What is a Micro Wedding? The Ultimate Guide Updated for 2024

You’re probably thinking, what is a micro wedding? What is an elopement? What is a minimony? How am I going to decide which one to have? With more couples learning what it means to elope, comes more couples looking to plan an intimate wedding day experience. We are here to tell you you’re not alone. Couples around the world are changing their wedding plans. From postponed wedding dates to couples who throw their hands up in the air and say, “let’s just do this damn thing!”.

Planning a micro wedding is the perfect way to include your closest friends and family AND still have an intimate experience together. Let’s dive into the main differences between a traditional wedding, micro wedding, minimonys, and elopement.

What is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is a small-scale wedding celebration that typically includes 20 to 50 guests. While it maintains the traditional elements of a larger wedding, such as the ceremony, reception, and key rituals, a micro wedding focuses on a more intimate and personalized experience. This smaller guest list allows for greater flexibility, creativity, and attention to detail, often resulting in a more meaningful and memorable event for the couple and their closest friends and family.

Should You Plan a Micro Wedding this Year?

If you want an intimate experience and if you’re looking to save money, then a micro wedding is definitely the way to go. A micro wedding allows you to have all the trimmings of a traditional wedding, without the big guest number attached to you. You can still do all the traditions you love, including having a loved one walk you down the aisle, a cake-cutting ceremony or even a garter toss if you’re into that type of thing!

Benefits of a Micro Wedding

1. Intimacy: With fewer guests, you can spend quality time with each attendee, creating a more personal and memorable experience.
2. Budget-Friendly: A smaller guest list can significantly reduce costs, allowing you to allocate your budget to the elements that matter most to you, such as the venue, food, or photography.
3. Flexibility: Micro weddings offer greater flexibility in terms of venues, dates, and planning. You can choose unique and unconventional locations that may not accommodate larger groups.
4. Less Stress: Fewer guests mean less coordination and logistics, resulting in a more relaxed planning process and wedding day.

Personalization: With a smaller group, you can focus on creating a highly personalized experience, from customized decor to personalized favors and activities.

How to Plan a Micro Wedding

Planning a micro wedding can be as simple or as complex as you would like it to be. The beauty of planning your wedding day one of these ways is you both prioritize your union over guest lists, decorations, and flowers.

Planning a micro wedding can be fun, and relaxing, and allow you to focus entirely on each other. So many couples don’t remember their wedding day. In many ways, this pandemic has taught couples the beauty of living in the moment together.

Here’s what you should consider when planning a micro wedding:

1. Define Your Vision

Start by discussing your vision and priorities with your partner. Consider the following questions:

• What kind of atmosphere do you want for your wedding?
• What elements are most important to you (e.g., venue, food, photography)?
• Do you have a specific theme or style in mind?

2. Set Your Budget

Determine your budget and allocate funds to the aspects that matter most to you. With a smaller guest list, you can splurge on certain elements without exceeding your budget.

3. Choose a Venue

The beauty of a micro wedding is the flexibility in venue choice. Consider unique and intimate locations such as:

• Private gardens or estates
• Boutique hotels or inns
• Restaurants or cafes
• Beaches or parks
• Your own home or a family member’s property

4. Create Your Guest List

Keep your guest list small, typically between 20 to 50 people. Focus on inviting your closest friends and family members. This allows for a more intimate and meaningful celebration.

5. Plan the Ceremony

Decide on the type of ceremony you want, whether it’s a traditional religious ceremony, a civil ceremony, or something more unconventional. With a smaller group, you can incorporate personalized vows, readings, and rituals that reflect your relationship.

6. Design the Reception

Plan a reception that suits your style and preferences. Consider the following elements:

• Food and Drink: With fewer guests, you can opt for a gourmet dining experience, personalized menus, or even a food truck.
• Entertainment: Choose entertainment that fits the intimate setting, such as a live acoustic musician, a DJ, or curated playlists.
• Decor: Focus on detailed and personalized decor that reflects your theme and personality. DIY projects can add a personal touch.

