We scrapped our $10,000 wedding — and did it for $500 instead
Share and Follow

Join us as we celebrate our Lovin’.

A pair of cost-conscious lovebirds ditched plans for a pricey wedding — proudly partying at McDonald’s instead.

Ellie, who is 26, and Alex, who is 27, had plans to celebrate their wedding day with a large party, inviting many guests. However, upon calculating the expenses, they discovered that it would exceed ,000.


Bride and groom, Ellie and Alex, posing on their wedding day after choosing an affordable celebration and dining at McDonald's drive-thru
The couple were all for the dream wedding idea — until they gave some thought to the other things they could accomplish with the money. Jam Press

So the U.K. couple alerted their family, found two witnesses and headed down to the marriage bureau near their home, getting the job done for about $70 — chowing down on cheeseburgers at the Golden Arches afterwards.

Already a mother of two, Ellie told What’s The Jam that ultimately, she just wanted to tie the knot — without pressuring herself into impressing her guests.

“We couldn’t justify spending $25,000 to $25,000 on one day,” Ellie said. “It’s ridiculous. I just wanted to get married.”

For their trip to the registrar’s, Ellie wore a long, white gown that cost about $300. Alex, a soccer player, bought a suit for about $200. All in, the couple spent just $500 on their nuptials — fast food included.

The money saved will go toward two honeymoons — a “mini-moon” to Paris and a week in Dubai later this spring, Ellie said.


Tray filled with McDonald's Big Mac, cheeseburger, French fries, and cola at a restaurant in Kemer, Turkey
Their wedding consisted of a trip to the registrar’s office and lunch at McDonald’s. FOTO_STOCKER – stock.adobe.com

The couple are also keen to put the saved money toward a home purchase as well — with no regrets regarding their less-than-lavish nuptials.

“We looked at venues and we were being quoted thousands and then our guests would have had to book rooms on top of that. There were other things we needed,” Ellie said.

“We thought if we didn’t just do it then we never would so we got married in a registry office with my [mother] and Alex’s brother. Afterwards, I was starving so we went to McDonald’s,” she laughed.

“It was an amazing day. It completely took the pressure off. We didn’t feel like we had to impress people, Ellie recounted — expressing her thanks to her family and friends who helped her pull off the “perfect” non-event.

Somebody splashed out for $100 worth of flowers, a friend did Ellie’s hair, while the parents of the bride and groom chipped in roughly $700 for a modest party that included a casual buffet and a DJ — to which 20 of the couple’s closest friends and family were invited.

The groom’s brother took photos — and someone brought disposable cameras and handed them out to guests.

A wedding is “an amazing thing to celebrate,” Ellie said.

“But people should just do it how they want it.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
North Korea releases images of development of nuclear-powered submarine

North Korea Unveils First Glimpse of Nuclear-Powered Submarine Development: Global Tensions Rise

North Korea has unveiled what seems to be significant advancements in its…
New charges against DC National Guard shooting suspect open death penalty door

New Charges Against DC National Guard Shooting Suspect Pave Way for Potential Death Penalty

An Afghan national, accused of the fatal shooting of two National Guard…
Hooters pinpoints what went wrong as post-bankruptcy revival ramps up

Hooters Analyzes Challenges and Maps Out Path to Post-Bankruptcy Success

Hooters is gearing up for a significant resurgence, and according to the…
Kerri Ann Abatti killed: California farmer Michael Abatti arrested on suspicion of murder in wife's death in Arizona

California Farmer Michael Abatti Arrested on Murder Charges in Wife Kerri Ann Abatti’s Death in Arizona

A well-known farmer from California was apprehended on Tuesday, suspected of murdering…
JSO: Man dies after being found shot on Brentwood Avenue

Breaking: JSO Launches Probe into Tragic Southside Shooting Incident

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that a recent incident…
Poland scrambles jets on Christmas after detecting Russian reconnaissance aircraft near its airspace

Poland Mobilizes Fighter Jets on Christmas Day in Response to Russian Aircraft Near Airspace

On Thursday, Poland launched fighter jets in response to the detection of…
FILE - A memorial wreath stands next to the bronze memorial bust by Robert Berks of President John F. Kennedy in the grand foyer at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Nov. 22, 2013, on the 50th anniversary of Kennedy

Kennedy Center’s Christmas Jazz Canceled Amid Controversy Over Trump Naming

NEW YORK (AP) — A longstanding Christmas Eve jazz concert at the…
FILE - President Donald Trump listens as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Oct. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Pediatricians Take Legal Action Against HHS Over Cuts to Children’s Health Funding

In a significant legal move, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has…