Small weddings, BIG trend: The rise of Charli XCX inspired ‘brat’ weddings
Is 2025 the year of the micro wedding?
Wedding insurance specialists Protectivity have conducted research into the ‘micro weddings’ trend in the UK, finding Pinterest searches for ‘registry office elopement’ have soared by 190% and UK Google searches for ‘micro weddings’ are up 57% in the last quarter alone, proving that 2025 really is the year of small, intimate ceremonies.
It’s not just the general public who are planning laid-back, more intimate ceremonies either. Musician Charli XCX recently hosted her nuptials at low-key venue, Hackney Town Hall, sparking further conversation about the appeal of a micro wedding, outside of just the potentially lower cost.
Why are micro weddings so popular right now?
Leading wedding expert Zoe Burke, editor of Hitched.co.uk comments:
“With the rise of elopements and mini celebrations, couples are embracing quality over quantity, choosing to prioritise memorable moments over a grand spectacle. It’s a shift towards authenticity, intimacy, and a truly unique way to say 'I do.'
“In a world that’s often chaotic and overstretched, many are looking for a more intimate and personal experience. Smaller weddings allow for more meaningful connections, whether it’s through carefully curated details or a more relaxed atmosphere.”
For those looking to plan a micro wedding of their own, Protectivity also crunched the numbers to reveal the top 3 UK spots to host a small ceremony based on factors including average meal costs per head, access to intimate venues, local well-regarded registry offices and average rainfall figures.
Their data revealed that the best place to host a micro wedding in the UK is Greater London, thanks in part to being home to the ever-chic and timeless, Marylebone Town Hall. This was closely followed by Suffolk, combining countryside charm and budget-friendly options, and Surrey with its host of low-key reception spots, perfect for intimate celebrations.
Chris Trotman, events insurance expert at Protectivity, warns couples planning small celebrations:
“Just because a wedding is smaller in scale doesn’t mean it’s free from risk. Things like last-minute supplier issues can still arise and even smaller venues often require wedding parties to have public liability cover, so it's important that couples take out appropriate one-off event insurance.”
For more information on securing the right specialist insurance for your wedding day, visit: https://www.protectivity.com/product/one-off-event-insurance/