What Is a Micro Wedding?

If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed at the thought of planning a large wedding—or simply crave something more personal and intentional—you may be wondering, What exactly is a micro wedding? You’re not alone. More couples are stepping away from big guest lists and all-day events. Micro weddings offer a meaningful and stylish alternative that still captures the magic—just on a smaller scale.

What Is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is a small-scale celebration, typically with fewer than 50 guests, that includes all the core elements of a traditional wedding: a ceremony, reception, cake cutting, toasts, and sometimes even dancing. The difference lies in the intimacy and scale. Instead of a sprawling venue packed with acquaintances, micro weddings are about quality time with your closest circle—often held at unique venues like private estates, boutique inns, vineyards, or scenic outdoor locations across Oregon.

How It Differs from Elopements

Couples often ask: Is a micro wedding just a fancy elopement?

Not quite. While both favor a smaller guest list and more meaningful experiences, an elopement typically involves just the couple (and maybe a few witnesses), often in a secluded location with a private ceremony. A micro wedding still includes guests—your closest family and friends. It often follows a more traditional timeline, just without the excess.

In short:
An elopement offers privacy and focus on your partnership, while a micro wedding offers togetherness with your inner circle. Neither approach is better – it just depends on whether you picture saying “I do” with just you two in a bubble, or with a small cheering section of loved ones in the room.

Want a broader comparison of elopements and small weddings? Here’s a helpful breakdown from Brides.com that outlines the distinctions.

Big Impact, Small Guest List

Planning a micro wedding gives you the freedom to focus on what truly matters: your relationship, your people, and the moments you’ll remember forever. Here are a few reasons couples are embracing this approach:

• Less stress, more meaning – With fewer logistics and opinions to manage, your day becomes more intentional and personal.
• Creative freedom – A smaller guest list often means more room in your budget for custom details, meaningful experiences, or elevated design.
• Deeper connections – You get to spend real time with each guest, instead of rushing from table to table.
• Flexible venues – Dream of saying your vows on the Oregon Coast, at a charming Salem bed and breakfast, or under the stars in a vineyard? Smaller weddings open the door to creative venue options.
• Photography that tells the full story – With more space to breathe and fewer formalities, you’ll get candid, emotional, and beautifully captured moments that feel like you.

Is a Micro Wedding Right for You?

Micro weddings are ideal for couples who:

• Want an intimate experience surrounded by their favorite people
• Value emotional connection and storytelling over spectacle
• Want to include some traditional wedding elements, but on their own terms
• Are navigating a second marriage, family dynamics, or non-traditional circumstances
• Prefer a more relaxed, curated experience that reflects their personal style

Sound like you? You’re not alone. As a photographer who specializes in small weddings and elopements in Oregon and beyond, I’ve seen firsthand how beautiful and fulfilling a micro wedding can be. Whether it’s a modern Portland celebration with 30 guests or a destination gathering in a European castle, these smaller weddings often have the biggest feelings.

Planning Support from Someone Who Gets It

My own wedding was small, emotional, and intentionally scaled back. We skipped the big production in favor of something that felt like us—and I’ve never looked back. Now, I help couples do the same, with thoughtful photography, timeline support, and vendor recommendations that take the pressure off and let you be present.

Planning a micro wedding in Oregon? A courthouse ceremony followed by dinner? Even a destination experience? I’m here to help bring it to life—calmly, beautifully, and with full attention to what matters most.

Thinking of planning your own micro wedding?
Let’s Talk About Your Vision →