If you’re dreaming up an intimate celebration, you’ve probably found yourself comparing an elopement vs micro wedding — and wondering which one will actually feel right.

As a team that photographs these kinds of days for a living, we’ve seen how deeply meaningful both options can be. We’ve hiked with couples at sunrise in the North Cascades, stood on rocky coastlines in Olympic, documented emotional dinners in tiny Airbnbs, and laughed through toasts shared under string lights with only 20 people present.

The truth? Both elopements and micro weddings are beautiful — just in very different ways.

This guide blends our experience with what couples ask us most, so you can confidently choose the celebration that matches your vision.

wildflower elopement in crested butte colorado

What Is an Elopement?

When we talk about elopements, we’re talking about days that feel intentional, adventurous, and deeply personal — days where couples choose to step away from pressure and step into an experience that feels like “just us.”

Some of our couples read vows in total privacy on a mountaintop, some bring a few family members, and others spend their elopement exploring multiple landscapes all in one day.

But the common thread we see across every elopement is this:

It’s a day built around connection rather than performance.

Key Characteristics of an Elopement

Usually 0–10 guests: Most couples choose to elope alone or with a few supportive people.
Experience-focused locations: National parks, rugged coastlines, alpine lakes, forests, deserts — places where the scenery becomes a character in your story.
Your timeline, not tradition: Sometimes we spend hours hiking. Other times, we wander between overlooks, find breathtaking pockets of light, or pause to soak in the view.
Minimal structure: There’s no rush, no audience, no pressure. Just space to breathe and be present.
Centered on the couple: Everything about the day reflects what matters most to you two.

Why Couples Choose to Elope (What We’ve Witnessed)

From photographing hundreds of elopements, here’s what we see time and time again:

Couples feel more relaxed and open when there's no audience watching them exchange vows.
The day becomes an adventure — exploring trails, checking out viewpoints, sharing quiet moments.
The focus shifts toward experience and emotion, not production.
You get to create a wedding day that actually feels like your relationship: playful, peaceful, adventurous, or quiet and intimate.
You can skip traditions that don’t feel meaningful and keep the ones that do.

Learn More About Eloping

What “elope” truly means today: Elope Meaning — Modern Definition & Examples

Why so many couples choose this path: 8 Powerful Reasons to Elope

couple enjoying a picnic at bear glacier Alaska

What Is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding has the intimacy of an elopement but the celebration of a traditional wedding — just smaller, calmer, and more meaningful. When we’re photographing a micro wedding, the day feels more structured and communal, but still deeply personal.

These weddings usually include a ceremony, dinner, toasts, and a small reception. They often take place in cozy lodges, Airbnbs, boutique venues, or beautiful backyard spaces.

And honestly? Micro weddings can feel magical — like a dinner party meets a wedding, with the people who truly matter most.

Key Characteristics of a Micro Wedding

Typically 10–30 guests: Enough people to celebrate, but still intimate.
Small, intentional venues: Think forest cabins, coastal lodges, mountain-view Airbnbs, or outdoor ceremony spaces.
Traditional wedding elements: Ceremony, dinner, first dance, cake cutting, toasts — just without the stress of 150 people watching.
Structured timeline: More moving parts than an elopement but far less overwhelming than a big wedding.
Guest-focused moments: You have time to truly connect with everyone present.

Why Couples Choose a Micro Wedding

You still want moments like dinner, toasts, and dancing — but with your people, not a room full of acquaintances.
You want more structure and a cozy, celebratory atmosphere.
You love the idea of sharing your vows with family or close friends.
You want the feel of a wedding day without the chaos and overwhelm.

We’ve photographed micro weddings that felt like warm family gatherings, emotional dinners with candles and music, and small celebrations full of laughter because everyone there mattered.

Interested in seeing what a micro wedding can look like? Check out this stunning LBGTQ Micro Wedding or Epic 2-Day Micro Wedding in Yosemite National Park

Elopement vs Micro Wedding: A Side-by-Side Look

Guest Experience: How Your Guest Count Shapes the Day

In our experience photographing hundreds of elopements and micro weddings, one of the biggest factors that defines the atmosphere of your day is simply how many people are there with you. The guest count influences the timeline, the energy, and the overall feel more than couples often realize.

Elopements: An Experience Fully Centered on You Two

With an elopement, the day becomes entirely about your relationship. No hosting, no schedules dictated by others — just intentional time together in a place that feels meaningful.

Because most elopements include either just the couple or a very small handful of loved ones, you’re able to:

Explore breathtaking landscapes without rushing
Stay fully present with each other
Create moments that feel deeply private and connected
Let the day unfold naturally instead of around a big group

We see couples relax the most on elopement days — there’s this quiet, grounding energy that’s hard to replicate in any other type of wedding.