Couples who elope opt to have a post elopement party to celebrate their union with family and friends at a later date.

7. Hire Key Vendors

Select vendors who specialize in small weddings or have experience with intimate events. Key vendors may include:

• Photographer or videographer
• Florist
• Caterer or private chef
• Officiant
• Planner or coordinator (optional but helpful for stress-free planning)

Check out our wedding vendors! If you’re interested in micro wedding packages, our best advice is to search our directory.

8. Send Invitations

Create and send invitations that reflect the intimate nature of your wedding. Consider personalized and handmade invitations to add a special touch.

If you’re worried about what others will think, then check out these 5 tips for announcing your elopement. And don’t forget to include your cash registry!

Since micro weddings are so similar to elopements, check out our guide on how to elope, where we highlight the 7 steps you need to know when planning. 

How Much Does a Micro Wedding Cost?

Micro weddings vary greatly in price depending on what the couple wishes to do. On average, for example, we have seen micro weddings cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000. The biggest things you’ll want to factor in your budget are your vendors, venue (if any), and food.

We love micro weddings because a lot of them are also considered elopements. While couples who elope have less than 20 guests, or no guests at all, planning an elopement and a micro wedding are pretty similar! We suggest you visit our guide to plan your micro wedding budget.

Micro Wedding VS Elopement VS Minimony

When planning a small-scale wedding celebration, you may come across terms like “micro wedding,” “elopement,” and “minimony.” While these concepts share similarities, each has its own unique characteristics and appeal. Understanding the differences can help you decide which type of celebration best suits your vision and circumstances.

Micro Wedding

A micro wedding is a small-scale wedding with a guest list typically ranging from 20 to 50 people. Despite the smaller size, a micro wedding includes many of the traditional elements of a larger wedding, such as a ceremony, reception, and various wedding rituals.

Key Features:

• Guest Count: 20 to 50 guests.
• Traditional Elements: Includes a full ceremony, reception, and often other customary wedding activities (e.g., speeches, first dance).
• Personalization: Allows for a highly personalized and intimate experience, with more attention to detail and guest experience.
• Budget: Generally more budget-friendly than a large wedding, as fewer guests mean lower costs for food, venue, and other expenses.

Ideal For:

• Couples who want to celebrate with their closest friends and family while maintaining traditional wedding elements.
• Those looking for a more intimate and personalized wedding experience.

Elopement

An elopement typically involves the couple getting married with minimal to no guests present. Historically, elopements were spontaneous and secretive, but modern elopements are often planned and can include a small group of close loved ones, if desired.

Key Features:

• Guest Count: Usually just the couple, officiant, and a few witnesses (if any).
• Simplicity: Focuses on the couple’s commitment to each other, often with a simple and quick ceremony.
• Flexibility: Can take place in unique and remote locations without the logistical challenges of a larger wedding.
• Cost: Often the most budget-friendly option, as it eliminates many traditional wedding expenses.

Ideal For:

• Couples who prefer an intimate and private ceremony.
• Those looking to avoid the stress and expense of a larger wedding.
• Adventurous couples who want to get married in a unique location (e.g., mountaintop, beach, foreign country).

Minimony

A minimony is a term coined to describe a small, ceremonial event that includes the couple and a limited number of guests. It is often seen as a temporary solution, allowing couples to celebrate their original wedding date when circumstances (such as a pandemic) prevent a larger gathering. A larger celebration, called a “sequel wedding,” is typically planned for a later date.

Key Features:

• Guest Count: Typically fewer than 10 guests.
• Interim Celebration: Serves as a placeholder until a larger celebration can be safely held.
• Personal and Symbolic: Focuses on the symbolic aspects of the marriage, with a brief ceremony and minimal fuss.
• Adaptability: Can be held in various locations, from a backyard to a courthouse, with minimal planning.

