When it comes to weddings, *bigger isn’t always better*. With traditional UK weddings now averaging over **£20,000**, many couples are choosing to scale back—and scale up the meaning. Enter the **micro wedding**: an intimate, meaningful, and budget-smart celebration that leaves you with more time, more freedom, and more money to spend where it really counts.

Add in a mini-moon with your closest friends in the heart of Exmoor, and you have a recipe for unforgettable memories—without the financial hangover. Here’s why a micro wedding with a mini-moon in Exmoor could be the most joyful (and cost-effective) way to say "I do."

1. Spend less, celebrate more

Our micro weddings typically include six to 20 guests, which means:

Fewer mouths to feed
Lower venue and décor costs
Smaller bar tab
No need for over-the-top extras

But what you lose in numbers, you gain in experience. You can still enjoy stunning flowers, a professional photographer, and a beautiful setting—but on your terms, and often for at least half the price of a traditional event.

You can still enjoy stunning flowers, a professional photographer, and a beautiful setting—but on your terms, and often for at least **half the price**

2. Venue + accommodation = two-in-one

At Exmoor Character Cottages, our luxury period homes offer the perfect setting for a small wedding. Picture an intimate celebration in the elegant surroundings of Pilgrim Corner, or a charming thatched cottage garden ceremony.

The best part? Your wedding venue doubles as your accommodation, meaning no extra venue hire, no travel logistics, and a seamless transition into your mini-moon stay.

Think about:

A garden ceremony followed by a candlelit dinner
DIY picnics with local produce and fizz
Intimate brunches the next morning with friends and family in their PJs

All without ever leaving the property.

3. A mini-moon that feels like a holiday

Why jet off for a stressful (and expensive) honeymoon straight away? With Exmoor on your doorstep, you can enjoy a mini-moon with your closest friends for a few days—walking through the moors, soaking in your private hot tub, and watching the stars in Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve. Think:

Coastal walks at Porlock or Bossington
Starry nights seen from a bubbling hot tub
Local feasts with Somerset cider and fresh seafood
Board games, laughter, and late-night chats by the fire

It’s romantic, personal, and oh-so-affordable.

Vintage Triumph Herald arrival sets the tone for a stylish, intimate celebration.

4. More money for what matters

By saving on venue hire, food, and travel, many couples find they can:

Splurge on a top-tier photographer to capture the day
Invest in bespoke rings or a honeymoon later in the year
Put money towards a future home or shared adventure
Or simply enjoy the financial freedom of starting married life without wedding debt

A micro wedding gives you flexibility and control over what matters most to you.

Exmoor: A hidden gem for weddings and mini-moons

Tucked between dramatic moorland and a rugged coast, Exmoor is both romantic and refreshingly under-the-radar. It offers luxury without the price tag, and privacy without pretension.

At Exmoor Character Cottages, we can host everything from secret elopements to relaxed garden parties and post-wedding mini-breaks. With five-star gold-rated properties, hot tubs, character-filled interiors, and stunning gardens, your celebration will be as luxurious as it is laid-back.

Real love, real savings

So, if you're planning your wedding and wondering how to do it differently, this is your sign. A micro wedding and mini-moon in Exmoor offers:

✅ Luxury without the cost
✅ Memories without the stress
✅ Time with the people who matter most
✅ A stylish start to married life—without breaking the bank