses, and they can be anyone over 16. (If they’re under 18, the registrar will need to be sure they understand what’s happening.) If you don’t have anyone in mind, I’ve seen couples find witnesses through local Facebook groups or even outside the registry office – a small act of trust that almost always turns into a good story.
6. Avoid the busiest times
If you can, steer clear of peak seasons like summer weekends and holidays. Choosing a quieter date means more choice, less rush, and often a gentler pace to your day.
7. Or consider eloping
If what you really want is something intimate – just the two of you, the land, and your vows – then eloping can be a beautifully simple option.
It’s usually just you, your witnesses, and a place that feels right. If that sounds like your kind of day, you can read this post about how to elope in Wales.
A few final things to know
- You must give legal notice – that 29-day waiting period is fixed and can’t be shortened.
- Make sure your documents are ready before you book anything.
- Have a back-up plan in case your chosen venue or date isn’t available.
So while you can’t legally marry overnight, you can plan a small, meaningful wedding in as little as a month – and still make it deeply personal.
The process is simple. The meaning you bring to it is what makes it yours.
Not quite sure what an elopement really means – or whether it’s right for you? Follow the link below for a slow, thoughtful dive into what eloping can look and feel like in Wales.
2. getting married in the UK (as quickly as possible)
Getting married in the UK (as quickly as possible) isn’t for everyone – and that’s completely okay.
But if you’re dreaming of something small, simple, and spontaneous, the truth is: you absolutely can plan a wedding in under three months – and love every second of it.
It takes a certain kind of energy – the kind that’s decisive, open, and ready to follow instinct over expectation.
If that sounds like you, here’s how three different couples made it beautifully their own.
eloping with your dog(s)
For some couples, it wouldn’t feel right to marry without their four-legged friend trotting alongside. This pair planned a short-notice wedding with a legal ceremony at Penarth Fawr, a licensed historic house in North Wales – followed by a slow walk along the Llŷn Peninsula with their dog. Just the three of them, sea air, and a simple promise that felt like home.
Micro wedding with close friends
A weekend away. Two best friends. A “just us two” kind of wedding with sand between their toes and laughter in the air. These two planned their small wedding near Barmouth, mixing legal vows with carefree joy – a trip to the beach, frisbee when the tide went out, and a bottle of prosecco shared among boats. Proof that short-notice doesn’t have to mean rushed – just real.
Eloping with your kids
For this couple, marriage was a family moment — one to share with their boys. They held their ceremony on the beach, followed by a picnic (and cake!) before running into the sea together, fully clothed and laughing. Simple, joyful, and completely theirs — a reminder that a wholesome, family-first wedding can be both intimate and unforgettable.
3. How to start planning a quick wedding in the UK
Planning a wedding on a short timeline doesn’t have to mean cutting corners or feeling rushed. With a little focus – and a lot of intention – you can absolutely create something beautiful, simple, and stress-free.
Start by stripping it back to what truly matters. What would your perfect day feel like? If big venues and long waiting lists don’t appeal, a quick registry office ceremony followed by an adventure around the Welsh coast or mountains could be just right.
For inspiration, explore some of the Best Places to Elope in Wales, a collection of wild, romantic spots where couples can exchange their vows surrounded by nothing but light, space, and the sound of nature.
Elopements are ideal if you’re looking for small wedding packages under £5,000 in Wales, or if your dream venue isn’t available at short notice. And if you’re planning a wedding in a month or less, weekday dates often give you more flexibility (and availability).
If it’s important that a few loved ones can join you, check that they can take time off before you confirm your date – it’ll make your day feel smoother and more relaxed for everyone.
Because even when you plan fast, your wedding can still feel slow, intentional, and full of meaning.
Think you may need some help?
By the way: it’s okay to be vague, most of the couples I work with don’t have concrete plans to start with and end up with an incredible wedding day so plesee share your thoughts with me.
free simple wedding planning resources
4. Wedding planning on a budget
Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on beauty or meaning – it just means focusing on what truly matters. Start with a realistic figure and build from there. With clear priorities and a little imagination, you can create something simple, emotional, and full of love – without spending a fortune.
If you’re hoping to get married quickly, last-minute wedding packages can be a great option. And if you’re planning to tie the knot in Wales, you’re already halfway there – the landscapes alone make every celebration feel magical.
