With the gathering restrictions of 2020 came the rise of micro weddings, a trend we hope is here to stay. A micro wedding is an intimate gathering celebrating a couple’s nuptials. Generally, fewer than 50 friends and family are invited to attend a micro wedding in person.
While small weddings aren’t new, the idea of a micro wedding has increased in popularity over the past year. In fact, an even smaller version, called a “minimony” is satisfying safety protocols with 10 or fewer guests.
Whatever the size, we appreciate the idea of scaling back on guest numbers while maintaining a focus on meaningful moments, beautiful design, thoughtful fare, and memorable entertainment.
In fact, eloquent details that might get lost within large-scale weddings are really highlighted in a micro wedding. Keeping your big day small allows for personalization and an intimate atmosphere for you and your most treasured guests to really connect.
Sara Kovel, of luxury wedding and event design firm Sara Kovel Events, says that by reducing the size of a wedding, “Couples are able to fully immerse themselves in the celebration and get to spend more time with each and every guest, and each other.”
Amy Katz, of the full-service event planning company Amy Katz Events, adds, “It’s not about the size of your wedding, it’s about your friends and family that attended for your love and the intimacy that you and your guests experience on your momentous day.”
So get ready. We’ve combed through the thousands of real weddings on PartySlate to find our favorite micro wedding elements to make your small celebration meaningful and memorable.
Invite Micro Wedding Guests in Style
This minimony from Michelle Durpetti Events invited guests in the most beautiful way with hand-crafted invitations from Eight 21 Studios. Don’t miss the coordinating notecard gifts for each treasured guest wrapped like perfectly-pretty presents, plus gorgeous, candle-laden tables.
Even though your in-person guest list has to be kept small, there are no rules against streaming your big day for your loved ones who couldn’t make it to the ceremony. While Kehoe Designs delighted in-person guests with stunning décor, BlackOak Technical Productions ensured that virtual friends and family could seamlessly join this micro wedding’s most tender moments.
RELATED: 12 Small Wedding Ideas [That Make a Big Impact]
Choose a Micro Wedding Venue
This micro wedding from Pejy Kash Events is the epitome of doing more with less. Even though the celebration included a small guest list, the celebration at Lyndhurst Castle was no less magical. See how Ivie Joy Floral Arts curated gorgeous, totally on-trend florals.
Hollister, CA
This stunning wedding, planned by Pocketful Of Plans, didn’t need sweeping vineyards to be beautiful thanks to stunning details such as a canopy of fairy lights and a king’s table flanked by candlelight. Of course, your photographer will appreciate the opportunity to capture beautiful shots of you and your loved one against an epic backdrop. Trust us.
This couple said “I Do” in the same spot they met in South Lake Tahoe years prior. Your wedding day will always be a special memory but customizing every aspect of it with sentimental details — and capturing those moments and details like Cheers Babe Photo did here — makes all the difference.
Although many big travel plans have been cancelled, hosting your intimate wedding at a five-star hotel like Four Seasons Hotel Seattle will give you and your guests the escape we all need right now. Gian Events produced this delicate rooftop celebration — and found creative photo spots for the duo.
Finished with stunning greenery draped across the reception area and personalized tablescapes, this backyard wedding from Pocketful Of Plans and Seascape Flowers is a dream. Don’t miss the gorgeous, gauzy table runners and the bohemian cake at this small wedding.
This minimony at Cafe Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo was perfectly set under a unique honeycomb-like structure against a stunning city backdrop. Don’t miss this celebration’s special 11th guest.
This private venue created the most romantic setting for this couple’s ceremony, but getting the views of the Chicago skyline from the rooftop was the icing on the (wedding) cake. Click to see how Michigan Avenue Events curated a social-distanced celebration elevated with white florals from Flowers for Dreams.
