Marriage celebrant Vic Thomas will officiate the first of a series of budget-friendly pop-up weddings at The Village Green in Brighton Mall later this month. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Big weddings, tiny price tag.

For less than the cost of a weekend away, couples can say “I do” thanks to a new series of pop-up ‘Pash ‘N’ Dash’ weddings launched by celebrant Victoria ‘Vic’ Thomas.

The 33-year-old New Brighton resident is offering stripped-back ceremonies from $175, giving couples a low-cost alternative to traditional weddings that can run into thousands of dollars.

“It’s such a special day, and I don’t want there to be barriers in place,” said Thomas.

One of the upcoming ‘Pash ‘N’ Dash’ weddings is expected to be Thomas’s 200th as a celebrant – a milestone she describes as both exciting and humbling.

“I feel privileged to be able to hold space with so many different people,” she said.

Thomas offers a choice between a simple registry ceremony or a $275 ‘Pash ‘n’ Dash’ option, which includes a short ceremony and the opportunity to add personal vows.

“I’ve found many couples simply don’t want a big wedding anymore,” she said.

“They want something intimate, meaningful and low-stress, without sacrificing the significance of the occasion.”

Couples must also pay $158 in advance for a government-issued marriage licence before the big day.

The first pop-up event is tomorrow at The Village Green in Brighton Mall, with 14 half-hour ceremony slots.

Bookings already secured include a young couple saving for other goals, a couple with young children and an older couple.

“It’s honestly such a mixture of people, and that’s why I love it so much,” Thomas said.

After the ceremony, newlyweds can celebrate with a walk along New Brighton Beach, a visit to He Puna Taimoana hot pools or a drink at a local brewery.

Further dates are scheduled for July 31 and August 28.

Thomas, a former primary school teacher, became a marriage celebrant in 2019.

She believes the rising popularity of smaller weddings reflects both financial realities and changing attitudes.

“I think there’s probably a few things going on.

“There’s the cost of living. Some people would rather put that money towards a house deposit or a holiday.

“Some people actually just don’t want the stress of planning a big wedding.

“And the other side of it is that life is so busy.

“I think the key takeaway is that you can get married however the heck you want, right?”