Elopement, Micro Wedding or Traditional Wedding. What's the difference?
- Claire Austin
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
One of the first decisions you'll face when planning your wedding isn’t the venue, the date, or even the guest list, it’s about deciding what kind of wedding you actually want.
In recent years, couples have moved away from the idea that there’s only one 'right' way to get married. Instead, weddings now come in many shapes and sizes, with elopements, micro weddings and traditional weddings all offering something unique.
As a wedding celebrant, I often remind couples that your wedding should reflect them, their relationship, values, and the way they want to celebrate their commitment. To help you decide, here’s a simple breakdown of the three most common wedding styles and what makes each one special.
Elopements: Just the Two of You (and Maybe a Few Loved Ones)
An elopement is the most intimate way to get married. Traditionally, eloping meant running away in secret, but modern elopements are very different. Today, an elopement is usually a deliberate, meaningful choice rather than a spontaneous escape to Gretna Green.
Elopements typically involve:
The couple
A celebrant
Sometimes a photographer, and/or a handful of close loved ones
They often take place in stunning, personal locations — think beaches, gardens, or even your own garden. There are many wedding venues in Devon that offer elopements, such as Brickhouse Vineyard, Battleford Farm and Badgers Holt.
Why you might choose an elopement
You want a deeply personal, private ceremony
You're not keen on lots of people in the same place
You want freedom from expectations or traditions
You love the idea of exchanging vows in a meaningful location
Elopements allow you to focus entirely on your vows and connection, without the pressure of hosting or feeling like you're performing in front of a crowd. For many, it’s simple, intentional, and incredibly powerful.
Micro-Weddings: Intimate, Intentional, and Joyful
A micro wedding sits beautifully between an elopement and a traditional wedding. While guest numbers vary, micro weddings usually include around 10–20 guests, often made up of immediate family and closest friends. Everything you’d expect from a wedding is still there — ceremony, celebration, food, and meaningful moments, just on a smaller scale.
Why you might choose a micro wedding
You want to celebrate with loved ones without a large crowd
You value connection and quality time with your guests
You prefer a relaxed, low-stress atmosphere
You want flexibility with budget and planning
Micro weddings often feel warm and relaxed. Couples usually spend more time with each guest, and ceremonies can be highly personalised, with storytelling and heartfelt moments taking centre stage. For many couples, micro weddings offer the best of both worlds: intimacy and celebration, without overwhelm.
Traditional Weddings: A Big Celebration with All Your People
A traditional wedding, sometimes called a big wedding, is what many people picture when they think of a wedding day. These celebrations typically include 50 to 150+ guests and bring together extended family and friends.
Traditional weddings often involve:
A larger venue
A structured timeline
Multiple suppliers (venue, catering, music, styling, photography)
A lively reception with dancing and speeches
Why you might choose a traditional wedding
You love bringing all their people together in one place
Family traditions are important to you
You enjoy hosting and celebrating on a larger scale
You want a full wedding-day experience
While traditional weddings require more planning and coordination, they can be incredibly fun and buzzy. For those who thrive on shared experiences and celebration, a larger wedding can feel like the perfect expression of their love.
There’s No 'Right' Choice - Only the Right One for You
One of the most important things I tell my couples is this: the size of your wedding does not determine its meaning. An elopement can be just as emotional and significant as a grand celebration. A micro wedding can feel just as joyful and complete as a traditional wedding. What matters most is that your ceremony reflects who you are and how you want to begin your marriage.
Some couples start planning a traditional wedding and realise a micro wedding suits them better. I had a couple just the other day, change the date of their wedding from a weekend to a weekday and halved the guest list. All of your choices are valid.
How a Celebrant Fits Into Every Wedding Style
No matter the size of your wedding, my role as a celebrant remains the same: to create a ceremony that is authentic and meaningful. Whether you choose an elopement, micro wedding or traditional wedding, each offers a beautiful way to say “I do.” The best choice is the one that feels aligned with your relationship and your vision for your day.
If you’re unsure which path feels right, that’s completely normal. Take your time, talk it through together, and remember: this day is about celebrating your love, in whatever way feels most personal to you.
When you're ready to chat, send me a message on the contact form. I can't wait to hear what style of wedding you've decided to go for!
Love Claire xxx
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