Exchanging vows is a beautiful moment between the bride and groom that their loved ones have the pleasure of witnessing. The one thing that can make that moment even more beautiful is a unique geometric arch set against a view like this one — courtesy of Deluxe + Design + Decor and Leal Vineyards. See more photos from this picturesque ceremony and reception.
Paris, France
These Paris nuptials are what our minomony dreams are made of. Dure Events curated a celebration with Eiffel Tower views from dusk into night, a first dance on an open-air balcony, photos at the Louvre — click to see this bride and groom’s intimate, romantic celebration.
Rise above the crowded city with a rooftop venue. This relaxed celebration, planned by Nova Events by Greta McNebb, concentrated on the couple and all the love shared between the family and friends that attended — with views of the gorgeous New York City skyline as a bonus.
RELATED: 8 Popular Ways to Have a Memorable Tent Wedding
Micro Wedding Décor That Wows
Even against a landscape this stunning, this floral archway from CREATE EVENT DESIGN centers all attention at this ceremony. We also love how XO Bloom curated an outdoor small wedding with wood and greenery elements that fit the scenery.
We adore how this intimate wedding from Bliss Events Chicago employs luxe tented draping from Blue Peak and pops of bright color to create a stylish backyard setting that feels like the most lush garden venue. Click to see all the show-stopping elements (like creative use of lemons).
This colorful wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel in D.C. is the perfect combination of romance and elegance. The stunning artwork (along with details unique to the hotel) paired beautifully with the theme and décor of this couple’s wedding.
This micro wedding was hosted inside the bride and groom’s new home with a private concert from singer-songwriter Edwin McCain. We love the pink and gold tablescape and urge you not to miss the wedding’s subtle transformation from white to blush, courtesy of lighting from CBK Events.
This table’s colorful and textured linen from BBJ Linen served as a beautiful backdrop for all of its glam gold elements. We love how this minimony took full advantage of the 18-acre ranch at Mission Lago Estate by finding a photo opportunity around every corner.
This whimsical wedding for Betches Media Co-Founder is something out of a dream. Allium bulbs and a bed of fresh moss by Birch Event Design added a whimsical and unique touch to each tablescape. Click to see other floral details (hello, wedding arch) from this media-worthy wedding planned by Guerdy Design.
What is on the table is just as important as what is suspended above it — as this beautiful installation from Nicole Ha Floral Design shows. Every detail of this intimate wedding reception planned by the top team at Amazae Events is as engaging as the next; from the Rosewood Sand Hill venue to the elegant muted palette.
This backyard wedding from David Pressman Events is filled with chic and glamorous details — and a natural backdrop that makes us want to host a party in the yard. Click to see the most elegant king’s table with alabaster orchids and hydrangeas leading into their home.
For the ultimate wedding inspiration, check out this bride and groom’s California vineyard celebration at Chandon. The long king’s table allows all of the guests to gather to share toasts and stories — and is sure to make it on to your wedding mood board.
To call this intimate celebration “charming” would be an understatement. Every aspect of this Boston wedding from AE Events boasted little details to make it as special as possible. PEAK Event Services provided rentals that struck the perfect quaint-rustic vibe. Click to see the unusual vintage décor elements.
If you’re considering an at-home micro wedding, don’t miss this stunning one from Alison Ross Events. The affair was filled with flowing draping, beautiful floral details, and catering from Entertaining Company that looked as beautiful as it tasted. Everything about this wedding was personalized for this lucky couple.
This dreamy domestic destination elopement at Middleton Place in Charleston, South Carolina is straight out of a fairytale, complete with beautiful pastels and rich jewel tones. The sun shining through the trees and their precious pups made this an unforgettable affair — as did some other, uninvited furry guests (click to see).
A white wedding is as classic as it gets, and it remains popular for a reason: it’s beautiful. Iris and Oak Events curated this elegant micro wedding with an eye for stylish detail in a single fresh hue.
