DistantNews
Support us
🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

More couples opt for micro-weddings and elopements amid cost-of-living crisis

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Couples are increasingly opting for smaller, more affordable weddings like micro-weddings and elopements due to the rising cost of living.
  • The average cost of a wedding in Australia is around $38,000, with significant state-by-state variations.
  • Micro-weddings, defined as celebrations with 20-50 guests, are gaining popularity, with a 12% increase in couples choosing this option since 2024.

The traditional, expensive wedding is falling out of favor for many Australian couples who are seeking more budget-friendly alternatives. Faced with soaring inflation and other financial pressures, individuals like Averill and Lloyd Johnson are opting for intimate ceremonies that reflect their personal style without breaking the bank.

Imagine a steampunk gothic vampire aesthetic. So black top hats, lots of fabric, buckled biker boots and play swords.

— Lloyd JohnsonDescribing the desired aesthetic for his wedding.

The Johnsons exchanged vows in a Melbourne park for a total cost of $3,000, inviting about 30 guests to a celebration with a unique gothic vampire theme. "We want everybody to feel comfortable and be happy. And it was so much fun," Mrs. Johnson said, highlighting the personal enjoyment derived from their scaled-down event.

Industry data supports this trend. While the average wedding cost hovers around $38,000, a significant jump from $36,000 in 2013, wedding planning website Easy Weddings reports a notable shift towards smaller celebrations. In 2025, 15% of couples surveyed chose micro-weddings (20-50 guests), a substantial increase from previous years. Conversely, only 5% opted for larger gatherings of over 150 guests.

We had about 30 people there. We said there is no dress code. Wear whatever you want. We want everybody to feel comfortable and be happy. And it was so much fun.

— Averill JohnsonRecounting the experience of her small wedding.

"A lot more people are trying to be more cost-conscious and look at something that feels special but still manageable from a budget perspective," explained Lauren Madex from Easy Weddings. This sentiment is echoed in the rise of destination weddings in locations like Bali, Fiji, Italy, Spain, and Vietnam, which can also help manage guest lists. Registry weddings are also seeing increased demand, with hundreds more marriages recorded in Victoria and New South Wales over the past three years.

A lot more people are trying to be more cost-conscious and look at something that feels special but still manageable from a budget perspective.

— Lauren MadexExplaining the trend towards smaller weddings.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog