Wedding

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding Just for Two

newlyweds walking on street in old town in baku

When it comes to weddings, more couples are choosing to ditch the big guest lists, elaborate seating charts, and extended speeches for something much simpler—and far more meaningful. A wedding with just the two of you strips everything back to what really matters: your love, your vows, and the way you want to start your life together.

Whether it’s an elopement on a cliffside in Santorini, a registry office “I do” followed by espresso martinis at your favourite bar, or a secret escape to a cabin in the mountains, here’s how to plan a wedding for two that feels effortless, personal, and unforgettable.

just married couple kissing

Why Choose a Wedding for Two?

There are plenty of reasons couples go this route:

  • Freedom from expectations – no pressure to please family or follow traditions that don’t resonate.
  • Budget-conscious – spend on what matters most to you, whether that’s travel, outfits, or a killer dinner.
  • Intimacy – you get to be fully present with each other, without distractions or performance.
  • Adventure – it can be a wedding and a honeymoon rolled into one.

Step One: Decide What “Just Us” Looks Like

A wedding for two doesn’t have to mean a rushed elopement. It can be spontaneous, stylish, or deeply ceremonial.

  • Registry office + celebration: Go minimal with a civil ceremony, then follow it with champagne and a beautiful dinner just for two.
  • Destination elopement: Choose a place that means something to you—Paris, Queenstown, or a secluded beach in Mexico.
  • In-nature nuptials: Say your vows at sunrise in the forest, beside a waterfall, or under the stars in the desert.
  • Home-style romance: Get married in your own backyard or a private Airbnb and turn it into a cosy love bubble.
newlyweds in mountains
Photo by Photography Maghradze

Step Two: Make It Legal

Even if you’re not having a big event, you’ll still need to sort the legal side.

  • Check local laws: In some countries, you’ll need witnesses or officiants. In others, a symbolic ceremony might be best if you’re marrying abroad and handling paperwork at home.
  • Book a celebrant or officiant: Even for two, having someone to lead a custom ceremony can make it feel special.
  • Witness workaround: Some places allow vendors (like your photographer or hotel manager) to act as witnesses. Others let you do a private legal signing and save the “ceremony” for later.

Step Three: Create the Vibe

Even with no guests, you can absolutely curate the vibe. Think: outfits, flowers, location, vows, music—even a first dance.

  • The outfits: Go full glam, black tie, beachy, or barefoot. Whatever makes you feel you.
  • Flowers and styling: A small bouquet or buttonhole, a simple tablescape for two, or a floral arch at your ceremony spot.
  • Vows: With no one else listening, this is your moment to be raw, real, and poetic.
  • Music: Bring a portable speaker for your entrance, vows, or first dance. Or hire a solo musician if you want a live feel. If you’d prefer something richer, consider one of the best wedding music bands to bring beautiful energy to even the most intimate setting.

Step Four: Capture It (or Don’t)

You don’t need a 12-hour photography package—but trust us, you’ll want some of it on record.

  • Photographer or videographer: Book someone who specialises in elopements and intimate weddings.
  • Self-shot: Some couples set up a tripod or book a quick photo session before or after their vows.
  • Private forever: You can also keep it off social media and just let the memory be yours.

Step Five: Celebrate Like It’s Just the Beginning

After the ceremony, mark the moment with something unforgettable.

  • Private chef dinner at your Airbnb, or a tasting menu at a local restaurant.
  • Champagne picnic by the beach, under fairy lights, or on a rooftop.
  • Mini-moon right away or a larger honeymoon later.
romantic couple enjoying beachfront scenery
Photo by Carolina Basi

Bonus Ideas to Make It Meaningful

  • Write letters to read after the ceremony or on your first anniversary.
  • Get matching tattoos or keepsake jewellery.
  • Send postcards or photos to loved ones letting them in on your joy afterward.

Just You Two—But No Less of a Celebration

A two-person wedding is not a compromise. It’s a celebration of you—unfiltered, deeply personal, and built on intention rather than expectation. Whether it’s barefoot on a beach or suited-up in a hotel suite, the magic is in the connection. So skip the noise, write your own rules, and start your marriage your way.

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