What is a Pop Up Wedding?

For some couples, there is nothing quite as romantic as spontaneity. Whirlwind adventures forge memories that you just can’t manufacture. For others, they dream about an easy-going small wedding, where they can simply kick back and bask in the love. If this sounds like something you’re looking for, then you might want a pop up wedding! While the phrase suggests that your wedding can just appear from thin air, there’s a little bit more that goes into planning a pop up wedding (but don’t worry, it’s not too much effort!).

Defining pop up weddings

A pop up wedding is similar to an elopement, typically consisting of a short and sweet ceremony with a small guest count. What sets it apart, though, is that the wedding venue is a temporary space and is usually created and broken down by a team.

A pop up wedding can vary depending on where you are, or what experience you want. The wedding location is completely yours to decide. Do you want to be in the mountains surrounded by nature? Would you like to celebrate the excitement of exchanging your vows at your favorite park? The true spirit of small weddings is to reduce stress and planning. Vendors are generally responsible for all things ceremony: the officiant, the florist, the photographer, and all prep for their responsibilities. This leaves you with not much effort in terms of planning! You’ll be responsible for what you want to wear, who you want to be there, and where you want to say yes to forever.

Why choose a pop up wedding?

Pop up weddings are for more spontaneous or laid back couples, but that’s not the only reason to choose this kind of wedding. They’re also budget-friendly, and generally less complicated. Prices for pop up weddings can vary for a lot of reasons. It depends on which vendor you choose, where you’d like your ceremony location, and which services you’d like to incorporate into your day. The day of the week also might influence the price — weekends can drive up the price of services across different vendors, whereas you might get a better deal if you were to have your wedding on a weekday.

Pop up weddings provide a unique alternative to the stress of traditional wedding planning. They offer more flexibility, spontaneity, and a relaxed vibe for couples who value special moments over extensive preparation. This type of ceremony helps you avoid months of planning and the costs that can come with a traditional wedding.

Pop up weddings are also perfect for couples who want to combine their ceremony with an adventurous backdrop. Imagine exchanging your vows with a stunning mountain view, or saying “I do” in a quaint park where you first met. The possibilities for your ceremony location are endless, and this type of small wedding ensures you’re surrounded by breathtaking scenery without the stress of a large-scale event.

How to make your pop up wedding memorable

To make your pop up wedding truly unforgettable, it’s essential to focus on the details that matter most to you as a couple. Personalizing your wedding day through heartfelt vows, selecting a meaningful wedding location, and adding touches that reflect your unique relationship will make your celebration feel intimate and special. Whether it’s incorporating a favorite song, inviting only your closest friends and family, or planning a surprise element, there are countless ways to create lasting memories on your big day.

You could also consider blending elements of a traditional wedding into your pop up ceremony, like incorporating a small reception afterward at a local restaurant or setting aside time for a personal photoshoot. Just because the structure of a pop up wedding is simpler doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the magic and excitement of the celebration. Be sure to embrace the flexibility that comes with this type of wedding and enjoy the process of crafting an event that is uniquely yours.

What do I need to know before I choose a pop up wedding?

Promptness is key. Some vendors have a handful of ceremonies in one day, so it’s important to show up prepared. Be dressed in your wedding attire when you arrive. If you have a hair and makeup service, it’ll be easier for them to get started – and if you don’t, come as dolled up as you want. Also, be sure to have a bar or restaurant reservation for your congratulatory hours after you tie the knot. Tightness on time is why most pop up wedding vendors do all the set-up for you — so you can focus the time you do have on soaking up every moment of love that surrounds you. Bonus tip: if you have a favorite local spot, ask if you can come in before they open or after they close to have your ceremony. Want to get married in the diner you had your first date? Or the bakery you always get Sunday brunch at? The first step to making it happen is to ask!

For the couple who doesn’t want the stress of wedding planning, or who wants to experience the whirlwind wedding of their dreams, definitely look up, “pop up weddings near you.” Don’t know where to get started? Contact our team about our elopement packages and begin booking your special day.

Written by Tori Ward

Victoria Ward is a writer at Simply Eloped as well as a Keats Marginalia scholar and Storyfort finalist for her fiction and creative nonfiction. When she is not writing about elopements, she writes grants for her research and non-profit work.