When you start planning a small wedding, you’ll quickly run into a whole new set of terms: elopement vs. micro wedding vs. intimate wedding vs. tiny wedding… they all sound kind of similar, right? But they don’t all mean the same thing.

As a photographer who specializes in elopements and small weddings, I love helping couples figure out what feels right for them. Because here’s the thing: your wedding doesn’t have to fit into someone else’s box. You get to decide what “small” looks like, and whether that’s an adventurous just-us day or a cozy gathering with your closest crew.

Let’s break it down.

Elopement vs. Micro Wedding: The Similarities and Differences

What Is an Elopement?

I personally define an elopement as:

• Fewer than 10 people total (sometimes just the couple + officiant).
• The focus is on the couple’s experience, not guest logistics.
• A short and simple ceremony, followed by lots of intentional alone time together.
• Adventures, memory-making, and relaxed moments that make the day feel like the best date of your lives.

Think: hiking to a waterfall for a picnic, sneaking away to a mountaintop overlook, renting a private boat for golden hour, or writing letters to each other to read in a quiet spot away from everyone else.

Examples from my couples:

• Becton + Casey eloped with just their officiant and surprised their families by going live on Facebook as their ceremony started.
  
• Molly + Antonio included their daughter and parents, but carved out private time together for a picnic at a waterfall before the family ceremony.
  

That mix of intimacy and adventure is what makes elopements feel so damn magical.

What Is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is still small and intentional, but it leans more toward being guest-centered. Here’s how I see it:

• Typically 11–25 people.
• The couple still prioritizes intimate, meaningful moments, but the guest experience is also important.
• A slightly longer ceremony and a more structured flow (like dinner, toasts, maybe even a little dance floor).
• Family time is a bigger piece of the day.

Examples from my couples:

• Dana + Blane had 25 guests at their ceremony, then celebrated with 40 people at a brewery after. They still carved out private time to share letters and sneak away together, which made their day feel like them.
  
• Sandi + Joe invited their children and their spouses for a heartfelt, family-centered day.
  

It’s cozy, heartfelt, and still way less stressful than a 200-person ballroom wedding.

Elopement vs. Micro Wedding: How Do You Choose Between the Two?

Here are a few questions to ask yourselves:

• Do we want the focus of the day to be us, or do we want to host and include family/friends in more of the experience?
  
• Do we want to spend most of our day adventuring and creating memories together, or celebrating with loved ones?
  
• Would we feel overwhelmed with family around all day, or would that make the day feel more complete?
  

Neither choice is wrong—it’s about what feels most like you.

Why I Photograph Elopements (and Micro Weddings, Too)

For me, elopements are the sweet spot. I love when couples prioritize that intentional alone time and plan their day around the things that bring them joy. But I also adore intimate micro weddings where family is part of the story—especially when couples still sneak away for private vows or an adventure.

I cap my weddings at 25 people max. That way, I can fully capture the intentionality of your day without it turning into a traditional wedding. And trust me—I can easily fill 8 hours (or even multiple days) with adventures, relaxed time together, and memory-making that will feel like your version of perfect.

When couples reach out, I always ask them:

“If you had a free day—with unlimited money and the ability to teleport anywhere—what would you do together?”

Your answer to that question is the blueprint for your wedding. While I might not be able to pull off a candlelight picnic dinner on the moon (though hey, never say never), I can recommend a mountain overlook, a boat rental on a stunning lake, or even a private yacht in Greece—with the best local Greek restaurant catering a cozy dinner onboard.

At the end of the day, whether you call it an elopement, a micro wedding, or something in between—it’s about creating a day that reflects your love story. A day where you’re not just checking off traditions, but actually living in the moment with your favorite person.

And that? That’s where the magic happens.

Looking for an elopement photographer that gets the vibe? You’re in the right place! Make the first move and let’s chat about the special day you’re planning! Get in touch here!