Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Micro Weddings vs. Elopements: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Let’s be real, some people think they want a small wedding… until they realize they’re still booking porta-potties.

Let’s cut through the noise, shall we?

You’ve decided you don’t want the big, traditional wedding — the one with 200 guests, a buffet line that never ends, and your second cousin’s baby crying during your vows.
So you say, “We just want to keep it small.”
Awesome. Love that.
But here’s the thing: “small” doesn’t automatically mean “simple.”

Welcome to the great showdown: Micro Wedding vs. Elopement.
They sound kinda similar — but they are not the same, and knowing the difference could save you a truckload of stress (and money).

What’s a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is basically a full-on wedding, just… smaller.
Usually between 20–50 guests, it still includes:

• A ceremony

• Reception of some kind

• Timeline (like first look, dinner, family formals)

• Some traditional elements (dinner, dancing, maybe a cake, etc.)

You’ll likely still need:

• A venue

• Seating for guests

• Food/alcohol (and a caterer or bartender to handle that)

• Restrooms (hence, those porta-potties 👀)

• A DJ or music plan

• A whole vendor team to make it flow

You can scale back on some things, like skipping the big floral arch or tossing out the seating chart, but you’re still hosting an event. You’re still planning for guests — just fewer of them.

What’s an Elopement?

An elopement is an intimate, intentional “just us” experience — typically just the couple, an officiant, and maybe a handful of guests or witnesses (we’re talkin’ under 10 people, max).

Elopements are usually:

• Planned in just a few months (sometimes even weeks!)

• Held in nature, a city spot you love, city hall, or even your backyard

• Free from most traditional “rules” — no formal dinner, speeches, dances, no timelines dictated by Aunt Linda's gluten allergy

They’re simple. Raw. Emotional.
Focused on your connection, not a crowd.
There’s no pressure to entertain or perform. You don’t have to say vows into a mic or worry if your playlist cuts out mid-ceremony. And if you want to hike up a mountain or say “I do” in a field with just your dog — hell yes, let’s do that.

So Why Does the Difference Matter?

Because I’ve seen couples start planning a “tiny wedding” thinking they’re eloping — and next thing they know, they’ve booked a venue, hired a full vendor list, and dropped $25k... on something they didn’t even want.

Here’s the truth bomb:
If you’re craving simplicity, emotional connection, freedom, and peace — you probably want an elopement.

If you still want some of the party vibe, want your closest circle present, and you’re okay managing a guest list (even if it’s small) — you’re likely planning a micro wedding.

Both are beautiful. Both are valid.
But they’re very different experiences — emotionally, logistically, and financially.

Not Sure Which One Is You?

That’s what I’m here for. Whether you’re daydreaming about saying vows at sunrise with no one around or having a cozy dinner under string lights with 40 of your favorite people — I can help you figure it out.

No judgment. No pressure.
Just honest guidance, beautiful photos, and someone to hold your hand through the wild world of “alternative” weddings.

Slide into my inbox. Let’s talk about what you really want — and how to make it badass.