Micro Weddings vs. Elopements: Which is Right for You?

Micro weddings have become a popular choice for couples looking to keep their wedding day intimate, personal, and—let’s be honest—way less stressful. But what’s the real difference between a micro wedding and an elopement?

Let’s break down the difference between micro weddings and elopements so you can decide which one feels most you.

What’s a Micro Wedding?

Picture this: A smaller, intimate wedding that still has all the classic elements you love, but without the overwhelming guest list or extra stress. A micro wedding typically includes up to 50 guests—close family and friends who mean the most to you. You know, the people who are actively involved in your life, not your second cousin’s partner of the week. 😉

Micro weddings are the perfect blend of tradition and personality. You get to enjoy the feel of a traditional celebration, but in a much more relaxed and intentional atmosphere.

A Micro Wedding is Right For You If:

• You still want to celebrate with loved ones, but with a more intimate, smaller guest list.
• You love the idea of saying “I do” at a cozy venue or under the open sky in a beautiful outdoor setting, like an amphitheater or garden.
• You’re after a balance between a laid-back vibe and a traditional celebration.
• A destination wedding sounds amazing, but you’re all about keeping it personal and meaningful without a massive guest list.

What’s an Elopement?

Now, imagine this: A day that feels straight out of your honeymoon, with just the two of you (and possibly a few close friends or family), saying your vows in a natural or unique locations. Elopements can have more of a spontaneous feel. They’re all about celebrating your love in a way that’s unique to you, and maybe even a little off-beat. It’s about sharing in an experience together without the traditional trappings of a large wedding day.

An Elopement is Right For You If:

• You’re drawn to the idea of saying ‘I do’ in an intimate, scenic, and secluded location.
• You want to prioritize you and your partner over the details of a big event.
• You’re after an adventure and want to do something completely unique and personal to you as a couple.
• You want to travel to a more remote destination.
• You want to say your vows without feeling self-conscious or pressured by others’ expectations.

The Key Differences Between Micro Weddings and Elopements

It really comes down to your vision for the day. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Feature	Elopement	Micro Wedding	Traditional Wedding
Guest List	Typically just the couple (optional close friends/family)	Up to 50 guests, often close family and friends	Typically 50+ guests, often over 100 people, including extended family and friends
Location	Fewest limitations on locations, often outdoors in nature	Venue or private space (could be outdoors, but typically at a designated wedding location)	Large venues, churches, or banquet halls
Planning	Requires light to medium planning, mostly focused on locations, permits, and personal touches	Requires a medium amount of planning and logistics, but still less than a traditional wedding	Requires extensive planning, and a full-day itinerary
Budget	Often more affordable due to fewer guests	Varies, but often less than traditional weddings	Typically the most expensive, due to large guest list, venue, and additional vendors

How to Decide: Micro Wedding or Elopement

The big question is… What’s most important to you? Think about the experience you want to have. Both options allow you to fully embrace each moment, but in different ways.

Choosing between a micro wedding and an elopement is ultimately about your priorities. Do you dream of an intimate gathering with your closest family and friends, or is the idea of dedicating a full day to you and your partner more important?

Here are a few questions to ask yourselves as you weigh your options:

• Do we want our family and friends to be a part of the day, or do we prefer to keep things just between us?
• Will anyone try to alter our plans to meet their own desires, or will they fully support our vision?
• Do we want downtime during the day to enjoy our time together, or will we need to plan activities to keep everyone entertained?
• Are we comfortable with our family and friends having space to relax, or do we want to keep them busy?
• Do we want to exchange handwritten vows in front of family and friends, or would we rather keep that moment private?
• How much time do we want to spend focusing on ourselves versus sharing time with our loved ones?
• Are we compromising what we truly want just to keep others happy? Is that something we will regret, or are we ok with that?

Multi-Day Weddings: The Best of Both Worlds

Still torn between a micro wedding and an elopement? Why not enjoy the best of both worlds!

For many couples, the perfect option is to split the celebration over a couple of days. One day is for sharing meaningful moments with your closest loved ones, while the other is reserved for an intimate, two-person elopement-style experience. This way, you get the best of both—a celebration with your people and a private, unforgettable moment just for you and your partner.

Micro Wedding & Elopement FAQ

Can my elopement have a few guests?
Yes, 100x yes! This is your experience after all. And while there is no true definition of how many guests can be at an elopement, it’s usually 10 or less for location purposes.

Do I need a wedding planner for a micro wedding or elopement?
While both elopements and micro weddings require less planning than traditional weddings, a wedding planner or coordinator can still be helpful—especially if you want help finding the perfect location, organizing logistics, or ensuring everything runs smoothly. Many couples opt to DIY the planning, but hiring a planner is the ultimate way to enjoy the luxury of laid-back, done-for-you wedding experience. More on this here: Hiring a Micro Wedding or Elopement Planner

Do I need an officiant for my elopement?
It all depends! In some states, like Colorado, you can actually self-solemnize, which means you’re not required to have a witness or officiant for your marriage to be legal. If you’d prefer a more traditional approach, you can hire an officiant, or even have a family member or friend become ordained. And here’s something cool: if you’re into the idea of “marrying yourselves,” I’m not just a photographer—I’m also an ordained officiant and can legally sign your marriage license for you. So, if you’d like to skip the formalities of a traditional ceremony and focus on what matters most, I’ve got you covered!

Do I need to apply for a marriage license for an elopement or micro wedding?
Yes, to legally be married you will still need to apply for a marriage license, regardless of the size of your wedding. Requirements vary by state, so make sure to check the specific rules where you plan to marry.

Can I still have wedding traditions at a micro wedding or elopement?
Heck yes. You can do (almost) whatever you want!

Meet Your Elopement or Micro Wedding Photographer