Micro-Wedding vs. Elopement: What’s the Difference & Which is Right for You?
By Caitlin Hoare
Thinking of skipping the big guest list but not sure if an elopement or micro wedding is right for you? You’re not alone — more couples than ever are choosing smaller, more meaningful celebrations. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between elopements and micro weddings, explore the perks of each, and help you figure out which intimate wedding style best suits your vibe, your budget, and your vision for the big day. Whether it's just the two of you or your closest crew, your wedding can still be unforgettable.
If you're planning a micro wedding or elopement, you're not alone - the past five years have seen the popularity of small weddings absolutely skyrocket, and we're totally here for it! Whether you just want to simplify things or pull focus back to what really matters to you, opting to downsize your wedding could be the best decision you'll ever make!
When it comes to deciding between an elopement or a micro wedding, you could be forgiven for getting a bit confused - are the terms interchangeable? And which one should you be going for? We're here to offer a bit of clarity around the different types of intimate weddings available out there, and help you to decide whether a micro wedding or an elopement is the right choice for you and your partner!
Elopement vs micro wedding?
First things first, let's clear up any confusion around the definitions of these types of smaller weddings - the two terms are often used interchangeably, but whilst they're closely related, they are actually two distinctly different things!
Elopements were traditionally hush-hush - think forbidden lovers running away in the middle of the night to get hitched in secret, with no guests in attendance. These days, elopements have changed a lot, and this kind of walk-in weddings, where you can get married on the same day, are mostly a thing of the past, with countries like Australia and the UK requiring 30 days' notice to obtain a marriage license. A true elopement means just you and your future spouse, the officiant, and two witnesses (these could be your wedding photographer and a random stranger if you wanted to be really secretive).
Micro weddings, on the other hand, are the big sister of elopements. Smaller than a big wedding and bigger than an elopement, they sit somewhere in the middle with anywhere from 10 to 30 people in attendance, and that includes wedding vendors. A micro wedding usually has all the hallmarks of a traditional wedding day - a wedding reception, cake, the first dance, etc., just on a much smaller scale.
Say bye-bye to the big wedding
Now you're clear on the definitions of elopements and micro weddings, let's delve into why you might want to ditch the big traditional wedding in favour of one with a smaller guest list. Whilst there are many reasons for choosing a smaller wedding, couples who opt for a more intimate celebration typically fall into one of two camps - those who want to keep costs down, and those who just don't want the fuss of a big wedding. Couples often find that without the pressure of hundreds of eyes on them, they can fully embrace the experience, get creative with ideas, and truly enjoy the magic of the day.
It's no secret that wedding planning can feel overwhelming, and whilst we can't guarantee that the planning process for an elopement or micro wedding will be entirely stress-free, it's often a lot more fun than planning larger weddings. Elopements, in particular, offer an opportunity to stray from traditional wedding tropes and do things your way. Fancy a wedding ceremony up a mountain? Elope! Want Elvis to officiate? Elope! Want to say your vows by a waterfall in Vietnam? You guessed it, elope!
If you've been dreaming of getting married somewhere exotic, elopements and micro weddings are a great way of making destination weddings more affordable. Fewer guests can mean more cash to splash on the wedding experience you truly want, and give you a chance to celebrate your love story in a more meaningful and intimate way.
Elopement vs micro wedding: Which one is right for you?
Choosing to plan a micro wedding or elopement can present some tricky decisions and mean having some uncomfortable conversations with your friends and family. Many couples choose an elopement because it offers them the freedom to get married without navigating difficult family dynamics, and of course a true elopement done in secret means that you can present your marriage as a done deed, and maybe sweeten things with some kind of celebration such as a meal or party for friends and family at a later date!
If you and your future spouse can't imagine getting married without close friends and family, and you want family photos to look back on, then a micro wedding is probably the choice for you. How micro you wish to make your wedding is completely up to you - some couples might choose to have very few guests, and rent an Airbnb for the weekend with a small group of their closest family and friends, whilst others might want a slightly more formal celebration with a few more guests. A micro wedding gives you the flexibility to include those who matter most, while still keeping the celebration intimate and relaxed.
When deciding between an elopement or a micro wedding, it really comes down to what kind of celebration you want to create and who you want to share it with in the moment. If you’d rather skip the stress of a large guest list, focus your energy (and money!) on creating meaningful memories, and spend the day focusing on celebrating with your partner without too much fanfare, then eloping might be the way to go. But if you’d love to invite a handful of loved ones, include your parents, and enjoy a day filled with all the traditional touches - like vendors, photography, and a bit of music - then a micro wedding could be the perfect fit.
Whichever type of celebration you choose, whatever the size of your wedding guest list, and whether your wedding ceremony takes place alone on a yacht or in front of loved ones in a more traditional wedding venue, the most important thing is that your wedding is a celebration of you and your partner. If you focus on what would make the two of you happiest, you're sure to have the perfect day!