How to plan a simple wedding in the UK
Tips for planning your perfect simple UK wedding in next to no time at all Elopement Planning & Photographystart planninghow to plan a simple wedding in the UK as quickly as you like
Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. In fact, in 2025 simple weddings and micro weddings are expected to become the go-to for couples who don’t want a big performance but want to just focus on the only thing that truly matters – celebrating their wedding day in a meaningful, relaxed, 100% stress-free way.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony, a casual but pretty epic outdoor celebration, or just a small wedding day filled with just a few guests and a lot of personal touches, here’s how to plan a simple wedding in the UK (and as quickly as you like) without ANY of the stress usually associated with wedding planning.
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?
Tying the knot quickly in the UK is simpler than you think, and only a few legal steps determine the minimum waiting period. Here’s what you need to do to get married in the UK quickly:
Give Notice of Marriage
Earliest Step: You must give notice of your marriage at your local register office. This is the first and mandatory step.
Minimum Waiting Period: There’s a legal waiting period of 28 days from the date of giving notice before the marriage can take place. In some cases involving foreign nationals, this may be extended to 70 days.
Requirements: You need to provide certain documents, including proof of identity, age, and nationality.
Choose Your Type of Ceremony
Civil Ceremony: Usually the quickest option, which can be done at a register office or an approved venue.
Religious Ceremony: This depends on the availability of the venue and the person officiating.
Find an Available Venue
Register Office: They often have more flexibility and availability for short-notice weddings. It’s a total myth that registry office weddings are not romantic; relaxed registry office weddings in Wales are pretty epic!
Approved Venues: Check for last-minute cancellations or weekday availability, as weekends tend to book up far in advance.
Flexible Planning
Being flexible with your date and time can help you find earlier availability. Weekdays are often less in demand than weekends; Tuesdays are the cheapest days to get married and if you’re not superstitious – there always seems to be availability on Friday 13th’s.
Legal Witnesses
You only need two witnesses, which can be anyone over the age of 16. If your witnesses are under 18, I’d suggest you check if your officiant judges that they’re old enough to understand the ceremony. If you don’t want to bring your own witnesses – I’ve had couples ask for witnesses in local Facebook groups or on the street right outside the registry office. It’s a somewhat risky but exciting option that usually works out well.
Avoid Busy Periods
Avoid popular times like weekends in summer or around major holidays, as venues and registrars are busier.
Elopement
If you’re open to a more intimate affair, eloping can be a quick way to get married, often only requiring the couple and witnesses. To find out how you can do this in Wales, follow the link to my post about how to elope in Wales.
Important Considerations:
Legalities: Ensure all your legal documents are in order.
Back-up Plan: Have alternatives in case your preferred date or venue is unavailable.
Notice Period: The 28-day notice period is statutory and cannot be shortened.
While you can arrange a wedding quickly, the 28-day notice period is a legal requirement and cannot be expedited. Therefore, the fastest possible timeline from deciding to marry to getting legally married is a little over a month, assuming you’ve met all legal requirements and venue availability.
2. Getting married in the UK (as quickly as possible) isn’t for everyone.
And that’s totally okay. But if you wanted to – yes, you can absolutely plan a wedding in less than 3 months – and love every second of it!
Here’s the deal: To plan a wedding in less than 3 months and be really happy with the outcome of your wedding day takes a certain type of bride. Pulling off a short-notice wedding or adventurous elopement takes a certain kind of energy. It’s all about being decisive, knowing your must-haves, and making quick choices without second-guessing. There’s no time to sit back and deliberate – for short-notice wedding planning you’ve got to trust your instincts! Having your partner fully on board with your vision is key too – it makes the process smoother and way more fun, especially if you’re dreaming of something unique like an elopement with your dogs or a ceremony at the beautiful Penarth Fawr.
If you’re planning a budget-friendly wedding in 30 days, here’s the timeline: it only takes 28 days to give notice to the Register Office in England and Wales before you can legally marry. (Different rules apply in Scotland and Ireland, where you can tie the knot almost anywhere!) For England and Wales, both of you must have lived in one of those countries for at least 7 days before giving notice.
Giving notice is a simple process – it’s just a signed legal statement that includes your chosen wedding location. So, the first step is deciding where your wedding will take place. Civil ceremonies can happen at a register office or any venue approved by the local council, so pick your perfect spot and check that your date is available. Once that’s sorted, you’re ready to give notice, which costs just £46 per person at a register office (fees may vary for other venues).
And just like that – you’re ready to roll! With a little focus, some quick decision-making, and a whole lot of excitement, planning a short-notice wedding can be stress-free and full of joy. You’ve got this!
3. How to start planning a quick wedding in the UK
Planning a wedding on a tight timeline? Don’t worry – pulling off a beautiful, stress-free celebration in the UK quickly is absolutely possible! The key is to focus on the essentials and keep things simple. Think about what you’d really like to do on your simple but meaningful wedding or elopement day. If you don’t fancy booking a venue – a quick registry office ceremony followed by an adventure around the coast could be perfect for you! Read my Ultimate Snowdonia Elopement Guide for more info on how to elope anywhere in the UK. Elopements are perfect for those looking for wedding packages under £5000 in Wales for instance. Or for those worrying that they may not be able to book their dream wedding venue at such short notice. If you’re wondering how to plan a simple wedding quickly in the UK or want to plan a wedding in a month, consider having your wedding on a weekday for more flexibility with dates. And if it’s important to you that friends and family members can join you on your short-notice wedding day – make sure that everyone can get the time off before you set a date.
