You’re engaged and maybe the traditional wedding route isn’t quite right for you? You want to go for something different, but equally if not more special to you as a couple. When planning a wedding, couples are increasingly opting for smaller, more personal celebrations. But with so many terms like “elopements,” “microweddings,” and “intimate weddings” floating around, it can be difficult to understand the differences between them. These options can feel overwhelming when choosing the best fit for your vision, budget, and guest list.

I’m going to break down the distinctions between elopements, microweddings, and intimate weddings, helping you decide which one is best for you!

1. What is an Elopement?

An elopement is typically defined as a small, private ceremony where the couple gets married without a traditional wedding setting or large guest list. Elopements are often spontaneous, intimate affairs that can take place anywhere—from a mountain top to a cozy corner of a local park. Eloping couples usually forgo the large wedding celebrations in favor of a more personal, low-key experience.

Key Characteristics of an Elopement:

Guest List: Typically just the couple, sometimes with a photographer or officiant. Occasionally, close family or friends might attend, but the guest list is often extremely limited. Most elopements are under 10 or so guests.
Venue: Elopements can take place almost anywhere—outdoors, in a courthouse, or even during travel abroad. The focus is on the location’s significance to the couple.
Planning & Budget: Elopements are often planned with a smaller budget in mind, though some couples may choose to spend more on travel, photography, or the experience itself. Most of our couples spend between $5,000-$10,000 on their day on average. Destination elopements generally cost a bit more due to travel.
Experience: The main focus is the couple’s connection. There’s no pressure for grand wedding traditions or huge celebrations. Elopement ideas can range from a favorite hike to sunset elopement ceremony to running around on a beautiful beach. Honestly when you elope the sky is the limit.

2. What is a Microwedding?

Microweddings are a happy medium between an elopement and a larger traditional wedding. While still intimate, microweddings typically include a small group of guests—usually falling between 15-30 guests. These events might feature a more formal ceremony and reception, but with a scaled-down guest list, creating a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.

Key Characteristics of a Microwedding:

Guest List: Microweddings usually involve between 10 and 50 guests. The idea is to keep the event intimate but still include family and close friends.
Venue: Microweddings can be held in a variety of venues, from a small venue rental to a beautiful outdoor setting, or even a private home.
Planning & Budget: Compared to traditional weddings, microweddings can be more affordable because the reduced guest list means less spending on food, decorations, and venue space.This creates a fun, nontraditional affordable wedding experience. Most couples spend between $10,000-$18,000 on their micro wedding packages.
Experience: While there might be traditional elements like a wedding party, vows, and a reception, the focus remains on quality interactions and meaningful experiences with loved ones. Some of my favorite microwedding ideas include renting an airbnb wedding venue to create an weekend long experience for a couple’s closest family and friends. Microwedding venues are becoming more popular on the market to help couple’s save money and have the experience they dream of.

3. What is an Intimate Wedding?

An intimate wedding is very similar to a microwedding, but the key difference lies in the overall atmosphere and the number of guests. Intimate weddings typically have fewer than 75 guests but often feel more traditional than an elopement or microwedding. The couple may still have a formal ceremony, a reception with a dinner, dancing, and even a wedding party, but the overall scale of the event is more relaxed.

Key Characteristics of an Intimate Wedding:

Guest List: Intimate weddings typically have a guest list of fewer than 75 guests, including close family, friends, and loved ones.
Venue: This could be a small chapel, a private estate, a boutique hotel, or a scenic outdoor location. The venue tends to be more traditional than those for an elopement or microwedding.
Planning & Budget: The budget for an intimate wedding can vary widely depending on the couple’s preferences. While it’s generally more affordable than a large traditional wedding, the couple may choose to splurge on certain aspects like a more elaborate reception or high-end decor. Many of our couples spend between $20k-$30k on their intimate wedding experience. When the average wedding costs between $40k-$80k in the US, this is a significant savings especially to couples bankrolling their whole day alone.
Experience: An intimate wedding is a more traditional approach but with a more personal touch. Couples might still have a formal ceremony and reception but with a smaller guest list for a more relaxed vibe. Intimate weddings are small, but very elegant and can fit comfortably in most wedding venues.

4. Which Option is Right for You?

The decision between an elopement, microwedding, or intimate wedding ultimately depends on what you envision for your special day. Here are some questions to help guide your decision:

Do you want a low-key, spontaneous ceremony with just the two of you? An elopement may be perfect.
Do you want to invite your closest family and friends but still keep things small and intimate? A microwedding could be the best fit.
Are you looking for a traditional wedding experience with a smaller, more relaxed vibe? Consider an intimate wedding.

No matter which option you choose, these smaller, more personalized weddings offer a chance to create a meaningful, memorable experience without the stress of a massive event.

Elopements, Microweddings, & Intimate Weddings - What are they and how are they different?