With fewer friends and family to seat, get creative and make your special guests as comfortable as possible with unique seating options — like these soft sofas and chic chairs from Signature Party Rentals lining your wedding aisle. Your guests will be happy, and it makes for beautiful photos; a win-win. Plus you can seat guests in their family pods for additional social distancing.
A wedding aisle marks your transition to married life. We love how this wedding, planned by Emily Jordan Events and decorated by Candler Park Flowers, highlights this momentous transition with gorgeous candlelight that reflects across the aisle.
We love this rustic, yet classic private wedding planned by The Lynden Lane Company. Keith J Laverty lined the brick wedding aisle with stunning white roses — turning a private residence into the perfect wedding venue.
We love how this 12-person micro wedding at The Croft Downtown featured personal touches that made this small celebration even more intimate. Click to see more stunning elements from the wedding reception — like the cake swing decorated in lavish foliage by Angelic Grove.
Candles can add such a beautiful ambiance and light feature to your wedding tablescapes and dessert stations. Check out how this glowing small wedding incorporated candlelight throughout the ceremony as well with the help of Firefly Ambiance.
RELATED: Best Wedding Centerpieces [Guide]
Micro Wedding Entertainment
This couple’s dream wedding, produced by Alison Ross Events, came to life with an aisle filled with rose petals and a unique wedding arch. We also love that the couple didn’t skimp on entertainment, with The Gold Coast All-Stars playing their first dance and more at this social-distanced celebration.
RELATED: 14 Small Backyard Weddings That Prove Home is Where the Heart Is
Capture Memorable Micro Wedding Moments
We love how this couple got to relive their micro wedding by having polaroid cameras for their guests to capture candid moments for them. Valia Rose Events ensured the couple also had a professional photographer, a unique venue, and gorgeous flower installations — click to see every detail.
For this romantic and rustic wedding, micro does not mean cutting back on the good times and energy. Even though your guest list is small, keep your ceremony and reception energized with creative photography (like this photo by Dewitt For Love Photography).
A smaller celebration often allows for a more flexible timeline. We recommend spending extra time with your photographer during the “first look.” We especially love how this couple found the perfect backdrop at The Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building for their pandemic-era wedding. With a wedding this beautiful, the answer is yes.
RELATED: 11 Ways Wedding Ceiling Decorations Will Wow Your Guests
Personalize Your Micro Wedding
When outside factors affect your wedding day, adjust like this couple did and focus on what matters the most: your friends, your family, and your significant other. And don’t forget to hire a pro to capture every spectacular moment like Bob & Dawn Davis Photography & Design did for this beaming couple.
With only your closest family and friends in attendance, small weddings can be the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your family traditions. Daughter of Design assisted this couple in honoring family with the bride walking the aisle wearing her grandmother’s 67-year-old Dior gown at the church the family attended for decades. Don’t miss their stunningly chic intimate reception at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club and their departure in their “something blue.”
Typically a micro wedding includes no more than 50 guests, but does that include dogs? We adore how this joyful and colorful celebration from Sara Kovel Events perfectly combines modern elegance, charming details — and a special four-legged friend. Don’t forget to click to see where the happy couple’s pup sat during dinner.
This elegant and tasteful micro wedding, planned by Leslie Mastin Events, paid tribute to the bride’s father with two of his favorite things: tropical weather and frozen drinks. Click to see the lush greenery that has us feeling transported to a tropical paradise.
This special wedding was gifted by Orlando wedding professionals participating in the “We Show Love: Act of Kindness” contest for frontline couples, spearheaded by Eventrics Indian Weddings. The safe (and heartwarming) gathering encouraged physical distancing at an intimate, masked ceremony and luncheon. More guests joined virtually with curated celebration boxes. Don’t miss the circular arch with a motif repeated in the reception.
It has been especially important this past year to find the silver lining in our situations. Urban Allure Events helped this couple keep their original wedding date with the most special people in their lives. The now-married couple will hold a reception and additional ceremony next year.
