a wedding planning guide
micro wedding vs elopement: how to choose what is right for you
by sophia + colby, chasing robins media · provo, utah
- elopement: usually just the two of you, sometimes with a few people.
- micro wedding: a small celebration, often 50 guests or fewer.
- choose elopement if: you want private, adventurous, and low-stress.
- choose micro wedding if: you want your people there to celebrate.
“micro wedding vs elopement” is one of the questions we hear most from couples who want something smaller than a big wedding. the two get mixed up all the time, but they feel very different on the day. here is what each one is, how to tell which fits you, and a free worksheet to decide together.
what is an elopement?
an elopement is a wedding that is just the two of you, sometimes with an officiant, a photographer, and a few close people. it is usually quiet, private, and focused on the ceremony and the place. many couples pick a location they love, like a mountain, a canyon, or a temple lawn, and make a day of it.
what is a micro wedding?
a micro wedding is a small wedding with a guest list that is usually 50 or fewer. it still has a ceremony and often a meal, toasts, and dancing, but with fewer people and fewer moving parts than a traditional wedding.
how they are different
- guests: an elopement has few or none. a micro wedding has your closest people.
- feel: an elopement is private and adventurous. a micro wedding is a small party.
- planning: an elopement is usually simpler. a micro wedding has more pieces, like food, music, and seating.
- photos: an elopement leans into portraits and scenery. a micro wedding adds family, guests, and reception moments.
how to decide between them
ask yourselves who you could not imagine getting married without, what you want to spend your budget on, and whether you want a private moment or a celebration. if you cannot decide, a lot of couples do both: a private ceremony, then a small party later. our free worksheet walks you through it.
how photos and video work for each
for an elopement, we spend more time on portraits and on the place itself, and we can take our time. for a micro wedding, we cover the ceremony, family photos, and the reception moments. either way, we help you plan a timeline that feels easy. our coverage guide helps you choose your hours, and our booking timeline shows when to book.
free printable
the elopement vs micro wedding worksheet
tick what sounds like you, talk it through together, and see which way you lean.
download the worksheet (pdf)questions we get a lot
what is the difference between a micro wedding and an elopement?
an elopement is usually just the couple, sometimes with a few people. a micro wedding is a small celebration with your closest guests, often 50 or fewer.
how many guests is a micro wedding?
a micro wedding is usually 50 guests or fewer, though the exact number varies.
is an elopement cheaper than a micro wedding?
often it costs less because there are fewer moving parts, but it depends on your location, travel, and what you want included.
can we elope and have a party later?
yes. many couples have a private ceremony and then celebrate with family and friends afterward.
if this sounds like the kind of wedding photos you have been looking for…
hi, we think we would get along. we do photo + video together, and we would love to hear about your day.
tell us about your day