Elopement vs. Micro Wedding: Which is right for You?
So, you know a big traditional wedding isn’t for you—but now you’re deciding between an elopement and a micro wedding. What’s the difference? Which one is right for your dream day? Let’s break it down in a way that makes it easy to choose the perfect experience for your wedding.
What is an Elopement?
Elopements are all about intimacy, adventure, and focusing on what truly matters—your love story. Forget the outdated idea of elopements being secret, last-minute affairs. Today, an elopement is an intentional and meaningful way to exchange vows without the stress or expectations of a traditional wedding.
What defines an elopement?
An elopement typically includes just the couple and closest family, usually fewer than twenty people. It can take place anywhere—from mountain peaks to secluded beaches, lush forests, or even a courthouse. The timeline is flexible, allowing couples to design a day that revolves around them. Many elopements involve adventure, whether it's hiking to a stunning overlook, exchanging vows at sunrise, or exploring breathtaking landscapes.
Simplicity is key—elopements require less planning, have lower costs, and eliminate much of the logistical stress of a big wedding. Most importantly, elopements focus on authenticity, allowing couples to celebrate in a way that feels genuine to them, without pressure from traditions they don’t connect with.
Why couples choose to elope:
They want an intentional, deeply personal wedding experience.
They love nature and adventure and want to incorporate that into their day.
They don’t want the stress, pressure, or cost of a big wedding.
They value experiences over material aspects like decorations or a large guest list.
Elopements are perfect for couples who want a wedding day that’s just about them, free from pressure and expectations.
What is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is the perfect balance between an elopement and a traditional wedding. It’s an intimate gathering with a small guest count but still includes many classic wedding elements.
What defines a micro wedding?
Micro weddings typically have between 20 and 50 guests, making them more intimate than a traditional wedding but still a shared celebration. They take place in smaller venues, private homes, backyards, or scenic outdoor locations. Unlike elopements, micro weddings include more structured elements such as a ceremony, reception, and sometimes a formal dinner.
They offer more flexibility than traditional weddings but still maintain some level of organization. While small weddings require more planning than elopements, they are far less complex than large weddings. They strike a balance between intimacy and tradition, allowing couples to celebrate with close friends and family without the overwhelming logistics of a big event.
Why couples choose a micro wedding:
They want an intimate experience but still want to celebrate with close friends and family.
They like the idea of some wedding traditions but want a relaxed atmosphere.
They want more control over their guest list and budget without the overwhelm of a big event.
A micro wedding is great for couples who want a meaningful, small-scale celebration while still including their closest friends and family.
Guest Experience: How the number of guests shapes your day
The number of guests you invite will greatly influence the atmosphere, logistics, and overall experience of your wedding day.
With an elopement, the focus is entirely on the couple. Without guests to host, you have complete freedom to craft a day centered around your relationship. You can explore breathtaking landscapes, take your time with each moment, and immerse yourselves in the experience without external distractions. Since elopements are often just the couple (or with only a few loved ones present), there’s a deep sense of privacy and connection.
With a micro wedding, guests become a key part of the experience. While it’s still intimate compared to a traditional wedding, having 20 to 50 people means considering their comfort, travel, and involvement in your day. You’ll likely have a structured timeline, a designated ceremony and reception space, and a little more planning to ensure guests are accommodated. That said, a micro wedding still allows for personal interactions with everyone present, making it a meaningful gathering where you can truly connect with each guest.
Your guest count also affects how much time you have to focus on just the two of you. With an elopement, you’ll have uninterrupted time to soak in the moment together. With a micro wedding, you may need to balance your personal experience with ensuring guests feel included and cared for.
Both options allow for special one-on-one moments, but the overall dynamic of your day will be shaped by how many people are present.
Elopement vs. Micro Wedding: What’s the Difference?
The key differences between elopements and micro weddings come down to guest count, structure, and experience. Elopements are incredibly personal, often just the couple and
closest friends and family, with a focus on adventure and intimacy. Micro weddings, while still small, have a more traditional structure, including a ceremony and a small reception with guests. Elopements allow for ultimate flexibility, whereas micro weddings require more planning and logistics.
Budget-wise, elopements tend to be more affordable, as they focus on experiences rather than large venues and catering costs. With both micro weddings and elopements, you can carve out time for just the two of you to connect and be present in the moment, ensuring your day truly reflects your love story.
Which one feels right for You?
Choose an elopement if you want a private, stress-free, and adventurous way to get married, with minimal logistics.
Choose a micro wedding if you want a small but structured celebration with loved ones while keeping things intimate and personal.
Consider these questions to decide:
Do you want a wedding focused solely on the two of you, or do you want to include guests?
Would you rather spend your day hiking to an epic viewpoint or celebrating with a dinner party?
Is avoiding wedding stress your biggest priority, or do you want some traditional elements?
Do you want a completely open-ended, spontaneous day or a lightly structured celebration?
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice—just what feels best for you and your partner.
Let’s Plan Your Dream DayNo matter which option you choose, your wedding day should feel like YOU. Whether it’s just the two of you on a mountaintop or a cozy gathering with your favorite people, we’re here to capture the moments that matter most.
Reach out today, and let’s start planning a micro wedding or elopement!