Ideal For:

• Couples whose wedding plans were disrupted by unforeseen circumstances (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic).
• Those who want to honor their original wedding date with a small, intimate ceremony and plan a larger celebration later.

Choosing the Right Option For YOU

Choosing between a micro wedding, elopement, and minimony depends on your preferences, circumstances, and vision for your special day. Here are some questions to help guide your decision:

How many guests do you want to include?

• Micro Wedding: 20-50 guests.
• Elopement: Just the couple, or a very small group.
• Minimony: Fewer than 10 guests, often immediate family and closest friends.

Do you want to include traditional wedding elements?

• Micro Wedding: Yes, with a full ceremony and reception.
• Elopement: No, or minimal.
• Minimony: Yes, but on a much smaller scale.

Are you planning a larger celebration later?

• Micro Wedding: Typically no, the micro wedding is the main event.
• Elopement: No, the elopement is the primary celebration.
• Minimony: Yes, often followed by a sequel wedding.

What is your budget?

• Micro Wedding: Moderate, with savings from the smaller guest count.
• Elopement: Lower, focused on the couple.
• Minimony: Low, with minimal expenses.

Ultimately, whether you choose a micro wedding, elopement, or minimony, each option offers a unique and special way to celebrate your love. By understanding the differences and considering your own needs and desires, you can plan a wedding that perfectly reflects your relationship and commitment to each other.

Micro Wedding Inspiration

Idaho Wedding Ceremony and Sunrise Adventure

This bride and groom incorporated their religious background and love for nature during their wedding day. They woke up at 4 AM to hike near Payette Lake in Idaho for their first look. Then they met their family for a midmorning ceremony with elements from both their Catholic and Jewish backgrounds.

“An indoor venue was never really a consideration for either of us. Our vision of our perfect eternal moment would be one where we’re outside, under the sky, surrounded by plants. So when we had the opportunity to ‘be in charge for the day,’ we wanted to be in a place where we felt most relaxed and comfortable, which is in the mountains and woods with friends and family…

I am Jewish and Ben grew up Catholic. Judaism is an important part of my identity, but we prioritized making sure that both sides of our family felt included and equally a part of the celebration. Our approach was to weave Jewish traditions into a very relaxed, contemporary ceremony.” [Micah, the bride]

Vendors:

Photography: Autumn Lynne Photography | Planning/Styling: Dreamer Events  | Wedding Dress: BHLDN

Sedona, Arizona Micro Wedding Dream

When it comes to wedding planning frustration, Kamaile and Ash are familiar with it. These two replanned their wedding 3-4 times, first due to COVID, and then they postponed their wedding due to wildfires in Arizona.

They ended up eloping in Sedona! 

They were able to incorporate Hawaiian wedding traditions, their immediate family and friends, and an epic sunset!

“Our elopement day was perfect; our schedule was flexible, we were relaxed, and our handful of guests were mesmerized by the scenic backdrop.  While so many of my friends say their wedding day passed in a flash and express disappointment that they couldn’t spend more time with each guest or truly enjoy their festivities, we spent our entire day totally tuned in to each other. Holding hands, taking in breathtaking views, and laughing with our best friends.

It wasn’t the wedding I had dreamed of, but it became something I never even knew I so deeply wanted. 

You can tune out all the wedding stuff, and tune in to your love, ground in a special place, and connect deeply with whomever you choose to witness. Not to mention, you can start your marriage without crushing wedding costs/debt. Our day was truly connected, beautiful, and memorable. Having planned it 4 times, I can say with confidence that I wouldn’t have had it any other way!” – [Kamaile, bride]

Vendors: 

Photography: Adventure and Vow | Kamaile’s Jumpsuit and Ash’s Suit: ASOS |Flowers: Sedona Fine Art of Flowers |Videographer: Cam & Beck |Kamaile’s Ring: Mountain Momma Gems | Ash’s Ring: Etsy |Hair/MU: Seventh Ave Beauty 

Airbnb MicroWedding in Santa Rosa, California

 

Jenn and Michael decided to have an Airbnb wedding in Santa, Rosa California. This 1900s home was the perfect venue for their small wedding. These two even had a virtual wedding invite for the family who couldn’t be invited due to restrictions. 