4. Wedding planning on a budget
Start by setting a budget for your simple wedding plans and sticking to it – yes, it’s totally doable! For couples wanting to get married quickly and simply, last-minute wedding packages are a fantastic option. And if you’re planning to tie the knot in Wales, you’re guaranteed epic scenery to make your day even more magical.
One of the cheapest ways to get married in the UK? Keep the guest list small. Intimate weddings or elopements are not only cost-effective but also full of charm and meaning. Thinking about a Just Us wedding? It’s like a romantic weekend getaway, just for the two of you – 100% stress-free, simple, and oh-so-special. With a little creativity and thoughtful choices, you can plan a beautiful, budget-friendly wedding that’s all about love, connection, and unforgettable memories.
Or maybe you’re wondering how to plan a wedding on a £3,000 budget? Support a local bakery with an inexpensive but delicious wedding cake, and go for seasonal flowers from your garden to craft a stunning, personal bouquet. Say yes to the bargain dress! Platforms like Etsy are perfect for finding unique, affordable options and if you’re not sure what dress suits a simple wedding or elopement – think comfortable, effortless, and true to you. Whether it’s a sleek jumpsuit, a flowy boho number, or a chic off-the-rack find, your outfit should make you feel amazing without breaking the bank.
Not sure what dress is right for a simple wedding or elopement?
5. Find the right venue for your quick and simple wedding plans
Looking for an affordable wedding option that’s still absolutely gorgeous? Pick a venue that looks stunning as it is – no need to spend extra dressing it up! Ceremony-only venues like Penarth Fawr on the breathtaking Llyn Peninsula or Llyn Gwynant Barns in the heart of Snowdonia are perfect choices. Both are set in jaw-dropping locations in North Wales, offering super romantic vibes and epic scenery to make your day unforgettable.
For an even simpler option, consider getting married at a registry office. It’s a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t have to feel impersonal or boring! Modern civil ceremonies can be beautifully tailored to you – some registrars even include meaningful elements like handfasting to make the moment uniquely yours.
Check the official list of approved premises for civil marriages and partnerships in England and Wales and see if one of them takes your fancy.
Make Your Wedding Day Truly Yours
Take a little time to personalise your wedding vows – it’s such a meaningful way to make your ceremony uniquely yours. Pair it with one of my elopement photography or wedding photography packages to capture the magic of your simple wedding in Wales. After the ceremony, why not spend the afternoon exploring beautiful surroundings or simply soaking up the joy of your day together?
For couples planning a wedding on a budget, there are plenty of creative venue options to consider. Think about hosting your celebration at your favourite restaurant, a family member’s home, or even a stunning AirBnB. These intimate and affordable choices can make your day feel just as special while keeping costs down.
Your wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be unforgettable – it it needs to be personal, meaningful, and all about you!
6. Invite your guests to your simple wedding
If you’re planning your wedding quickly, let guests know how important it is to respond within 24 hours of receiving their invite. This keeps everything running smoothly and stress-free, so you can focus 100% on the fun parts of planning!
7. Plan what to do on your simple wedding day
Don’t let anyone else dictate your wedding day – this day is all about you!
Why spend a fortune trying to please others when you can create the perfect day that makes you happy? Imagine booking a cosy love shack in North Wales for a dreamy weekend getaway. Sip champagne in your outdoor hot tub when you arrive, and take your time getting ready together in the morning of your wedding day in total peace and quiet. Want to keep it casual? Book a local hair & beauty appointment – or, for something even more laid-back – head out for a relaxing mini-hike and do your own makeup. It’s a fun way to save some pennies on your easy-going wedding day!
Exchanging vows at the registry office or a ceremony-only venue? Perfect. Invite two witnesses – whether they’re close friends or friendly strangers – it’s all about your love, not theirs. Afterwards, spend the afternoon exploring stunning surroundings, or head back to your romantic retreat to relax and soak in the bliss. Take the dogs for a walk and have a picnic on the beach, or feel the adrenaline rush at ZipWorld. Anything goes when it’s your day!
End the day with a romantic dinner for two – dressed in your wedding gear or completely relaxed. Or order in pizza or a takeaway, get comfy, and toast to your new life together with more champagne in the hot tub. The best part about planning a simple, quick wedding in the UK? Total freedom to do what you want, without the pressure or the stress. So go for it, (AS IF you need it but) you have everyone’s permission to make this day truly yours!
8. So let’s recap – here’s how to easily plan a simple wedding quickly in the UK:
- Give notice: Visit your local register office and give at least 28 days’ notice of your intent to marry. Make sure you’ve chosen your venue beforehand!
- Pick a venue: Go for a registry office, ceremony-only venue, or even a family home or AirBnB to keep things simple and budget-friendly.
- Keep the guest list small: The fewer people, the less hassle. Consider an elopement or a Just Us wedding for an intimate celebration.
- Focus on essentials: Personalize your vows, pick an outfit that feels true to you, and opt for simple décor like seasonal flowers or fairy lights.
- Stay flexible: Whether it’s a short walk to your ceremony or an adventure-filled afternoon exploring your surroundings, let the day flow naturally.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to plan a simple but meaningful and 100% stress-free wedding in no time at all – and make it uniquely you!
Your simple wedding day should suit your budget, be unique and 100% stress-free, and I’m here to help you make that happen. If you’re envisioning a micro wedding or an elopement in Eryri (Snowdonia) – I’ve got the experience and passion to guide you every step of the way and photograph it all for you. Your wedding day will be a day that feels authentically you – beautiful, meaningful, and effortlessly planned.
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