Micro Weddings: Intimate, But Guest-Focused

Micro weddings, on the other hand, bring guests into the heart of the celebration. Even though they’re far smaller than traditional weddings, having 20–50 people means you’ll be considering things like:

Guest comfort and accessibility
Travel and accommodations
A structured ceremony and reception space
A timeline that keeps everyone involved

The beautiful thing about micro weddings is that they still allow for meaningful connection. You can actually talk to every guest, share a moment with each person, and create a warm, communal atmosphere — something couples often miss in large weddings.

How Guest Count Affects Your Time Together

One of the biggest differences we notice is how much uninterrupted time couples have with each other.

With an elopement, you truly get the entire day together — just the two of you experiencing every moment side by side.

With a micro wedding, your time is shared between each other and your guests. You’ll still find pockets of intimacy, but part of your role becomes hosting and making sure everyone feels included.

Neither is “better” — it simply comes down to how you want the day to feel, and how much you want others to be part of your experience.

Cost Comparison: Elopement vs Micro Wedding

We’re always honest with couples:

Both options can be affordable or expensive. It truly depends on your location, travel, and vision.

Elopement Costs (Based on What We See Most Often)

Elopements often include:

Photography (typically the biggest investment)
Travel + lodging
Permit fees
Florals
Officiant (if not self-solemnizing or using us to sign off your paperwork)
Any adventure elements (ex: helicopter, jeep, boat)

Typical Range: $8k–$20k+ depending on travel and activities.

Micro Wedding Costs (From the Events We Photograph)

Micro weddings often include:

Venue or Airbnb
Catering or private chef
Rentals (tables, chairs, linens, décor)
Florals
Photography & Videographer
Officiant
HMUA
Small ceremony + reception planning

Typical Range:$15k–$35k+ depending on venue and design.

Pros & Cons of Elopements and Micro Weddings

Elopement Pros

Deeply personal and private
Adventure-forward
Flexible timeline
Minimal stress
Truly customized experience

Elopement Cons

Some family may feel left out
Weather matters more outdoors (not really a con when prepared)
No traditional reception unless intentionally planned

Micro Wedding Pros

Intimate celebration with loved ones
Structured yet relaxed timeline
Ability to include traditions (toasts, dinner, first dance)
Cozy, emotional atmosphere

Micro Wedding Cons

More planning + vendor coordination
Slightly higher cost than elopements
Less freedom to pivot last-minute

couple celebrating after their ceremony during a micro wedding outdoors

How to Choose Between an Elopement and a Micro Wedding

Ask Yourself These Questions

Do you want to say your vows privately or in front of your closest people?
Are you more excited about adventure or celebration?
Does the idea of planning a small event bring joy or stress?
Which setting feels like your relationship — wild landscapes or a cozy gathering?

Our Best Advice After Photographing Hundreds

Your gut usually knows.

If you feel your shoulders drop with relief thinking about an adventure-filled, pressure-free day…

Elopement.

If your heart feels warm imagining dinner with your closest people, laughter, and toast…

Micro wedding.

More Elopement & Micro Wedding Inspiration

Best Micro Wedding Venues in Washington State

Beautiful and Free Elopement Locations

12 Wildflower Wedding Venue Ideas

couple exchanging vows in iceland on their elopement

couple eloping in the mountains by themselves

Frequently Asked Questions – Elopement vs Micro Wedding

What is the main difference between an elopement and a micro wedding?

The main difference is guest count and experience. Elopements typically include just the couple or a few loved ones and focus on privacy, adventure, and personal moments. Micro weddings have 15–30 guests, include some traditional wedding elements, and focus on shared celebration with loved ones.

Which is more affordable, an elopement or a micro wedding?

Generally, elopements are more budget-friendly since they require fewer vendors, less planning, and fewer guests. Micro weddings are more expensive than elopements but usually cost significantly less than a traditional wedding with 100+ guests.

Can I have a personalized experience with a micro wedding like I would in an elopement?

Absolutely! Micro weddings are intimate and customizable. While you’ll have guests present, you can still create personal moments, unique adventures, and meaningful rituals that reflect your relationship.

How do guest counts affect my wedding day experience?

Guest count impacts the timeline, flow, and focus of your day. Elopements allow uninterrupted time for just the couple, while micro weddings balance personal moments with hosting responsibilities for your guests.

Are elopements just for adventurous couples?

Not at all. While many elopements take place in scenic or adventurous locations, an elopement can happen anywhere — from a backyard to a mountaintop. The core is intimacy and connection, not the level of adventure.

couple crying during emotional vow exchange

Whether you choose an elopement or a micro wedding, the most meaningful part of your day will be the same: the two of you choosing each other, in a way that feels honest and true.

We’ve photographed both kinds of days across mountains, forests, coastlines, cabins, and national parks — and what we’ve learned is this:

The perfect wedding is the one that feels like you.

Inquire to Learn more

Elopement vs Micro Wedding: Differences & Which One is Right for You?