Born out of necessity, one of the event trends to emerge as a result of the pandemic is micro-weddings. Ever since the government guidelines allowed outdoor weddings for up to 30 people, venues have been adapting their wedding packages to allow those couples who want to, to get married safely with social-distanced household bubbles of family and friends there to witness their special day.
Even celebs and royalty have opted for a more intimate ceremony and celebration. Just 20 close family and friends attended the wedding service for Princess Beatrice in Royal Chapel of All Saints at Windsor Castle. Of course, whilst not every bride can get married in a royal castle, but every bride is a Princess for just one day. And whilst Cressida Bonas did not marry royalty (she previously dated Prince Harry), she too chose to go ahead with her nuptials, with a small gathering at Cowdray Park.
For wedding venues, being able to once again help couples celebrate their special day, albeit on a smaller scale, has been welcomed. Micro-weddings have enabled them to get creative with spaces, styling them to suit the new norm without compromising on creating the romance of the occasion.
Exclusive use wedding venues
As an exclusive-use wedding venue, Glenfall House in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire was quick to share some great images on social media showing the ways in which beautifully dressed chairs could be laid out for a wedding ceremony held in their stunning gardens. With views across to the Malvern Hills and the 18th century House as the backdrop, it really looked picture perfect.
Things were due to change again from the 1st August for couples hoping to still get married this summer for 30 guests to attend a ceremony and reception, in either an indoor or outdoor setting so long as household social distancing was in place. However sadly this change has now been put on hold for a further two weeks. And so for now, at least, weddings remain restricted to 30 guests distanced within household bubbles at an outdoor ceremony followed by a reception for no more than two households, still maintaining a minimum 1-metre distance.
Whilst these ever changing rules perhaps don’t sound overly romantic and it may be disappointing not to be able to have everyone there in person, there is no need to compromise on the of the setting for your special day.
Take Pauntley Court for example, this exclusive hire venue specialises in micro-weddings and has several packages to turn your special day, into your extra special day. As the birthplace of Dick Whittington, the history of this impressive 700-year old property is the very epitome of unique. It is though the luxurious romance of the interiors and the charming, sunken gardens that are the real highlights, making it the perfect venue for intimate weddings. The Ballroom is perfectly sized to hold up to 50 (when allowed) for a seated ceremony or reception. The whole property oozes laid-back elegance whilst delivering on attention to detail in every aspect. And if you simply can’t bear to leave, then this family-home has ten sumptuously appointed bedrooms so you can wake up and take in the glorious views over the garden and the River Leadon Valley beyond. What a great start to married life!
Search for your ideal wedding venue
Small can most definitely be beautiful when it comes to your wedding day. Some are predicting that the micro-wedding is here to stay with couples appreciating the benefits of being able to have a day where they can spend quality time with all of their guests. Whether that is the case or not, Secret Spaces has lots of amazing wedding venues, suitable for small and intimate celebrations through to when restrictions are lifted and guests lists can once again include all of your family and friends.
