wedding 2021 | INTIMATE CEREMONIES

date posted: March 28, 2021

This pandemic year, the idea of social gatherings has changed, and isolation has created a boom in couples deciding that their stress-tested, cozier-than-ever relationships deserve a wedding ceremony. The combination has led to a rise in safety-conscious ceremonies that often exceed all expectations.

Maybe you have always dreamed of a big, packed church and a country club reception, and if that’s your dream, you’ll need to pick a date that’s far enough in the future to avoid a potential postponement. If you just want to formalize your commitment, there are ways to get there in less time and with less fuss than ever, that will include your loved ones near and far in the proceedings.

elopements

Here are some emerging wedding styles that have gained prominence in our current reality:
Elopements can be as simple as the two of you and your officiant hiking to a waterfall or getting together in your backyard. The one other thing you really need is a photographer to capture your rapture for posterity. The Hudson Valley is jam-packed with mind-blowingly gorgeous spots; if you don’t have a favorite yet, ask your photographer or officiant for suggestions.

If you want to go just a little fancier, many venues now offer elopement packages—basically micro-mini weddings at which you’ll be happily spoiled. There’s even a company, Hudson Valley Elope, that specializes solely in this kind of wedding: two expert photographers, a videographer, and an officiant/ritualist who’ll listen to your love story and help you craft a ceremony that’s pure magic and pure you. Have some prints made of those keepsake photos to send out to distanced loved ones.

micro-weddings

Micro-weddings include up to 50 people (in places with pandemic restrictions, your count must include every person present and not just every guest) and are quickly emerging as a perfect idea for a great many couples. The small size allows for your pick of parks, galleries, restaurants, and historic sites that wouldn’t hold a large crowd.

Your budget will go farther in countless other areas that add wow, and so will your time and energy. How about a personalized note to each beloved guest? Your reception will feel more like an intimate dinner party, less like being presented to court. A micro-wedding has a way of centering the couple, their love, and their relationships with friends and family that a massive wedding just doesn’t allow. We think the small-is-beautiful trend may be here to stay.

Your ceremony should be spiritual and emotional soul food that will nourish you both all over again.

virtual/hybrid

Virtual/hybrid weddings mean that your oldest, frailest family elder and your old college pal living in Greece can share your joy without the fuss of plane tickets and accommodations. You’ll want to hire pros (or recruit a tech-minded friend) who can help you get the most out of a streaming or video conferencing platform, with options like a virtual lounge where guests can gather and mingle or special background effects

Virtual weddings make it easy to do things you might not otherwise do: One couple signed up every child on the guest list as virtual attendants who walked down an “aisle” in their own homes to bless the union, others have provided time for each guest to say a few words. Send guests a tip sheet in advance so they’ll know what to expect and how to easily join; consider arranging for deliveries of edibles, drinks, and a fun package of favors to open as they log on.

Timing of a virtual wedding requires a little thought; you don’t want to choose a time that means your friend in Hawaii will be rising at 5am if you can help it. Virtual weddings are typically shorter events—nobody should have to spend four hours at an online event. Pack that 90 minutes or so full of great memories together, and have dinner after with your close friends and family that are there in person.

hudson valley ceremonies

Rhinebeck, 845-244-1482, hudsonvalleyceremonies.com

Preparing for your wedding needs to be an enjoyable time. Hudson Valley Ceremonies works with you to design your ceremony with minimal stress, guaranteed laughs, and tears of joy. Our officiants personalize each ceremony to make it “you.” We have male and female officiants, some of whom speak Spanish and Hebrew, and we include special ceremonies such as unity candle, wine ceremony, and breaking the glass.

hudson valley officiants

Kingston, 845-248-2903, hudsonvalleyofficiants.com

If you are ready for a wedding, elopement, or marriage ceremony that is not boring, written for and about you, lighthearted yet serious, and filled with tears, smiles, and happiness, then look no further. We specialize in all types of ceremonies such as civil, religious, interfaith, LGBTQ, Catholic, non-denominational, Christian, Jewish, Filipino, and many more. So, start your wedding the right way, with a ceremony created by Hudson Valley Officiants.

michele zipp, custom ceremonies & rituals

Hudson Valley, NYC, 646-509-6600, michelezipp.com

Michele is a non-denominational wedding officiant who has been crafting customized ceremonies filled with love and laughter since 2011. She’s a writer and Reiki Master, so telling your love story and including spirituality is part of her life’s work. Her unique ceremonies include meaningful rituals like handfasting, blessing circles, crystal grids, Tibetan singing bowls, magical botanicals and herbs, and reiki healing, with everything personalized for each couple.