Wedding Alternatives: Elopements and the rest
We talk to so many couples who feel sick at the idea of a “wedding”. Whether it’s the ‘big white wedding’ we’ve seen in movies and on TV, or the idea of getting everyone together in one place, for some people a wedding just isn’t the way they should marry.
The good news is that you don’t need to have a wedding to get married.
More and more couples are seeking alternatives to the conventional wedding, choosing instead to create an experience that’s uniquely their own. Whether it’s about saving costs, simplifying the process, or embracing a different kind of adventure, wedding alternatives can offer an intimate, meaningful, and truly memorable way to say “I do.” In this post, we’ll explore some of the best alternatives to traditional weddings, providing you with ideas that are as unique as your love story.
The main reasons people want an alternative to a wedding are:
Making the moment personal
Spending their money differently
Finding intimacy and meaning in their marriage beginnings
Flexibility
Here are the other ways you can get married without having a ‘hashtag wedding’.
Paperwork-Only Ceremony
A paperwork-only ceremony is the most straightforward option for couples who want to legally marry without any of the traditional frills. IT goes by a few names like
registry-style ceremony
courthouse marriage ceremony
BDM ceremony
paperwork-only ceremony
simple ceremony
It involves simply signing the legal documents required to be officially married, often with minimal or no guests present. Anything else isn’t included. No personalised vows, no ring exchange, no pretty clothes, no aisle or seats, no reception, no dance floor, no catering, no party - 100% legally married.
This option is incredibly quick, cost-effective, and low-stress. It’s perfect for couples who are focused solely on the legal aspect of marriage and may plan to celebrate in another way later on.
A paperwork-only ceremony lacks the celebratory aspects of a wedding, which may not feel as special or meaningful to some couples. However, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to keep things simple and straightforward.
Typically, these ceremonies are held at a registry office or with an authorised marriage celebrant. The process is quick - in Australia a one month waiting period is all that is required if the couple are not already married, consenting, and can prove their place and date of birth and their identity. Some couples choose this option and then later have a larger celebration or a private moment to commemorate their marriage in a more personal way, and others choose this option if they want to have a friend officiate their ceremony in a non-legally binding way, or if they celebrate overseas.
Josh Withers offers simple paperwork-only marriage ceremonies in Hobart.
Micro Wedding
A micro wedding is a small, intimate wedding typically involving fewer than 30 guests. It’s a traditional wedding with the intimacy of an elopement.
A difference between any wedding event and an elopement is who it is for. An elopement is for the couple getting married and a wedding - micro or not - is for the guests.
Micro weddings allow you to focus on quality over quantity. With a smaller guest list, you can spend more on meaningful details like gourmet catering plus they are more flexible and less stressful to plan than a large wedding simply because of size.
Deciding who makes the guest list can be challenging and some people might feel left out, so communication is key - talk to your micro wedding planner or celebrant about some smart wording for this message.
Consider hosting your micro wedding in a unique venue like a private estate in the Yarra Valley, a boutique hotel in Hobart, or a rustic barn in the Blue Mountains. With a smaller group, you can create a more personalized experience, perhaps with a family-style dinner or a custom cocktail bar.
Take inspiration from a couple who recently hosted a micro wedding in Tasmania, incorporating local flavors and breathtaking views into their day. Their ceremony was held in a secluded spot in Freycinet, followed by an intimate dinner under the stars.
Destination Wedding
A destination wedding is a ceremony held in a location away from your home town in a picturesque or exotic location overseas or far away - a wonderful way to combine your wedding with a vacation for you and your guests.
Destination weddings are still a wedding but they allow you to choose from stunning locations worldwide, like the romantic streets of Paris, the historic charm of Rome, or the breathtaking beauty of Byron Bay. They offer a built-in honeymoon and a unique experience for your guests.
Travel costs and logistics can be challenging, and not all guests may be able to attend due to distance or expense. This is often seen as a little win.
Consider tying the knot in Queenstown, New Zealand, with its dramatic mountain landscapes, or on the beaches of the Gold Coast for a relaxed, sun-soaked celebration. For those with a taste for adventure, a wedding in Iceland offers stunning backdrops of glaciers and waterfalls.
When planning a destination wedding, start by visiting the location if possible, or work with a local wedding planner who knows the area well. Make sure to account for travel logistics, accommodations, and any legal requirements for marriage in that location. It’s common for a destination wedding to have a local planner for local logistics, but for the celebrant, photographer, and videographer to often be local to the couple so they can work closely with those vendors on the destination proceedings.
Elopement
An elopement is a private and intimate ceremony typically involving just the couple (and sometimes a few close loved ones). It’s about focusing on the commitment and love shared between two people without the distractions of a large, traditional wedding.
An elopement is for the couple, a wedding is for the guests.
Elopements are incredibly intimate with the guest list often looking more like the list of people you’d invite into a maternity ward when you’ve given birth. Elopements also offer the chance to marry in stunning locations that might not accommodate a larger wedding plus they’re perfect for couples who want to avoid the stress of planning a big event, or hosting one.
The biggest drawback of eloping is that some loved ones might feel left out. It’s important to consider how you’ll share the experience with them, whether through a later celebration or sharing photos and videos.
Imagine saying your vows on the rugged cliffs of Tasmania’s East Coast, in the serene beauty of Lake St Clair, amidst the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, or on cobblestones in Europe. These locations offer breathtaking backdrops that make your elopement truly unforgettable.
How to Plan an Elopement
Planning an elopement is simpler than a traditional wedding, but there are still some key considerations. Choose a meaningful location and get in contact with an elopement specialist and expert like The Elopement Collective.
Wedding alternatives offer a wide range of possibilities for couples looking to create a day that’s uniquely theirs and we hope you feel comfortable in the knowledge that a wedding may well be the best way for you to marry, but if not, there are some great alternatives.
If you’re considering a wedding alternative like an elopement, The Elopement Collective is here to help you plan and execute your perfect elopement. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your wedding dreams a reality.