What Is a Pop-up Wedding? 9 Tips to Plan One

Big weddings aren’t for everyone—too much stress, too many decisions, and let’s be honest… way too many seating charts. Maybe you’re dreaming of something simpler, quieter, more you. 

Just the two of you, or maybe a handful of loved ones, in a beautiful spot with no fuss—could that be enough? 

Or even more than enough? 

If you’ve ever whispered, “Let’s just do it,” and meant it, chances are your heart already knows what matters. Love doesn’t need a ballroom to be real. A pop-up wedding might be exactly the kind of magic you didn’t know you were allowed to want… until now.

What is a pop-up wedding?

A pop-up wedding is a small, pre-arranged wedding ceremony—usually planned and set up by a professional team—where a couple shows up, gets married, and enjoys a beautiful, stress-free experience. 

It’s often held in a public or scenic space, with essential elements like the officiant, décor, photographer, and sometimes even florals and music already included.

For example, Emma and Jake from Toronto chose a pop-up wedding in a botanical garden. They didn’t want the pressure of a big event or months of planning. Instead, they exchanged vows in a peaceful corner of the garden with just six guests, a violinist, and a cake waiting under a willow tree.

Why choose a pop-up wedding?

If the thought of planning a big traditional wedding stresses you out, you’re not alone. Pop-up weddings are growing in popularity—and for good reason. They’re designed for couples who want something meaningful without all the chaos. 

Whether you’re after something budget-friendly, intimate, or simply different, a pop-up wedding might be exactly what you need.

1. Less planning, more enjoying

Pop-up weddings are typically organized by experienced professionals who handle everything—from the venue and décor to the officiant and timeline. You don’t have to worry about guest lists, seating charts, or hiring ten different vendors. This means more time to focus on each other and less time buried in spreadsheets.

2. Big savings without cutting corners

Weddings are expensive—often costing tens of thousands of dollars. A pop-up wedding allows you to skip unnecessary expenses and still have a beautiful, well-styled event. You pay for exactly what matters, not inflated extras. Most packages are all-inclusive, which keeps your budget in check without compromising quality.

3. Intimate, personal moments

Because pop-up weddings are small and focused, they create a more emotional and authentic experience. You’re not performing for a crowd; you’re sharing a genuine moment with the person you love. Whether it’s just the two of you or a few close guests, the energy is warm and personal.

4. Unique locations you’d never expect

Many pop-up weddings take place in creative or unexpected places—like a rooftop, a beach, a garden, or even a vintage bookstore. You can get married somewhere that reflects your personality and sense of adventure, often without the hassle of getting individual permits or renting the space solo.

5. Flexible for modern love stories

Pop-up weddings are perfect for second marriages, elopements, blended families, or couples who just don’t fit the “big white wedding” mold. They respect your love story as it is—no expectations, no judgment. It’s a modern solution for modern couples who want meaning without all the pressure.

How to make your pop-up wedding memorable: 9 tips

Pop-up weddings may be small, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel rushed or forgettable. With a little thought and intention, your pop-up wedding can be just as emotional, beautiful, and meaningful as any large celebration. 

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous elopement or an intimate micro-ceremony, here are nine practical and heartfelt tips to make your day truly unforgettable.

1. Personalize your vows

Even in a short ceremony, your vows are the heart of the moment. Write them from scratch, or personalize a template that reflects your story. 

Speak from the heart and include memories, hopes, or little quirks that define your bond. You don’t have to be poetic—just honest. Personalized vows make the ceremony feel like you, not just a script.

• Important: Practice your vows aloud to avoid stumbling on the big day.

2. Choose a meaningful location

Where you say “I do” can set the tone for everything. Choose a spot that holds emotional value or matches your vibe—nature lovers might opt for a park or mountain, while bookworms might love a library. The best pop-up weddings take place in locations that feel authentic, not just pretty.

• Important: Check permits or local rules if you’re using a public space.

3. Add a symbolic ritual

Want something extra without the fuss? Consider a unity ritual like lighting a candle, planting a tree, or tying a knot. It adds emotional depth and creates a physical memory of your union. This can also replace some of the traditional elements that don’t fit your style.

• Important: Choose a ritual that fits naturally into your beliefs or relationship values.

4. Include a few close guests

Even if you’re eloping, having one or two loved ones can make the moment richer. They can offer support, share laughs, or witness your vows. The presence of someone special can ground the experience and give you shared memories to look back on.