We love how this boho micro wedding gathered inspiration from the desert and how it showcases the couple’s personality through décor and florals from Paradise Parkway Event Productions. Don’t miss the stunning, unique reception for two.
This couple made their intimate nuptials even more personal by performing a wedding sand unity ceremony with rainbow colored sand to celebrate their love. Check out more of this romantic boho wedding, planned by Fierce Productions, at the link.
This elegant tented micro wedding, planned by Shannon Gail Events, set up a wristband station to let everyone know how comfortable each guest was with physical interaction. We love all the little details that show guests how important they are to a couple.
We adore how the planning and stylist teams from Baby Makes Memories conjured a beautifully unique photo spot. The stunning dark-hued details like an undulating black settee surrounded by dark red roses and dreamy candles make this a scene worth capturing.
A send-off of the newlyweds beautifully marks the end of the wedding reception — it also gives the couple a stunning photo op. Check out this unique socially-distanced wedding, designed by Firefly Ambiance, to gain some inspiration for a stunning micro wedding.
One of the biggest devastations for COVID-19 couples is the sad fact that not all of their loved ones can gather in-person to celebrate. This couple kept their party small without cutting their guest list thanks to friends and family driving by to briefly join in the celebration. Click to see more heartwarming moments from this wedding planned by Social Llama Events.
A consistent color scheme at your wedding makes for a wedding album that you will never be able to put down. We love how this South Carolina wedding (planned by Pure Luxe Bride) features a fresh pink, white, and green theme from venue to dessert.
Keep reading for FAQs and more tips:
Head to Partyslate to find even more inspiration for your micro wedding.
Don’t forget to check out The Main Event to hear 4 event professionals give their best advice for couples planning their micro wedding and how to add COVID-19 safety precautions to your wedding.
What is a micro wedding?
Typically, a micro wedding is defined as a wedding having a guest list of no more than 50 people.
Why have a micro wedding?
These intimate celebrations have become increasingly popular among couples ready to tie the knot during COVID-19. Having a micro wedding is a safer way to celebrate while continuing to follow CDC recommendations. Sara Kovel from Sara Kovel Events added that a great perk to a micro wedding is that “it can take place in unique and more personalized, exclusive locations than a large traditional ballroom, such as the restaurant where you had your first date or even your grandmother’s rose garden.”
Where can I have a micro wedding?
During our year of isolation, many people have discovered (or rediscovered) the joy of nature through hikes, walks, and even road trips. After all, there is no better backdrop than the beauty of nature.
Moving your micro wedding outside is a great way to practice social distancing, while not compromising the aesthetic of your day.
You can also ask your venue if they have more intimate spaces available than a ballroom. Many hotels, for example, feature beautiful and intimate spaces that are perfect for a smaller celebration.
Should I hire a photographer for my micro wedding?
We firmly believe that no matter the size of your wedding day, you will want to remember every little detail.
We spoke with top photographer, Duke Khodaverdian of Duke Images, and he said, “Couples may not appreciate in the moment how much they will want to hold onto that day, but will later when they’ve aged and gained perspective. This is a chapter of your life that you should embrace. A photographer stops that moment for and captures it in a meaningful way.”
He continues, “When shooting a more intimate event, the challenge comes in making it even more romantic, artful, and memorable. If you’re shooting in a backyard or courtyard, you need to have an especially artistic eye and exceptional attention to lighting. Different lenses, unique lighting sources, creative poses, and careful composition reflect the amount of planning — as do the final images themselves.
So, consider your choice of photographer carefully — and ask if they have experience shooting more intimate celebrations.
How much do micro weddings cost?
While the price of weddings varies greatly, keeping a guest list smaller may free up your budget to splurge on a wow-worthy entertainment moment or unique personalization for your guests.
featured planner
SARA KOVEL EVENTS
We love how this full-service event planner manages every aspect of perfecting your event. Sara Kovel Events create events that are both unique and beautiful — all while taking the stress out of the planning process. photographer: Katie Karlberg Photography