One of the easiest ways to keep costs low? Keep it small. An intimate wedding or elopement doesn’t just save money – it gives you space to connect, slow down, and actually enjoy your day.
A “Just Us” weekend wedding can feel like the most romantic getaway imaginable – calm, effortless, and completely yours.
With a bit of creativity, you can plan a budget-friendly wedding that still feels thoughtful and deeply personal. Support a local bakery for your cake, choose seasonal flowers (or gather a few from your own garden), and look to independent designers for something one-of-a-kind. Platforms like Etsy are brilliant for finding unique, affordable pieces that still feel special.
When it comes to what to wear for a simple wedding or elopement, think: comfortable, effortless, and true to you. Whether that’s a sleek jumpsuit, a soft linen dress, or a pared-back boho style – the best outfit is the one that feels like you.
For ideas that balance simplicity, beauty, and cost, take a look at my experience of creating and capturing small, meaningful weddings in Wales – for couples who want a day that feels intimate, relaxed, and quietly unforgettable.
5. Finding the right place to say your vows
If you’re planning a quick or simple wedding, choosing the right setting can make all the difference – and it doesn’t need to be overly complicated. The most beautiful venues are often the ones that already feel enough.
Penarth Fawr is a great choice – it’s a licensed historic house tucked away on the breathtaking Llyn Peninsula – or Llyn Gwynant Barns, surrounded by mountains in the heart of Eryri / Snowdonia. Both offer incredible backdrops that need very little else – just you, your vows, and the landscape.
For something even simpler, a registry office wedding can be just as meaningful. Modern civil ceremonies can feel deeply personal; some registrars will even weave in touches like handfasting or personalised readings to make your moment uniquely yours.
If you’re drawn to the legal side first, check the official list of approved venues in England and Wales – you might find somewhere quietly perfect waiting for you.
And if you’d love to make your wedding day and ceremony even more personal and nature-led, take a look at Wild Vows – something I offer for couples who want to craft meaningful, outdoor vow exchanges that feel real, rooted, and beautifully their own. It’s perfect for those dreaming of a simple but once-in-a-lifetime wedding day – one that feels calm, connected, and completely true to them.
Once you’ve chosen your spot, take a little time to write your own vows. It’s one of the most grounding ways to make your ceremony feel like yours. Then let the day unfold slowly – a wander through the hills, a shared meal, or simply soaking up the joy of it all.
If you’re planning a small wedding on a budget, think creatively: a favourite restaurant, a family garden, or a beautiful Airbnb can hold just as much magic. It’s never about grandeur – it’s about choosing somewhere that feels like you.
Because your wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be unforgettable – it just needs to be personal, intentional, and full of feeling.
6. Inviting guests to your simple wedding (if you want to)
If you’re inviting guests to your day, keep it easy – and kind to the planet. Eco-friendly e-vites are a brilliant, budget-conscious option that make sending invitations (and tracking RSVPs) effortless. There are so many beautifully designed templates out there – from soft, timeless styles to clean, modern designs – so you’ll easily find something that fits your vibe.
Prefer a more personal touch?
Spend an afternoon getting creative – design your own DIY wedding invites, print them at home, or even go old school with handwritten notes. If you love calligraphy or just enjoy taking your time with pen and paper, it’s such a thoughtful way to make your guests feel seen and included.
If you’re planning your wedding quickly, let everyone know how much it helps to reply right away. A quick RSVP – even within 24 hours – keeps things simple and stress-free, so you can stay focused on the fun parts of planning.
And if you’re looking for more ideas to make your celebration thoughtful and planet-friendly, take a look at How to Have a Sustainable Wedding Day – Elope to Wales – it’s full of simple, beautiful ways to keep your wedding low-impact and full of meaning.
7. Planning what to do on your simple wedding day
Your wedding day doesn’t need to follow anyone else’s rules – this is your story, told your way.
Forget the expectations, the long lists, the performative moments. This is your chance to create something small, slow, and completely your own.
Maybe that looks like booking a cosy hideaway in North Wales for a weekend just for the two of you. Sip champagne in the hot tub when you arrive, take your time getting ready together in the morning, and enjoy the quiet before your vows.
