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

You already know a big, traditional wedding—with plus ones, seating charts, and a massive ballroom—isn’t your vibe. But figuring out what does feel right? That can be a little trickier. If you’re deciding how you want to get married, this guide will compare elopement vs. micro wedding to help you decide which one is right for you.

Elopement vs. Micro Wedding: What Are They?

First, let’s start with some definitions.

Elopements are small and intimate—but that doesn’t mean you can’t have guests. Some couples elope just the two of them, while others invite a few loved ones. Most elopements include 10 guests or fewer, while micro weddings typically include up to 50. That said, there’s no “magic number” that turns an elopement into a micro wedding—it’s more about the vibe and the intention behind the day.

Micro weddings usually focus more on celebrating and spending time with family and friends. They’re easier to personalize than larger weddings, and the smaller guest list allows you to actually connect with each person there—instead of feeling pulled in a million directions all night.

Elopements, while they can include guests, are usually more centered on the couple. Now, I’m not talking about a quick courthouse ceremony here – I’m talking about adventure elopements, where the entire day is about you getting married the way you want to! Elopements allow for the most flexibility with activities, locations, and adventures.

Elopement vs. Micro Wedding: The Differences

Now, let’s talk about some of the differences between an elopement and a micro wedding.

Guest Count

We touched on guest count earlier, but it’s worth mentioning again—because it can shape so many other parts of your day.

Elopements usually include 0–10 guests. Micro weddings typically fall somewhere between 10 and 50. Remember, these aren’t hard and fast rules, but they’re a helpful guideline as you start planning.

Venues

One of the biggest differences in the way an elopement vs. micro wedding plays out is where you get married! 

The smaller your guest count, the more options you will have for where you get married. There are some really incredible places to elope in Colorado if you want to get married out in nature! This includes national parks, state parks, and other public land – if you’re dreaming of hiking into the mountains, an elopement can allow you to do that. Some places, like national parks, will often still have restrictions on guest size, where you can have your ceremony, and needing a special permit, but there are other places where if you have only a few people, you don’t need a permit and can decide exactly where you want to have your ceremony.

Micro weddings may require a more “formal” venue. Keeping your wedding small does still mean you have the option to choose a venue that isn’t totally traditional – for example, Rocky Mountain National Park does have a few ceremony sites that can host up to 30 people! You can also rent out a small venue, but some other non-traditional options might include getting married at a cabin, on a boat, or planning a backyard wedding. VRBO‘s are also a great option, just be sure to check the ‘allows events’ when searching. Check out my blog post to find 40 of the best micro wedding venues in Colorado.

Adventures and Activities

Elopements are the most customizable, choose-your-own-adventure way to get married. You can hike, rent a 4×4, go paddle boarding, or do just about anything else you can imagine! 

That’s not to say you can’t incorporate activities into a micro wedding—but with more guests, logistics get trickier. You’ll have to consider accessibility and what your loved ones are up for.

Elopements can give you more one-on-one time together, while micro weddings usually focus more on sharing the experience with your people and planning your day around that connection.

Structure and Flow of the Day

Both elopements and micro weddings are less stressful than planning a traditional wedding – at least, that’s the goal! While both offer more flexibility, micro weddings usually have a bit more structure than elopements.

With an elopement, you’ll still have a general plan, but there’s more space for spontaneity and going with the flow. Micro weddings tend to follow a more traditional timeline—with a ceremony, reception, and time set aside for photos. With more guests involved, having a schedule helps keep the day running smoothly.

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

Here’s a brief overview, and some things to consider when you’re deciding between an elopement vs. micro wedding!

An elopement is right for you if…

• You want a more private, intimate day with 10 or fewer guests
• You want to get married somewhere out in nature
• You want more time for just you and your partner
• You want to plan an adventure, like hiking 

A micro wedding is right for you if…

• You plan to invite 10 – 50 guests
• You want to focus on spending time with loved ones
• You want to decorate your ceremony space (for example, with an arch)
• You want to reserve a venue

Do Both!

There’s actually a third option—you can have the best of both worlds by splitting your celebration across two days. Spend one day with family or loved ones, and dedicate the other to just the two of you.

This approach lets you celebrate with your people and plan an adventure. You can even do it all in one day, but giving yourself two takes the pressure off. It allows for a slower pace and more freedom to go with the flow.

Ready to Plan Your Elopement or Micro Wedding?

Whichever option you decide is best for you, I’m fully here to support it! As a photographer, my job is to help you plan a day that reflects the two of you and how you want to get married. So whether that’s hiking in the backcountry or having s’mores around a campfire with your family, I’ll help you out with recommendations, tips, advice, and all the emotional support and encouragement. If you’re ready to start planning, contact me!