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

So, you’re engaged (yay!!!), and now you’re deciding how to actually do this whole wedding thing. Do you want to keep things small but still have some structure? Or are you ready to throw tradition to the wind (along with that ever-growing guest list)? Enter the great debate: micro wedding vs. elopement. Let’s break it down so you can pick the one that makes your heart (and your stress levels) the happiest.

What’s a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is basically a regular wedding, just on a diet (except this one doesn’t make you sad or hungry). It has all the usual wedding elements: ceremony, reception, photographer (hi!!!), cake, but scaled down to 50 guests or fewer. You can still have a venue, formal seating, and a timeline, but it’s way more intimate. This means more quality time with the people you actually want to see (and fewer awkward conversations with your mom’s coworker’s plus-one).

What’s an Elopement?

An elopement is the ultimate “just us” experience (or close to it). Traditionally, elopements were secretive and spontaneous, but now they’re just a fantastic way to get married without the big production. It’s usually just the couple, an officiant, and maybe a photographer to document the magic. Some couples bring a handful of guests (think parents or best friends), but elopements are all about simplicity. No seating charts, no wedding party politics, no worrying about whether Aunt Linda will cause a scene on the dance floor (not that your Aunt Linda would do that, of course!).

Key Differences to Consider

• Guest List: Micro weddings have a small guest list; elopements have an almost nonexistent one. If you can’t imagine saying “I do” without your closest family and friends, a micro wedding is the way to go. If you’d rather keep things ultra-intimate (or just don’t want to deal with RSVPs), elopement for the win!

• Planning: Micro weddings still require some planning: venue, timeline, decor (even if minimal). Elopements? Way less fuss. Pick a spot, grab your person, and make it official.

• Photography Needs: Micro weddings usually cover more moments (ceremony, portraits, reception). Elopements focus on the experience—stunning locations, candid emotions, and portraits that look like they belong in a magazine (or at least all over your Instagram).

Which One is Right for You?

If you want a beautiful, intimate celebration with your closest people but still love the idea of a structured event (and, you know, cake), go for a micro wedding. If your ideal wedding day involves nothing but you, your love, and an epic backdrop (without the pressure of putting on a “wedding”), then elopement might be your perfect match (and you can still have cake!).

Either way, you get to marry your favorite person—and that’s the whole point, right?