Want to keep things relaxed? Book a local hair and makeup appointment – or head out for a gentle walk together before your ceremony and do it yourself. It’s a lovely, low-pressure way to start the day and save a little, too.
If you’re exchanging vows at a registry office or a ceremony-only venue, invite two witnesses – whether they’re close friends or kind strangers outside the door. Afterwards, wander through the landscape, grab fish and chips by the sea, or head back to your retreat to unwind with your favourite people (or just each other).
Take the dogs for a walk, share a picnic on the beach, or chase that adrenaline rush at ZipWorld – whatever feels like you. Then end the day however you please: dressed up for dinner, barefoot on the sand, or curled up with pizza and champagne back at your cabin.
The best thing about a simple wedding day in Wales? You have complete freedom to do it your way – no pressure, no performance, just presence. So here’s your permission (not that you need it): make this day yours, fully and unapologetically.
8. A quick recap – how to plan a simple wedding in the UK
If you’re dreaming of a small, meaningful wedding without the overwhelm, here’s how to keep things simple and stress-free.
Give notice:
Visit your local register office and give at least 29 days’ notice of your intent to marry. Make sure you’ve chosen your venue first – you’ll need to include it in your notice.
Pick your venue:
Choose a setting that already feels special. A registry office, a ceremony-only venue, or even a family home or Airbnb can make the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, budget-friendly celebration.
Keep it small:
The fewer people, the more space for presence. Whether it’s a ‘just us’ elopement or a handful of loved ones, intimacy is where the magic happens.
Focus on what matters:
Write vows that feel like you. Choose an outfit that’s comfortable and true to your style. Keep décor simple – seasonal flowers, soft light, or the landscape itself.
Stay flexible:
Whether you fancy a short walk to your ceremony or a spontaneous adventure afterwards, let the day unfold naturally. The beauty of a simple wedding in the UK is that there are no rules – just your own rhythm.
Follow these steps, and you’ll plan something calm, personal, and full of meaning – a day that feels beautifully, unmistakably yours.
When you strip everything back, planning a simple wedding quickly in the UK isn’t about cutting corners – it’s about focusing on what truly matters. It’s about connection, emotion, and creating space to be fully present together — wherever you choose to say your vows.
If that sounds like the kind of wedding you’re dreaming of, take a look at my experience of creating and capturing intimate, nature-led weddings in Wales.
I help couples plan and document days that feel calm, personal, and beautifully real – the kind you’ll want to relive again and again.
FAQs about Planning a Simple Wedding Day
How do I plan a simple wedding day?
Start with what matters most – your vows, your connection, and the feeling you want to create. Keep the guest list small, choose a naturally beautiful location, and focus on thoughtful details like seasonal flowers or a relaxed meal. A simple wedding day is about presence, not perfection.
What makes a wedding simple but beautiful?
A simple wedding feels beautiful because it’s real. Choose a space that already has atmosphere, rely on natural light, and include only what feels meaningful. Small touches – handwritten vows, local food, or wildflowers – bring quiet elegance without the fuss or excess of a big production.
How can I make my wedding day less stressful?
Keep things intentional and unhurried. Plan fewer moving parts, surround yourself with people who make you feel calm, and build in time to pause and breathe. When you strip back expectations and focus on the experience, your wedding day naturally feels lighter, simpler, and more enjoyable.
What is the cheapest way to have a simple wedding in the UK?
The simplest and most affordable option is a registry office ceremony or small gathering at home. Keep decor minimal, choose outfits that feel comfortable and authentic, and work with local suppliers. You can still create something deeply meaningful without spending a fortune.
How do I make a small wedding feel special?
A small wedding feels special when it reflects who you are. Write personal vows, include music or rituals that mean something to you, and spend the day somewhere you love – like the coast or the mountains. Intimacy turns simplicity into something unforgettable.
Recent small & simple weddings in the wild
However you choose to celebrate, keep it simple, keep it honest, and make it yours. And if you’d like support bringing that vision to life, take a look at my Experience Page – it’s where all those quietly beautiful stories begin.
If you’d like to see what this looks and feels like in real life – the quiet moments, the laughter, the landscapes – you’ll find it all over on Instagram. That’s where I share stories from recent weddings, favourite wild corners of Wales, and glimpses of what it means to marry simply and meaningfully.
INSTAGRAM @babsboardwellphotography