You might not be drawn to a big, traditional wedding, and that’s completely okay. If you’re dreaming of something a little different, with more space for connection, presence, and meaning, a micro wedding could be the perfect fit. It lets you slow down, savor each second, and celebrate in a way that feels relaxed and true to you. As your photographer, I’m here to support you through it all, including documenting the emotion, the story, and the quiet moments that make your day unforgettable. If that sounds like the kind of experience you’re hoping for, here’s how to plan a micro wedding you’ll cherish for years to come.
What is a Micro Wedding?
While everyone defines a micro wedding a little differently, I typically think of it as a celebration with around 40 to 50 guests or fewer. It combines the intimacy and intentionality of an elopement with the shared joy of celebrating with your favorite people. And because they’re so flexible, you have the freedom to choose which traditions feel true to you and which ones you’d like to make your own.
More and more couples are leaning toward micro weddings for exactly that reason. They get to slow down, be present, and spend intentional time with the people who matter most. It’s all about building a day that reflects your values, your love, and what feels right for you, not anyone else’s expectations.
Benefits of a Micro Wedding
Keeping your guest list small opens the door to some truly beautiful experiences. As you start to plan your micro wedding, here are a few ways it can make your day feel even more heartfelt.
More Time with Each Guest
It can be hard to truly connect with all your loved ones during a big, traditional wedding. With a smaller celebration, you’ll actually get to spend time with every person you invited, sharing stories, laughing, and soaking up the moments together. It not only makes your guests feel seen and appreciated, but it also gives you memories that last long after the day is over.
Freedom to Book your Dream Micro Wedding Location
With fewer guests, you can think beyond traditional venues and choose a setting that feels like you – whether that’s a cozy forest Airbnb or a scenic overlook on the Oregon Coast. And, because many national parks and scenic areas limit guest counts, planning a micro wedding gives you access to locations that wouldn’t be possible with a larger celebration.
Potential for Unique Details and Experiences
One of the best parts of a micro wedding is the creative freedom to design a day that’s completely your own. You get to dream up experiences that feel personal and memorable, like a quiet forest ceremony, custom tattoos, or handmade decorations by your friends and family. With a smaller celebration, you can be more intentional about where your budget goes, choosing to invest in the details that make your day feel extra special—whether that’s custom florals, live music, or a cozy dinner surrounded by the people you love most.
Lower Stress, More Connection
At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and the people who came to celebrate your love. Micro weddings naturally feel more relaxed and intentional, giving you the space to slow down, breathe, and really soak in every second.
How to Plan a Micro Wedding That Still Feels Epic
Just because you’re not hosting a large wedding doesn’t mean your day won’t be full of big moments. Here’s how to plan a micro wedding that’s intimate yet full of heart.
Prioritize Your Micro Wedding Guest List With Intention
A micro wedding is all about meaningful bonds. Think about the people you couldn’t imagine celebrating without, such as the ones who make you feel the most grounded and loved. From there, build a guest list that feels personal and intentional.
Invest in the Details That Matter
Your micro wedding space will set the tone for many lasting memories. Invest in the details that make the day feel special, like handwritten vows, custom invites, a beautifully styled table, or heartfelt photography that helps you relive it all later. These small touches create a depth and warmth that’s hard to achieve with a larger event.
Curate a Timeline That Feels True to You
With a smaller wedding, you have the freedom to shape the day however you’d like. Maybe that means starting with a morning hike alongside your guests, lingering over dinner, or ending the night around a cozy bonfire. It’s thoughtful touches like these that create memories you’ll carry with you for years to come.
Plan a Multi-Day Micro Wedding
If you want to make the most of your time together, extend your wedding over a few days. Host welcome dinner, plan an adventure session the day before, or enjoy a relaxed brunch by the water the next morning. When you plan a multi-day micro wedding, you get to make the whole celebration feel even more special.
Where to Host a Micro Wedding in Oregon
Oregon is filled with stunning spots that are perfect for a micro wedding—from cozy forest gems to coastal retreats, here are a few of my favorite places to consider.
An Airbnb or VRBO
An Airbnb or VRBO is perfect for couples who want a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Look for spaces surrounded by forest, mountain, or coast views.
The Great Outdoors
A micro wedding in the outdoors is deal for couples who want nature front and center. Some of my favorite locations include Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon Coast.
Small Boutique Venues
If you’re after something one-of-a-kind thats includes built-in charm and character, then consider a small boutique venue. Here a few venues I personally love.
A Real Micro Wedding Story
I had the honor of photographing Matt and Maire’s micro wedding in the Columbia River Gorge. Their day began with a quiet hike to a waterfall for a private ceremony with just the two of them. Afterward, we explored the stunning landscape, capturing beautiful portraits against the natural backdrop. They wrapped up the day with an intimate dinner and heartfelt toasts at a nearby vineyard, surrounded by about 25 of their closest friends and family. The day was such a perfect reflection of who they are—intentional, adventurous, and completely themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Plan a Micro Wedding
How Many Guests are at a Micro Wedding?
There’s no exact number that defines a micro wedding, but in most cases, I recommend keeping your guest list around 40 to 50 people. That sweet spot lets you soak in the experience, stay present, and really connect with everyone who’s there to celebrate with you.
Is a Micro Wedding Just for Eloping?
Not at all! An elopement is all about a quiet, intimate experience between you and your partner. A micro wedding, on the other hand, lets you enjoy a full wedding day but with a smaller, carefully chosen guest list, so every detail feels intentional and meaningful. That said, if you love the idea of a private moment together, you can still weave in elopement-style touches, like vows during your first look or an adventure session for just the two of you.
Do I Need a Wedding Planner for a Micro Wedding?
A wedding planner isn’t a must for a micro wedding, but having one can make your day run more smoothly. They can help coordinate things like multiple locations or special moments, so you can stay relaxed and fully enjoy every part of your celebration.
Are There Any Unique Challenges to Consider With a Micro Wedding?
One of the trickiest parts of planning a micro wedding is narrowing down your guest list. Focus on the people you most want to share your day with and who matter most to you. That said, there are plenty of ways to include those who can’t be there in person, whether it’s through handwritten notes, a live stream, or sharing special photos after the day.
Another thing to keep in mind is that micro weddings tend to be smaller and a bit less grand than larger celebrations. But that doesn’t mean they can’t feel meaningful and special. You can make the day completely your own through personal details, thoughtful touches, or splurging on the elements that matter most to you.
How I Support You as You Plan Your Dream Micro Wedding
As an Oregon wedding photographer, my goal is to help you plan a micro wedding that feels simple and inspiring. After you book, I’ll share my full wedding guide packed with resources so you can confidently design your day. I’ll help you choose a venue that aligns with your vision, and we’ll craft a timeline that feels relaxed, unhurried, and full of connection. When your wedding day comes, I focus on emotional storytelling, documenting the candid moments and raw emotion that make your day yours.
If you’ve been wondering how to plan a micro wedding, I hope this guide helped you feel confident and inspired. A micro wedding isn’t about following a set of rules—it’s about designing a celebration that feels deeply personal. For inspiration on where to host your celebration, check out my Oregon wedding venues ultimate guide. It features a vide variety of spaces, including more intimate venues perfect for a smaller wedding. And when you’re ready to start planning your own celebration—reach out. I’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
