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Beginner June 2026 Lincolnshire

Want a small wedding but can’t find the ‘right’ venue or idea!

Danielle, 8 December, 2024 at 16:54 Posted on Planning 2 14
Hi all!


Soo I’ve been down the google wedding hole to the point of insanity at least twenty times 😆
Ideally we’re looking to have a small wedding but just can’t decide on what to do -
- abroad (either gets expensive/hard to know what you’re getting/we want a legally binding one/who to invite etc)- register office and then meal (would it be a bit ‘sad’ or would we feel a bit random wandering round in full wedding attire!- rent a house for a big family get together then register office somewhere else in the UK (starts to get expensive if it’s for a few nights in a massive house/you add in catering etc/also do we want to be stuck with all the family for four nights plus 👀)- register office and then garden party/bbq (too casual?! Logistics with loos/electric/if it rains!) - abroad packages just seem a bit risky and lots of mixed reviews!
I feel like every option I think of I then find the negative! Ultimately we just want to get married but I’m not a big fan of being the centre of attention nor the traditional weddings with set routine etc and would quite like something a bit different, but then talk myself out of things 🤦🏻‍♀️
I also would prefer to almost just book a package kind of thing that has everything, I have no interest in all the planning bits (feels like an awful thing to say but I’m not really a girly girl or ever been that marriage orientated)
HELP 😅 any ideas on quirky non traditional weddings that don’t require a massive amount of planning or packages that aren’t too ‘traditional’?!

14 replies

Latest activity by Alessia, 3 January, 2025 at 19:35
  • R
    VIP July 2020 Monmouthshire
    RomanticGreenStationery27135 ·
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    Simplest and cheapest option for you is probably to have the legal ceremony at the registry office and then a meal/party to celebrate after. Either book a community centre/village hall and hire caterers or book a function room in a restaurant or pub. I don't think it will be at all odd for you to be 'wandering round in full wedding attire' - most people love a wedding, you've only got to listen to the comments if anyone sees a bride and groom walking through the town from the registry office, or having their photos taken at a local scenic viewpoint. No one ever thinks it's odd, just "Awww, how sweet!"

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  • Emily
    Beginner July 2026 Monmouthshire
    Emily Online ·
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    I am in the exact same situation as you and have gone down the Google rabbit hole multiple times now! We have max 35 guests of close friends and family, and it's hard to find a wedding venue at a reasonable price for such a small group. I notice some had an "intimate" wedding package which tended to be either mid week or November-March which might work better?


    It does all seem a lot to spend when it's not many, and we've also considered abroad but I don't want to ask those people to have to travel as many have small children so it seems unfair. Sorry that's not much help but honestly I am in your shoes too!
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  • Waqas
    Savvy December 2024 Cornwall
    Waqas ·
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    It sounds like you're looking for a unique and stress-free way to tie the knot! Consider elopement packages that include everything from the ceremony to photos in scenic locations, or a minimalist celebration at a charming venue with just close family. For inspiration and support, visit Hypnotherapist in Seattle.

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  • D
    Beginner November 2025 South West London
    Dominique ·
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    I am in the same boat too! Our ‘small’ is a bit bigger than yours (60 people) but we are also trying to eschew being the centres of attention and having speeches / traditional timeline for the day. It’s hard to conceive of something different however! Everything I read says once you have the venue everything else can fall into place but we can’t get over the first hurdle! I think if you can find a small pub/restaurant that you can exclusively hire then that’d be SO much better than a village hall - you don’t have to do everything from scratch, it will be well styled, competent staff, booze licenses and catering onsite, clean and stocked toilets, etc.! Additionally many registry offices can accommodate your numbers so all your guests can still see you married, and restaurants near to registry offices often host receptions and will be prepared to make any confetti throws / photo opportunities easy on your arrival. Best of luck!
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  • Samia
    Beginner June 2025 Merseyside
    Samia ·
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    I felt the exact same!! I have no interest in a big wedding. I looked into local venues, community centres, town halls etc but all seemed to have quite strict rules/early curfews and were actually too small, no good outside seating areas etc. I also looked into hiring an Air BnB like you said but then you have to plan every single detail yourself which I also couldn't be bothered doing.

    After a lot of thinking and Googling I decided to book a local restaurant, they provide all the food and service etc and I just hired a venue stylist for the table settings etc, all quite minimalistic. I am still questioning myself but think it's the best outcome tbh!

    Good luck with your planning Smiley smile

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  • M
    Beginner April 2025 Suffolk
    Maddie ·
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    Not sure where you’re based, but Unique Norfolk Venues offer intimate and twilight packages for people that either want something a bit smaller or non-traditional but still want to book a package/bundle with food and everything included. I ended up down much the same rabbit hole until I came across these guys, might be worth a look even if it’s just for inspiration 😊
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  • PhotographybyBillHaddon
    Super January 3000 Leicestershire
    PhotographybyBillHaddon ·
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    I have photographed every type of wedding that you mention and no one ever thinks any of them are weird. Or seeing a bride in a dress walking down the street.

    I know Lincolnshire a little bit as I have relatives there, there must be lots of village pubs with function rooms, I know of one in particular that sounds perfect for you depending on where in Lincolnshire you are.

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  • D
    Beginner June 2026 Lincolnshire
    Danielle ·
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    View quoted message
    Oo yes please if you know of somewhere, and thank you!
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  • D
    Beginner June 2026 Lincolnshire
    Danielle ·
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    Thank you! Yes that’s a really good point, I’ve never thought anything negative when seeing it!!
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  • D
    Beginner June 2026 Lincolnshire
    Danielle ·
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    Thank you!
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  • D
    Beginner June 2026 Lincolnshire
    Danielle ·
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    Thanks all for the responses and encouragement/help! We will get there and starting to feel like we will find the answer 🤣


    Definitely focusing on looking at elopement/intimate weddings as suggested and have seen some packages, possibly need to just stop being so fussy and actually go see some and then it hopefully will click into place! Best of luck to all and keep any suggestions coming 🤣
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  • PhotographybyBillHaddon
    Super January 3000 Leicestershire
    PhotographybyBillHaddon ·
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    Can you send me a DM, because any advertising gets removed.

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  • Alessia
    Trapani
    Alessia ·
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    Hello Danielle!!

    Congrats on your engagement

    Smiley heart

    I know a beautiful spot in Trapani, Sicily (Italy): It's called Pittalumari Makari Resort and it's located in the heart of nature, with a stunning sea view. You won't need massive flower decorations since the venue is full of local wildlife, the food is all organic and cooked by local ladies and you and your guests can spend the week in their fantastic accommodations. It is an intimate, amazing way to celebrate love and everything they do is absolutely unconventional! Moreover, they have a PLAN B in case of rain and lots of activities for your stay.

    They also provide symbolic rituals both in the garden and on the rocks!!

    matrimoniogiuliaesalvatore-makari-3_2_388383-172891858033722.jpeg

    unnamed_2_388383-173390646956354.jpeg

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  • Alessia
    Trapani
    Alessia ·
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    I can provide extra info if you like, just send me a DM! Smiley catface Smiley heart

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