After their ceremony, they ordered dinner from a local Italian restaurant and celebrated with sunset wedding portraits. The couple plans to hold a post elopement reception with their family and friends in the following year or so. 

Vendors:

Photography: Autumn Agrella

White Mountains of New Hampshire Elopement Adventure

If you’re frustrated with wedding planning, then a micro wedding adventure may be just for you! Why?

You’re able to truly enjoy your wedding day without any distractions, and you’re able to plan an epic adventure.

Lauren and Corey were frustrated after their larger wedding plans got canceled. Instead of postponing and planning another wedding day, these two decided to elope with their closest friends. They also planned a bigger celebration later on, but they couldn’t wait any longer! We wouldn’t either.

Vendors:

Photography: Kelsey Converse | Florists: DG Flower Studio | Officiant: Jean Lee

Joshua Tree National Park Elopement With Friends

Liz and Addison planned an intimate elopement at Joshua Tree National Park on their original day with their closest friends. 

“Our wedding day wasn’t what we had planned, but the desert elopement was better than anything we had imagined. Our beautiful friend and spiritual mentor officiated our civil union and personalized every aspect of it.

We were also able to recite vows we had written ourselves, whereas in a traditional Catholic church ceremony you must recite the church vows; so that was very special to us, and something we will remember forever.” [Liz, the bride]

Vendors

Photography: Jason Thomas Crocker Photography |Airbnb: High Desert Paradise | Flowers: Of The Flowers |Cake: Funfetti with cookie dough filling from Butter Cake Shoppe |Cake topper, Succulents, Gift Bags, Ring Box: Etsy Brides Frist Look – Wedding rings: Custom Lauren B Jewelry|Dress: For Love and Lemons| Shoes: Me too | Necklace: Dylanlex |Bracelets: Vita Fede  |Hat: Wyeth|Fringe Jacket: Desigual Groom’s First look –Wedding band: Custom Lash Brooke | Groom’s Attire: Express |Shoes – Ted Baker 

Small Wedding at Palo Duro Canyon

A great idea for your micro wedding is to combine concepts from both a wedding and elopement in one. Rebekah and David started their epic wedding day at 4 AM to hike to get some epic sunrise portraits.

Imagine having your first look next to an over 100-foot cliff with a bandana over your eyes! These two enjoyed exploring this epic canyon together and then had a romantic ceremony with their family.

“Our original large wedding was canceled/postponed due to COVID, and getting to spend an entire morning with just us and family in an intimate wedding was very fitting for our relationship. Family will always be a special part of our lives.

My favorite part has to be cold calm quiet morning in a Jeep ride down some sketchy paths just to hear what we swear was a mountain lion.

We stared at the stars, just waiting for the sunrise. The peace, the anticipation, the coolness, and the laughs. It’s got to be what the best parts of marriage will feel like.” [Rebekah, the bride]

Vendors:

Photography: Brit Nicole Photography, Arch provided by Brit Nicole Photography|Florist: Parie Designs | Wedding Dress: Blue Bridal in Austin Texas |Tie: DAZI | Rings- Adiamor Diamonds and Manly bands |Palo Duro Canyon Private Property + State Park

Micro Wedding in Canggu, Bali

Josefin and David traveled all the way from Sweden to Bali for their intimate wedding day. Despite their advanced plans, these two received news that Josefin’s father passed away just before their wedding day.

Despite having to cancel their trip after their actual ceremony, these two made the best of their day with a simple and romantic ceremony, where Josefin’s 3 best friends tagged along.

Vendors:

Photography by FIRE, WOOD & EARTH