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For Wedding Pros
There’s a lot of debate over what is a micro wedding versus an elopement. Throw in terms like minimony, intimate wedding, and small wedding and it leaves you with a big ol’ question mark hanging above your head! I know when I was planning my wedding I didn’t have a lot of awareness of all the different types of weddings. Adventure elopements had just started cropping up but I really didn’t know of anything other than a traditional wedding. So, I wanted to provide a little more insight into the key differences so you are fully in the know as you get into planning your wedding.
Spoiler alert: I don’t know if there’s really a right answer for what is a micro wedding vs an elopement…I mean, who has the right to call it anyway. But, I can help provide some insight into the history of these different styles, commonly held definitions, and how to use the terms to search for the things you need as you plan your wedding so you don’t miss out on something that could be a great fit just because someone is labeling something ‘elopement package’ when really it’s fit for a micro wedding.
We’re going to start with two of the most common small wedding styles that come up these days — micro weddings and elopements. These two types of weddings are used interchangeably, especially when you’re in the 10-30 guest range. Let’s explore the origin of micro weddings and elopements and clear up some of the questions you might have.
A micro wedding is nothing more than a smaller version of a traditional sized wedding. Micro weddings can include all of the same elements you’d normally see. The only thing that makes a micro wedding micro is the number of guests — I say between 1 and 50 and there are a lot of other wedding pros that would agree.
Micro weddings have been around forever, but they really started gaining popularity when the pandemic hit and couples were forced to reduce their guest count if they wanted to have their wedding on the date they planned.
As far as how long the ceremony or reception is, what vendors you hire, where you host it, what attire you wear, and what traditions you follow, that’s all up to you and has no bearing on whether or not your wedding is considered a micro wedding!
If you decide to have a micro wedding, you will notice different definitions so you’ll have to pay attention, especially when shopping for vendors and wedding packages. Some people say it's up to 10 guests, others 30 and still others 50. Just be aware the different definitions exist as you’re planning your wedding.
Elopements have previously been associated with running away for a quick, last-minute, and possibly even secretive union. Elopements were always described as a wedding that included just the couple and that is still how it’s understood in the wedding community most of the time.
Over the years elopements have become more and more popular as families have become more dispersed across the country and as the cost to have a wedding has risen. Here are a few of the most common types of elopements.
This is my personal favorite! Adventure elopements are exactly what they sound like — making a big adventure out of your wedding day. The word adventure can be a little subjective so don’t think that just because you’re not big hikers you can’t enjoy this format of elopement. Having an Airbnb elopement fits in well with this style of day since Airbnbs and VRBOs are available all around the world.
Courthouse weddings have been gaining popularity in recent years and for good reason. They’re inexpensive, simple, and just as meaningful as a traditional wedding. Plus, so many courthouses and city halls are absolutely stunning so you can exchange vows in a beautiful location without the stress of a full-blown wedding ceremony.
A lot of venues offer elopement packages for just the couple which include some of the amenities you would enjoy if you were having a more traditional size wedding, but the package is curated to include just enough for two people, occasionally even including accommodations at their location or somewhere nearby. This style of elopement is a really nice compromise if you’ve been feeling a little torn between the two.
Minimonies are another format of wedding that’s cropped up over the years. These are usually more of a pop up style wedding, all-inclusive and shorter in length. Their max guest count will vary depending on the vendor you’re partnering with but they’re meant to provide all the traditional elements of a wedding at a more affordable price and with a lot less stress.
You’re likely to come across the terms ‘small wedding’ and ‘intimate wedding’ as you plan. Both of these are just different ways of saying micro wedding. If you’re looking for vendors or venues on Google you should consider also using these terms to uncover great options!
Hybrid weddings are choosing two wedding formats and doing both! You might choose to elope and then have a small (micro) celebration later or you may choose a destination micro wedding and have a full-blown reception later or some other combo of wedding types.
The number one difference between a micro wedding and an elopement is guest count. As we’ve covered, micro weddings have between 1-50 guests and elopements don’t have any.
It’s possible that choosing to elope over having a micro wedding could cost less. Simple math suggests the the cost of a micro wedding will be less than the cost of an elopement, but I want to be careful not to suggest that it has to or that it definitely will. How much you spend will be up to you, but usually when you don’t have to feed and entertain guests, you can get married for a lot less.
Elopements can be planned really fast so if getting married quickly is a priority (see below), this could be the ideal style for you. Generally speaking, the simpler the wedding, the less time you need to plan it.
Choosing between a micro wedding and an elopement can be a tricky decision. Many couples wrestle with the idea that they may regret eloping or vice versa but by taking the steps outlined below you can better set yourself up to feel like you’ve made the right decision.
When choosing between a micro wedding and an elopement, my best advice is to start by outlining your priorities with your partner. Consider what the most important things are for you when it comes to your day. This can be anything from staying within a certain budget, ensuring certain people are a part of it, or getting married in a certain location. Aligning on priorities early will help as you make decisions down the road.
In general, the less people you have, the less your wedding day is going to cost and the less people you have, the more flexibility you will have with the budget you do have. For example, if you have $15,000 and you decide to elope you can spend your entire budget treating yourselves — dream location, food, experience, vendors, etc.
Knowing your budget and your priorities can help guide your decision on guest count.
I hope this guide helped shed some light on micro weddings vs elopements and how to choose which one is right for you. At the end of the day, remember that this is your day and it’s important to make all decisions with that in mind. Start with your priorities, know your budget, then the rest of the decisions will come a little easier.
