A lot of couples come to this decision feeling excited… and a bit overwhelmed. Smaller weddings sound perfect, but the terms get confusing fast. Elopement. Micro wedding. Intimate ceremony. Let’s slow it all down and talk it through properly, like we would over a coffee.
Elopement vs Micro Wedding at a Glance
Both options are about keeping things small, meaningful, and personal.
The difference comes down to who’s there, how it’s planned, and what kind of experience you want.
Here’s the simple version:
- Elopement = just the two of you (or very few guests)
- Micro wedding = a small guest list, but still a traditional wedding day feel
They can look similar in photos, but the experience is very different.
What Is an Elopement?
An elopement is about stripping everything back.
It’s usually:
- Just the couple, or up to 0–10 guests
- Often held somewhere meaningful or adventurous
- Focused on the ceremony, not the schedule
No seating plans.
No long timelines.
No pressure to perform.
Many couples choose elopements because they want:
- Privacy
- Freedom
- A wedding day that feels calm and personal
It might be on a cliff edge, in a forest, at city hall, or halfway up a mountain.
What matters is that it feels intentional, not rushed or secretive like elopements used to be.
From a photography point of view, elopements allow for:
- Slower moments
- Natural emotions
- More creative, documentary-style images
What Is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is still very much a wedding day.
Just smaller.
Typical features:
- 10–30 guests (sometimes up to 50)
- A planned ceremony and reception
- Traditional elements, just scaled down
You’ll still likely have:
- A venue
- A timeline
- A meal with guests
- Speeches, cake, and first dances (if you want them)
Micro weddings are perfect for couples who:
- Want their closest people there
- Like structure, but not chaos
- Still want the “wedding day” feeling
From a photography perspective, micro weddings offer:
- Real interactions with guests
- Emotional moments without a crowd
- A relaxed pace compared to large weddings
They sit beautifully between elopements and full-scale weddings.
Guest List Is the Biggest Difference
If you’re stuck deciding, start here.
Ask yourselves:
- Do we want anyone there?
- Or do we want everyone important there?
Elopements prioritise the couple.
Micro weddings prioritise connection with a small circle.
Neither is better.
They just serve different emotional needs.
Planning and Stress Levels
This is where many couples feel the biggest shift.
Elopements tend to involve:
- Fewer vendors
- Less scheduling
- More flexibility on the day
Micro weddings usually involve:
- Coordinating guests
- Booking a venue
- A clearer timeline
If planning feels draining already, an elopement can feel like a breath of fresh air.
If you enjoy planning but hate excess, a micro wedding often hits the sweet spot.
Cost Differences
Budgets vary wildly, but generally speaking:
- Elopements often cost less overall
- Micro weddings cost more, but far less than traditional weddings
With both options, couples often choose to:
- Invest more in photography
- Spend less on things they don’t care about
Which One Is Right for You?
This isn’t about rules.
It’s about personality.
Elopements suit couples who value:
- Experience over tradition
- Privacy over performance
- Flexibility over formality
Micro weddings suit couples who value:
- Intimacy with loved ones
- Structure without stress
- A shared celebration, just smaller
Both choices are valid.
Both create beautiful stories.
FAQ
Is an elopement the same as a courthouse wedding?
Not necessarily. A courthouse wedding is a location choice. An elopement is about intention. Many elopements happen outdoors or in meaningful places, not just legal offices.
How many guests make it a micro wedding?
Most micro weddings fall between 10 and 30 guests, though some couples stretch that slightly. Once guest management starts feeling complex, it’s usually no longer “micro.”
Can an elopement still feel special and planned?
Absolutely. Modern elopements are often carefully planned experiences, just without the pressure of entertaining guests. They’re simple, not rushed or accidental.
If you’d like, I can also help you turn this into a location-based post, a planning checklist, or a photography-focused guide that links into your other wedding content naturally.