Why More Couples Are Choosing Elopements & Micro-Weddings (and How to Make Yours Truly Unforgettable)
Big weddings are beautiful, but more and more Kiwi couples are saying “that’s not us.”
They’re craving something smaller, more intentional, and way more them. Whether that means standing barefoot on a clifftop, hosting a long-lunch with twenty of their favourite people, or sharing private vows before the party – it’s all about connection, not convention.
The Shift Toward Meaning
After the whirlwind of the last few years, couples have become crystal clear about what really matters. They’re prioritising meaning over magnitude, choosing experiences that reflect who they are instead of what’s expected.
That might mean:
- Fewer guests, but more time with each of them
- Investing in experiences rather than excess
- Creating space to actually breathe, feel, and enjoy
A micro-wedding doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means curating only what counts. The food that matters. The people who lift you up. The vibe that feels effortlessly “you.”
The New Definition of Intimate
Forget the idea that intimate weddings are just elopements for two. The new wave of micro-celebrations blends the best of both worlds – intimate energy, elevated experience.
Picture this:
A weekend at a boutique lodge, a relaxed timeline, a few hand-picked vendors from Slay My Day who just get your vision. Think stylists who make magic from minimalism, photographers who capture the in-between moments, planners who take the stress out so you can stay in the moment.
It’s not smaller – it’s smarter.
Why This Route Makes Sense
1. Freedom to design your day
Without the pressure of 150 RSVPs, couples are designing days that truly fit their personalities. Want to swap speeches for sunset cocktails? Go for it.
2. Flexibility with budget
A refined guest list means your budget goes further – toward incredible food, florals, or that dream photographer you thought was out of reach.
3. Stress down, experience up
With fewer moving parts, your day feels relaxed and genuine. You’ll remember laughter, connection, and the way it all felt – not logistics.
4. Perfect for NZ’s landscape
From vineyard courtyards to alpine peaks, New Zealand’s venues and elopement spots were made for intimate gatherings. They shine brightest when the focus is love, not numbers.
How to Make It Unforgettable
- Choose vendors who value connection.
Work with a tight team who understand the tone you want to set, many can be found right here on Slay My Day. - Lean into experience.
Add something personal – private vows at sunrise, a shared first dance under the stars, a next-day brunch with your nearest crew. - Tell your story through details.
A signature cocktail, handwritten menus, or a playlist of your journey together, these touches create emotional depth without needing grandeur. - Be fully present.
The best part of a smaller wedding is that you actually get to live it. Put the phone away, soak up the moment, and remember, this is your story to write.
The Bottom Line
Micro-weddings and elopements aren’t a compromise, they’re a conscious choice. A way to celebrate meaningfully, intentionally, and in a style that feels entirely your own.
Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal celebration or a mountaintop moment, it’s all about crafting a day that feels real.
Find your people, plan with purpose, and slay your day – your way.
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