• Important: Make sure your guest list doesn’t overwhelm the intimate vibe of a pop-up wedding.

5. Capture it with great photography

Your day might be short and sweet, but the right photographer can make it last forever. Invest in someone whose style fits your personality. Documentary-style photographers are great for capturing emotions as they unfold naturally, without stiff poses or forced smiles.

• Important: Share your timeline and preferences with your photographer ahead of time.

6. Send unique pop-up wedding cards

Even if your ceremony is small, don’t skip the stationery. Pop-up wedding cards—both for invitations and thank-yous—add a personal, thoughtful touch. They also make great keepsakes. Choose designs that reflect your style, whether whimsical, modern, or romantic.

• Important: Use digital or paper cards depending on your audience and tone.

7. Plan a cozy celebration after

Just because it’s a pop-up wedding doesn’t mean it ends with the vows. Plan a relaxed follow-up—like a picnic, a family dinner, or a night away together. It doesn’t need to be extravagant to be meaningful. A small celebration lets you savor the day.

• Important: Don’t forget to build in time to breathe and be present with each other.

8. Dress like yourself (but elevated)

There are no rules. You can wear a suit, a dress, a jumpsuit—or even hiking boots if you’re getting married on a trail. Just aim to feel like your best self. Comfort matters, but so does wearing something that makes you feel special for this big step.

• Important: Choose an outfit that matches your location and feels camera-friendly.

9. Remember what it’s really about

In all the planning, don’t lose sight of the why. A pop-up wedding strips away distractions, but it’s still a life-changing moment. Reflect on your love, your journey, and the choice you’re making. That’s the memory you’ll carry, not the flowers or timeline.

• Important: Pause on the day—even just for a minute—to take it all in.

5 things to know before choosing a pop-up wedding 

Pop-up weddings are simple and stress-free—but only if you go in prepared. Because these ceremonies are shared-event style and highly scheduled, there are a few things you need to know upfront to make sure your day goes smoothly. 

Here’s what to keep in mind before saying yes to this modern way of tying the knot.

1. Be absolutely on time

With pop-up weddings, timing is everything. These events often host multiple couples in a single day, so you’ll be assigned a specific time slot. 

If you arrive late, there’s no guarantee your schedule can shift—you’ll just have less time for your vows, photos, or post-ceremony celebration. Think of it like catching a train: it won’t wait.

• Tip: Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes early so you can settle in without stress.

2. Arrive fully dressed and prepared

There won’t be a bridal suite or changing area in most pop-up wedding setups. That means you’ll need to arrive already dressed in your wedding attire, and rings in hand. This helps everything run smoothly and ensures your time is spent celebrating—not scrambling.

• Tip: Pack your essentials the night before and triple-check your rings and paperwork.

3. Communication with your planner is a must

Even though it’s a small ceremony, you still need clarity on how things will unfold. Make sure to connect with your coordinator ahead of time. 

Ask for a detailed timeline or run sheet, understand the ceremony structure, and find out which vendors are included (like photographers or florists). Don’t hesitate to ask questions—it’s your day, after all.

• Tip: A short pre-wedding call or email exchange with your planner can prevent a lot of surprises.

4. Do your research and choose the right vendor

Pop-up weddings aren’t one-size-fits-all. Packages vary depending on the provider and the city. Some venues offer weekday or off-season options to keep things affordable, while others focus on unique locations like parks or rooftops. Look for planners who offer clear details and are located near you.

• Tip: Search for “pop-up wedding packages” with your city name for the best local options.

Watch this video, which provides a comprehensive guide on obtaining a marriage license, an essential step in legalizing a marriage. 

5. Make time for a quiet moment together

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement—even during a short, simple ceremony. But taking just a few minutes alone as a couple after the “I do” can help you soak it all in. Whether it’s a private toast, a walk, or just sitting quietly, this moment can make your pop-up wedding even more meaningful.

• Tip: Let your planner know you’d like a few minutes alone post-ceremony so they can build it in.

Ending note

A pop-up wedding may not follow every tradition—but that’s exactly what makes it special. It strips away the stress, the excess, and the pressure, leaving room for what really matters: the two of you, your love, and your choice to commit in a way that feels right. 

With a little preparation, clear communication, and a touch of intention, your day can be just as meaningful—if not more—than any big celebration. However you choose to say “I do,” let it reflect who you are, together. That’s where the real magic lives.