How to plan the perfect small or micro wedding in Cornwall for 60 guests and under
Tucked away in undisturbed countryside, Boconnion is treated to amazing golden hours in the summer. Photo: Nick Walker Photography
Boconnion’s in-house wedding planner, Caroline Griffiths, talks us through the ins and outs of planning a small wedding in Cornwall. We look at the difference between an elopement, a micro wedding and an intimate celebration for a maximum of 60 day guests, and why Boconnion might be the perfect venue for your small and wonderful wedding.
Benefits of a small or micro wedding:
They require a smaller budget
They can feel close and special - less is more
You can choose an intimate setting - at Boconnion, we have the restored Boconnion Barn with underfloor heating, a meadow, private woodland and a Boconnion House to choose from
The whole wedding party can stay on site with you - at Boconnion, we have luxury accommodation for up to 45 people so your guests can indulge in a weekend stay
You can invite more guests to the evening party without increasing your planning or budget
Allows flexibility and creativity for different parts of the day like the speeches, first dance and cutting the cake
You don’t have the logistical challenges of a large group
What counts as a small wedding?
A small wedding caters for approximately 50 to 60 guests in the day. This usually covers the close family and friends of the wedding couple. It’s enough to feel like a proper celebration but small enough to reduce the overwhelm. You only have the faces there that truly matter and, of course, it keeps the budget in a more manageable range. And don’t forget the evening party - you can still go big there, if you choose.
What is a micro wedding?
Micro weddings are essentially tiny traditional weddings. Normally with no more than 20 guests, they are more relaxed, shorter in length, smaller in size and can be done on a smaller budget. In essence, the day is just like a traditional wedding day, just scaled down to your smaller desired size.
Whether small or micro, you’ll say ‘I do’ in front of your closest friends and family and have the option to dance the night away, sit down for a delicious wedding breakfast and have bridesmaids and groomsmen. You can incorporate any aspect of an ordinary wedding day into your micro wedding in Cornwall. You’ll hand-pick every little detail of your wedding, choosing only the things that resonate with you as a couple.
What is an elopement?
Elopements are normally done in secret, with only the couple and two witnesses present. There are less frills and fancies but they can be highly customised and take place anywhere in the world with a wedding license. Couples often choose this option if they would prefer not to organise a traditional wedding and instead focus solely on saying their vows. Often, they are part of a holiday or staycation and the couple can roll straight into their honeymoon.
Want a small or micro wedding in Cornwall? Here’s how we do them at Boconnion
If you’re looking for serenity, unrivalled beauty and total seclusion, Boconnion ticks all the boxes. The estate is your blank canvas for the weekend and is the perfect place to celebrate your elopement, intimate or micro wedding in Cornwall. I will be on hand to help you plan and you’ll be able to utilise my knowledge of wedding planning and the estate to create your dream day.
For the most intimate of celebrations, Boconnion can set the scene. We love the breaking of tradition. Don’t fancy cutting the cake? You don’t have to! Want to toss your bouquet before you’ve even left the aisle? Be my guest! When you choose a micro wedding, you’re choosing a day all about you as a couple, and you needn’t include any ‘traditional’ wedding day elements that don’t fit with your personal values, or purely to please others.
Many couples that choose micro weddings are looking for an intimate affair that is truly personal. I completely understand that just because your big day is smaller than the ‘traditional’ wedding day, you still want the same thought and planning going into it.
A micro wedding will always have a ceremony and a reception, but you can tailor this to suit your every desire.
At Boconnion, we have multiple locations to host a small wedding. They are:
Boconnion venue: Manor house micro weddings
For decadent yet understated luxury, choose Boconnion House for your micro wedding in Cornwall. Built in the 18th century, the grand Georgian country house is the perfect setting if you are looking for opulence. Sleeping 15 guests across 7 bedrooms, the living and dining room in Boconnion House can seat 15 of your nearest and dearest and will offer you a formal yet intimate celebrant wedding celebration. By choosing a micro wedding at Boconnion, you can often sleep all of your guests under one roof for the weekend, making the wedding exceptionally special, inclusive and fun. Boconnion House is split across 3 floors, many rooms have en-suites, the top floor has a pool table and there are plenty of hidden places to relax and have some space, whilst the comfy living area boasts an open fire, a piano and uninterrupted views over the countryside.
