The Rise of Elopements and Micro Weddings
- ashleighhitter
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
When you think of an elopement, where does your mind wander? You might picture a young couple secretly crossing the English-Scottish border to Gretna Green, where traditionally, couples under 21 could marry without parental consent. However, modern elopements look very different today. They typically involve just the couple, a celebrant, a photographer, and occasionally a few close friends or family members—who may not even know about the wedding until they are there, SURPRISE!
Eloping is an intimate and bold way to say, “It’s just the two of us against the world!” Whether you’re saying your vows on the cliffs of North Norfolk, at an Elvis chapel in Las Vegas, or in the stunning Glencoe mountain range in Scotland, elopements can be made deeply personal and memorable. And with the help of a independent celebrant and photographer, you can create a truly unique experience that reflects who you are as a couple.
Micro Weddings: A Growing Trend
In addition to elopements, micro weddings - usually with 25 guests or fewer, have gained popularity in recent years. There are several reasons for this shift:
Budget: Micro weddings are more affordable, allowing couples to prioritise what matters most to them.
Intimacy: With a smaller guest list, you can focus on the people who mean the most to you.
Less Stress: A more relaxed atmosphere means fewer worries and more enjoyment.
Personalisation: With fewer people, every detail can be tailored to reflect your personalities and love story.
The rise in elopements and micro weddings has only intensified recently. When Georgia Toffolo, star of Made in Chelsea, and BrewDog founder James Watt eloped just weeks ago, it made headlines. Their wedding was a refreshing departure from tradition: they invited anyone who could make it within 48 hours, shared tea and jam on toast at James’ grandmother’s house, and then left for the church. It was a clear “middle finger” to conventional wedding norms, particularly when wealth and tradition often go hand in hand in the celebrity world.
Of course, breaking with tradition can cause friction with family and friends. However, remember—this is your special day, and you have the right to make it exactly how you want it. If you're worried about upsetting loved ones, there are solutions, such as inviting a handful of people or planning a big celebration later in the year. However, be mindful if you are just doing this because you think you should.
The Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis
With the ongoing cost of living crisis, many couples are reassessing their wedding budgets. Hitched conducted a national survey and found the average cost of a wedding in 2024 to be £23,250—a staggering 34% increase from 2021. As couples rethink their plans, elopements and micro weddings offer a more budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing meaning or personal significance.
When you strip away the layers of wedding expectations, what’s left is a celebration of love between two people. Elopements allow you to share your heartfelt vows with a celebrant and a photographer, creating a space to be vulnerable and authentic. You can openly express your past, your hopes for the future, and the deep love you share with your partner.
Elopements and micro weddings also relieve the pressure of pleasing a large crowd. If you're not comfortable with the spotlight, these intimate ceremonies offer a chance to focus entirely on each other in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
Celebrant & Photographer Collaboration
As this trend continues to grow, many wedding vendors are adapting to offer unique packages tailored to elopements and micro weddings. I spoke with Charlotte Barker from Bishy Bee Photography, an incredibly talented wedding photographer, who shared her thoughts on this growing shift:
“Eloping is less about running away; than running towards a day that feels like you. You might enjoy hiking to a cliff top, wandering through a European city, or just breathing in the sea air on the glorious Suffolk coast. Whatever your thing is, an elopement lets you skip the stress, dodge the seating plan politics, and relax into the moment.
There's no element of performance and no pressure. It's just the two of you, doing what you love, whilst feeling grounded, connected and completely in the moment."
Charlotte and I have known each other many years, we both have a background in the arts (hers much more varied and successful than mine) and we share a vision for working with people and their wedding ceremonies - story telling. Crafting a personal and heartfelt ceremony, whilst capturing shots that make the couple's wedding day really come alive. We will make you feel at ease and excited for your special moment and it would be a true honour to witness something as special as your wedding day.
If you're considering an elopement or micro wedding, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss our celebrant and photographer elopement package. Together, we can help you craft an unforgettable day that reflects your love, your story and what you want from your wedding day.
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