Elope in style: intimate weddings are on the rise

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Elope in style: intimate weddings are on the rise

Couples are rewriting the script on what it means to say "I do". Over the past 12 months,searches for elopement weddings uk are up +83%, elopement wedding packages uk increased by +85%, andintimate weddings uk have grown by +89%¹. This has highlighted a clear demand amongst couples for this style of celebration.

The rising popularity of elopements and intimate weddings in the UK reflects a desire for authenticity and intimacy in the way we celebrate life's most significant moments. Whether it's an impromptu ceremony in the heart of London or a secluded gathering amidst the rugged beauty of Wales, expect to see more of your friends and family celebrating love with elopements very soon.

Just because you're eloping doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style, in fact,29% of couples are choosing elopements purely for the aesthetics.We identified the wedding decorations couples most wanted at their intimate celebrations, and have created our own elopement decoration packages.

These include accessories for the morning of,foliage,garlandsandbunting, which will take you from ceremony to reception. Our packages are suitable for a number of venues and locations and come in rustic and classic themes.

Why are elopements becoming more popular?

Topping the list of factors driving this trend towards intimateweddingsis the desire to keep costs low.Over a third (32%)of participants said finances were the main reason for opting for a smaller wedding.

However, the desire to incorporate adventure and travel into the big day was the second most popular cause for an elopement(31%). This indicates a growing appetite for unconventional experiences among modern couples.

Additionally, a significant portion of respondents(30%)expressed that their desire for intimacy and privacy led them to create a wedding experience tailored to their personal connections.

This sentiment aligns with the preference for non-traditional weddings, as evidenced by28%of respondents who wish to break away from conventional norms and expectations.

Perhaps most surprisingly, the fourth most popular reason for choosing an elopement was that couples preferred the type of content that you could take during this sort of wedding. Do it for the ‘gram!

Interestingly, our survey revealed generational variations in the motivations behind choosing elopements. Gen Z couples are primarily driven by cost considerations (39%)and a penchant for unique content. Millennials on the other hand, seekadventure and travel opportunities, with33%emphasising the importance of this within their wedding. Gen X couples prioritise non-traditional weddings, reflecting their desire for individuality and self-expression.

Home turf celebrations were more popular than elopements on distant shores

Traditionally, eloping conjures up images of couples fleeing to exotic destinations to exchange vows in secret. However, our survey revealed that an overwhelming77% of Brits are opting to tie the knot within the picturesque landscapes of the UK, rather than venturing abroad. This indicates how keen people are to prioritise intimacy and connection in familiar surroundings but also to cut down on costs.

Location, location, location

When considering where to host their elopements or intimate weddings, Brits showed a preference for a diverse array of settings within the UK.Wales emerged as the top choice, followed closely by the bustling capital ofLondonand then the picturesque landscapes ofScotland.

Northern Irelandand the serene beauty of theLake DistrictandCornwallalso garnered significant attention. This highlights the rich array of options available to couples seeking the perfect backdrop for their elopement in the UK.

The most popular venue choices for couples eloping were hotels (28%)perhaps due to the ease of being able to host the ceremony and reception in the same place. Atown hall came in close second with 28% of couples considering this option, followed in third bythe beachfor more outdoorsy and perhaps optimistic couples.

Top five venues for elopements

Hotel 28%
Town hall 27%
Beach 26%
Garden 24%
Registry office 23%

Elope in style

With aesthetics clearly being an important consideration when planning elopements, we wanted to know whichwedding decorationscouples weren’t willing to compromise on.

According to our research, these are thetop 10 wedding decorations and accessories people most wanted at their elopement:

Fairy lights
Garlands and foliage

Guest book

Photo props

Bunting
Cake topper
Games
Place cards
Smoke bombs
Bridal pyjamas,dressing gown,slippers

Fairy lights were the decoration couples most wanted at their elopement to create a magical and romantic ambience. Natural elements like garlands and foliage were the second most popular decoration, essential to add a touch of freshness and beauty, bringing the outdoors in. Even during an elopement, couples want to cherish the memories and well wishes of their loved ones, making a guest book the third most in-demand decoration so couples can capture guest sentiments in a tangible way.

Even at an intimate wedding you might still want a small cake to celebrate. A cute cake topper adds a personalised touch to this sweet treat. Games provide entertainment and can break the ice, especially for couples planning a small reception or celebration after the ceremony.

Shop our very own elopement packages with everything you need to decorate your elopement venue and don’t forget to tag us in your wedding pictures on Instagram and use #gingerray for your chance to be featured on our socials and website!

Morning of the Wedding Package

What's Included in the Morning of the Wedding Package

Introducing our Rustic Wedding Package

What's Included in the Rustic Wedding Package

Introducing our Classic Wedding Package

What's Included in the Classic Wedding Package

Methodology

The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Ginger Ray with a sample of 501 respondents who are engaged and are planning to elope or have an intimate wedding (18+). The survey was gathered between 11.04.2024 and 15.04.2024.

Sources

Search volumes taken from https://keywordtool.io/ Correct as of 15/04/2024