The happy couple will have the use of our luxurious Honeymoon Suite, which features an extravagant, giant bathtub. You and your guests will also have access to the tennis courts and heated swimming pool, plus use of the main kitchen for catering.
Photo by Verity Westcott - Suit by Little Anne-Maids - Coordination by Caroline Griffiths Planning and Art of Weddings - Dress by Bridal Gossip - Hair and Makeup by Kimberly Holland - Chairs by Trevarno - Models: Sarah and Tom
Boconnion venue: Cosy Boconnion Barton micro weddings
Separate from the Manor House, Boconnion Barton offers cosy and intimate accommodation and breathtaking views from the windows and terrace. Sleeping 12 guests across 6 bedrooms, Boconnion Barton epitomises home from home rustic intimacy, making it the perfect place for your elopement or micro wedding in Cornwall.
If you love an intimate atmosphere and you’ve invited 12 or less guests then Boconnion Barton is the perfect venue at Boconnion, as you can all stay in the same house. This will create a cosy vibe, meaning you won’t feel ‘lost’ in a big venue. You’ll also have plenty of space to walk around the grounds and explore the woodland, before relaxing in the warm living room, playing a game of pool or sinking into the Barton hot tub!
You can decorate Boconnion Barton and wedding areas however you like, from classic floral arrangements to boho styling, and we work with a number of talented local suppliers who will be able to make your wedding dreams a reality. Just because you’ve chosen a micro wedding doesn’t mean you’re opting for any less of a wedding day, it’s just on a smaller scale. Blooming, beautiful flower arches aren’t reserved for weddings of 100 people only!
I would be happy to introduce you to our recommended florists, cake designers, caterers and stylists (all of which are familiar with the estate), who’ll be able to make your micro-big day perfect and personal in every way.
Get married inside white washed walls, or outdoors under the ancient beech and oak trees. You’ll also have access to the Swedish wood-fired hot tub, the main kitchen for catering and the surrounding grounds, decking and fire-pit for relaxing outside on long summer nights.
It’s not all about summer and spring weddings either. Thinking of getting married at Christmas? We love a tiny winter wedding! Furs, sparkles, candles and maybe even a hint of romantic snow are dreamy notes that’ll add to your special day. If you’re planning a winter ceremony, Boconnion Barton is incredibly cosy, complete with an Aga and open fire places in most rooms.
Boconnion venue: Outdoor micro weddings
You’ll have the option to wed inside overlooking country views, or outdoors on one of the estates beautiful lawns. We will provide ceremony chairs for 15 guests plus a ceremony table which can be decorated with fresh florals.
I will be on hand to help you choose the perfect caterers for your mini-big day, and if you don’t fancy a sit down meal, why not take it alfresco with sharing platters, a BBQ and champagne at sunset? Micro weddings allow you to strip back anything unnecessary or unwanted, leaving you with only the brilliant basics.
Wedding breakfast on the meadow at Boconnion for an intimate group
Catering a small or micro wedding at Boconnion
No matter how many guests, the wedding breakfast and all foodie aspects of your day will be just as delectable. We work with a carefully selected array of local food and drink suppliers that we trust and admire. When it comes to the perfect spread, choose between delicious Dish Cornwall, trusted Jamie Beetham, quirky Beautiful and the Feast or the tasty Good Food Company. It would be my pleasure to help you decide on the perfect supplier for your preferred taste.
Does your micro wedding have a theme? Our recommended caterers have been hand-picked for their diverse styles. Boho, traditional, alternative, modern, classic or vintage, one of our suppliers is sure to fit your preference.
Sauce. Cornwall and The Copper Cat Bar are our go-to options for classic pints, local spirits, fancy cocktails and stellar staff. Each will work alongside your wants and needs to curate the perfect drinks menu for your big day. If you don’t want to work with an outside drinks service, the Barton Barn, our on-site reception venue, has it’s own bar. Simply stock it with your favourite beers, ales, wine, spirits, sparkles and soft drinks. Et viola!
Photo by Steven Prebble - Coordination by Caroline Griffiths Planning and Art of Weddings - Food by Beautiful and the Feast - Styling by Knots and Kisses and The Youngest Child
If you’d like to know more about elopements and micro weddings at Boconnion then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would love to show you around the estate and get your dream wedding day planning in motion! Enquiries for availability are always welcome.
All photography shot at Boconnion and featured in Wed Magazine.
