Should You Have a Micro Wedding?
What is a Micro Wedding?
If the idea of a smaller, more intimate wedding sounds appealing, you’re not alone. Many couples are rethinking the traditional 200+ guest wedding in favor of something more personal and stress-free. This is where the micro wedding comes in – an intentional shift toward quality over quantity, focusing on what truly matters: the experience, the people, and the moments.
A micro wedding typically includes 50 guests or fewer and keeps the meaningful aspects of a wedding while eliminating the logistical headaches of a large event. Some couples skip the reception altogether in favor of a private dinner, while others opt for a scaled-down version of a full wedding day.
If you’re considering a more personal, relaxed wedding experience, a micro wedding might be exactly what you need.
Micro Wedding vs. Elopement: What’s the Difference?
A micro wedding is not the same as an elopement, though they share some similarities.
A traditional elopement often involves just the couple, an officiant, and sometimes a witness or two. Some couples keep their elopement completely private, while others include a handful of close friends or family.
A micro wedding, on the other hand, keeps some structure of a traditional wedding—there’s usually a timeline, a small guest list, and planned details—but on a much smaller scale. Couples still have the option to include ceremonial traditions, speeches, or a formal dinner, but with far fewer people involved.
Why Some Couples Choose a Smaller Wedding
- More time with guests – Spend meaningful moments with the people who matter most instead of rushing through a packed reception.
- Greater location flexibility – Without needing a large venue, couples can choose unique settings, from scenic overlooks to cozy backyard celebrations.
- More budget control – Spend where it matters most, whether that’s on a luxury meal, dream photographer, or unique experience.
- Less stress, more meaning – No overwhelming guest lists, no massive logistics, just a beautiful and intentional day.
How We Photograph SMALL WEDDINGS
A micro wedding still needs a structure—it just doesn’t come with the pressure of an all-day event. We help couples create the perfect timeline that balances a relaxed feel with intentional storytelling. Most micro weddings we photograph last 2-4 hours, ensuring we capture the essential moments without unnecessary formalities.
Unlike large weddings, micro weddings allow for more creative and documentary-style photography, where we focus on storytelling, candid moments, and the details that make your day personal. Without the constraints of a rigid schedule, we can spend more time capturing natural, authentic images that truly reflect you as a couple.
Sample Timeline
Here’s what a typical micro wedding schedule might look like:
4:00 – 4:30 PM | Details & Getting Ready
4:30 – 5:00 PM | Ceremony
5:15 – 5:30 PM | Family Photos
5:30 – 6:00 PM | Couple’s Portraits
6:00 PM | Coverage Complete / Sunset
While every wedding is unique, this structure allows enough time for all the essential moments while keeping the day relaxed and stress-free.
Is a Micro Wedding Right for You?
If you’re looking for a wedding that prioritizes intimacy, connection, and meaning, a micro wedding might be the perfect fit.
At Twig & Olive, we love working with couples who want a wedding experience that feels right for them—whether that’s a mountaintop vow exchange, a candlelit backyard dinner, or an intimate gathering at a meaningful location.
If this sounds like your kind of celebration, let’s chat. We’d love to help you create and capture an experience that feels completely you.
