Elopement and micro weddings have been gaining popularity over the past few years with newlywed moments captured at the foot of Icelandic glaciers, in Ibiza’s Old Town or amid Las Vegas’ electric glow. However, the past 14 months of travel restrictions have encouraged not just free-spirited and eco-conscious elopers to consider going small in the UK, but also couples who had a vision for a big bash with triple-figure guest lists.

The start of this series of features could not commence in any other region than the North East. The home of Belle Bridal and countless captivating wedding creatives, this plucky place is packed with all matter of small marriage heaven.

Enlist the Experts

Micro vows are all about the aesthetics. While nailing the legalities is an absolute must (two witnesses, licensed ceremony venue etc.), you’ll want people to know that you did it in style.

If you’re planning a north Yorkshire marriage, Harrogate-based Sue of  White Wedding & Events Company can help with anything from remote logistics to supplier suggestions and keeping the day running smoothly – she has the awards to prove it. If it’s venue styling you need, Blossom Tree Hire Company is worth having on speed dial. After all, we can’t think of a registry office that wouldn’t benefit from a blossom tree glow-up.

When it comes to the ceremony, it’s important that you and your partner are wholly comfortable with your choice. And if you choose to get the legal part out of the way ahead of marking your marriage with an elopement, your choice of celebrant is similarly personal.

PASSIONATE ABOUT UNLEASHING YOUR COUPLE PERSONALITY, NORTH EAST CELEBRANT’S GEMMA HAS HEAPS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY AND IS GUARANTEED TO PUT YOU AT EASE AS YOU MAKE YOUR VISION REALITY.

Meanwhile Jo of Love Jo Ceremonies will tune into your needs so that she can assist you in creating something as flamboyant or subtle as you wish. From her bubbly personality to put an ease on proceedings to her words of powerful wisdom, she is the fairy godmother you never knew your marriage moment needed.

Choose a Venue

Whether you choose a licensed venue as your whole-day location, or choose to say ‘I do’ in a church ceremony or take your vows in a registry office, dialling up the romance is key to a successful elopement or miniature celebration.

If you're looking to wed near the toon, The Willows at the Woodmans is a brand new venue just ten minutes from Newcastle city centre, blending rustic charm with touches of sheer luxe to create an enviable destination for your special day. Settle down in their lavish private bar where chic city cocktails and midnight music mixes await.

If rural is more your style, Hall Garth Hotel in Darlington offers an Intimate option for 20 guests in the Orangery.

If the Northumberland coast calls to you, Brinkburn has exclusive-use wedding options running up to December 2021 covering 30 on-the-day guests and wedding-night accommodation for you and your lover (you had us at manor-house sleepover).

Plan your Photo Shoot

As we mentioned, natural beauty is kind of the north east’s thing. Hills, valleys, dales, moors, meadows and sandy beaches – it’s got it all.

Luckily, there are lots of talented local snappers with the skills to capture your wild-hearted adventure. Northumberland-based Dan Clark is adept at telling a love story with his natural, raw style – and with almost a decade’s experience shooting Northumberland, he’s bound to be full of local knowledge.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Michelle Mercer has shared micro wedding tips on her blog, and creates beautifully relaxed couple portraits. And with 15 years of photographing precious moments – including extensive destination nuptials shoots – Helen Russell is a real pro at putting free-spirited love in the frame.

Alternatively opt for Ross of RGM Photo, who captures colour and character in spades and has became a natural at captivating beach shots – just what you want for those intimate moments.

Get Dolled Up

Although you may want to go for an easy-breezy beauty look for your fugitive festivities, this occasion is still being committed to camera, so why not indulge in locally-sourced glam squad?

SERIOUS PRO LISA JONES HAS YOU COVERED ON BOTH HAIR AND MAKE-UP FRONTS – JUST BOOK INTO HER GOSFORTH SALON FOR A CONSULTATION, AND DON’T FORGET TO TRY THE MILLION DOLLAR FACIAL WHILE YOU’RE THERE.

North Yorkshire’s Julian West Makeup Studio will ensure a rosy complexion and bridal-brow perfection, regardless of the elements. Want locks than can withstand the windswept moors and blustery beach dunes? Sophie Punshon has a hairography repertoire that will complement your elopement look.

For the dress of your dreams, there’s no place more fitting than Carol’s Bridal in Carlisle. A paradise of luxury labels and a service in-keeping with the personal aesthetic of your elopement, this boutique has your gown journey nailed – whether you’re looking for laidback boho magic or a stunning sparkly showstopper. Once you’ve found the one, their trusted team will come to your home on the morning to dress you, steaming the gown and ensuring you’re all set for your little love affair. Now that’s service.

Put a Ring on it

And, for another inherently personable touch, why not make your own wedding rings at Newcastle-based studio The Glamorous Owl? Their wedding workshops are the perfect pre-elopement day out. On-hand throughout the session, Claire or another of her dedicated jewellers will invest all their time into ensuring you get the best experience possible, learning the basics of silversmithing while keeping it light-hearted and fun, resulting in a sentimental ring that you and your beau will cherish forever.

Say it with Flowers

Whether you want some blooming arrangements to adorn your nuptial scene, or you’d rather just order a hand-tied selection of seasonal stems and foraged foliage, there are a host of regional florists who can assist.

If you fancy a fragrant posy of wild Northumbrian-grown meadow blossoms – or even the opportunity to learn how to build your own bouquet – Wild With Love can create petalled perfection for you. And Newcastle’s Floral Grace is able to provide bespoke masterpiece bunches tied with luxuriant ribbon, as well as richly woven flower crowns. Because nothing says bohemian runaway bride like a headdress made from lush greens and velvety roses.

Let Them Eat Cake

Aside from the bride and groom, the next most photographed elopement party member is a toss up between the bouquet and the cake. So, if you’re secure enough in your bridal-babe status to share the spotlight with a real showstopper, we recommend you check out Carlisle's Cakes By Alison Fawkes for polished piping and tiers of joy.

However, if a whimsical bake with a conscience is more you, then one of Botanical Cakes’ dreamy towering designs will hit the Insta spot.

So, that's your micro-marriage wedmin done. Now, send us the pretty pictures and let our Guest List community of sublime wedding suppliers take all the credit!

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