Planning Your Small Wedding with a Fun-First Mindset

Blog submitted by Amber of Story Maker Photo, a micro wedding and elopement photograper based in Colorado, serving couples in Colorado and beyond. If you're looking for an incredible partner in documenting your multi-day micro wedding or elopement, get in touch here!

Over the past 7 years, I’ve had the honor of photographing over 350 weddings, but there’s a reason I’ve chosen to focus exclusively on elopements and micro weddings. Time and time again, I saw couples weighed down by stress on what should have been a joyful day. As someone who thrives on creating meaningful and fun experiences (Enneagram 7 here!), I couldn’t help but think—there has to be a better way.

Let’s face it—traditional weddings come with a lot of built-in expectations. Big guest lists, rigid timelines, and traditions that may not even resonate with you. It’s no wonder so many couples feel overwhelmed by the whole process. But here’s the thing: planning an elopement or micro wedding is your chance to toss out the rulebook and create a day that fits your vibe as a couple.

This isn’t about what your parents, friends, or Pinterest boards say a wedding should look like. It’s about you two. Your love. Your story. And most importantly? Your fun.

So, how do we not lose sight of what matters throughout the planning process? This is how.

How to Make Your Small Wedding Fun

What Is a Fun-First Wedding Mindset?

A fun-first mindset flips the wedding script on its head. Instead of asking, “What do we have to do?” ask, “What do we want to do?” Imagine planning your wedding more like planning your dream vacation—with your favorite people, your favorite activities, and your favorite moments baked right in.

Gone are the days of “obligations” and “keeping up appearances.” Your wedding day should be one of the best days of your life, not because you followed tradition, but because you followed your joy.

Here’s the deal:

• Love photography? Hell yes—book your photographer first. You’ll want those epic moments captured.
• Obsessed with flowers? Go all out! Create the dreamy, aesthetic masterpiece of your Pinterest dreams.
• Want to spend the morning kayaking, hiking, or just sipping coffee with your partner? Do it.

The goal is to say yes to the things that light you up and no to the things that don’t. And that includes the planning part! That is how you will guarantee that your small wedding or elopement will be fun!

If the thought of planning a day like this makes your skin crawl, that’s your cue to bring in a pro. You can (and absolutely should) hire a planner or coordinator—even for an elopement or micro wedding. A smaller guest list doesn’t necessarily mean fewer logistics, and having someone by your side to handle the details can make all the difference.

Remember. This is your day to fully enjoy. You don’t have to do it all on your own. There are so many incredible wedding pros out there who are ready to team up with you to make your dream day happen.

Permission to Break the Rules

Feel like skipping the first dance? Go for it. Don’t want to wear white? Wear whatever makes you feel amazing. Think a traditional cake cutting isn’t your thing? Smash some donuts instead.

The beauty of an elopement or micro wedding is that it gives you permission to ditch the traditions that don’t speak to you. This is your chance to design a day that feels like you—whatever that looks like.

Remember, your wedding day isn’t a performance for others; it’s a celebration of your love story. So yeah, have a little fun.

Plan Your Day Like a Honeymoon

So often, couples save all the fun and relaxation for the honeymoon. But what if your wedding day was just as relaxing, exciting, and you as your dream vacation?

Think about it: What would your perfect day look like if there were no expectations? What if you spent the day doing your favorite things, sharing new experiences together, and celebrating in a way that feels uniquely you? What if that’s how you commemorated your marriage?

And remember. Your wedding day doesn’t have to fit into one short day. If a laid-back experience loaded with plans that bring you joy feels more like you, consider a mult-day elopement or micro wedding.

The Best Days Start with Joy

At the heart of it all, your wedding is about celebrating the two of you. When you let joy take the lead, you create a day that’s unforgettable—not just for you but for everyone lucky enough to be part of it.

Your Fun-Test: 5 Questions to Keep Your Day True to You

When planning your elopement or micro wedding, check in with these five questions to make sure every decision feels right for you:

1. How do we want to feel while planning and on our wedding day? Let those feelings—whether it’s relaxed, adventurous, or joyful—guide your choices.
2. Are we making this choice for ourselves or to appease others? If it’s not for you, it’s okay to skip it.
3. Does this reflect our story and what we love? Your wedding should feel authentic to who you are as a couple.
4. Is this worth the effort it’ll take? For bigger decisions, ask if it’s adding excitement or just stress—and adjust accordingly.
5. Are we genuinely excited about this? If it doesn’t light you up, it’s probably not worth including.

This quick check helps you stay focused on what matters most and craft a day that’s wonderfully you.

Ready to Plan a Wedding That Feels Like You?

This is your permission to do just that. Toss out the rulebook, follow your joy, and create a day that feels exactly like you. And if you need a little inspiration along the way, we’ll be right here cheering you on!

If you're looking for an incredible partner in documenting your multi-day micro wedding or elopement, get in touch here!