Who said small weddings can’t be big on fun?
Are you tired of the traditional wedding scene? The cookie-cutter venues, the endless guest list, and the pressure to have a picture-perfect day? Well, why not shake things up with my micro-wedding ideas for adventurous couples who want to do things their own way?
As an Alabama-based elopement photographer covering the Southeast and Tennessee too, I have experienced couples doing this and it not only makes for a unique and memorable experience, but it’s also the perfect solution for those looking to have a small, intimate wedding with a dash of adventure.
Micro-wedding planning is a breeze with the right ideas in place. So pack your tents, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to say “I do” your way.
9 Micro-Wedding Ideas
- Small Guest List, Big Love
- Get Married in Your Family Home
- Getting Hitched in a National Park
- Invest in a Photographer
- Personalizing Your Vows
- Pre-Wedding Events
- Scenic Ceremony Site
- Live Stream Ceremony
- Glamping and a Family Hike
Small Guest List, Big Love
Time to play favorites!
Don’t worry, it’s your wedding, and you’re allowed to. The first micro-wedding idea is to limit your guest list to the ones you would want on a lifeboat with you. I am talking about the kind of love that could probably be seen from space, not the “third-cousin-twice-removed who still sends you Christmas sweaters” kind of love.
A smaller crowd not only takes the pressure off your wallet but also makes the day more personal and love-filled. Let’s face it, keeping tabs on your Cousin and his fascination with the champagne fountain is much easier when you’re not dealing with a sea of faces.
And remember, the fewer the guests, the more cake there is for everyone! Now that’s what I call a sweet deal.
Get Married in Your Family Home
Alright, hear me out with this micro-wedding idea.
The Capulets and Montagues had the right idea (minus the whole star-crossed tragedy thing). Using your family home as your wedding venue can be a charming and budget-friendly move.
I am talking about saying “I do” in your childhood backyard, or in the cozy living room where you had your first awkward family Christmas. Just think about the comfort level.
Plus, you can be sure that Uncle Bob won’t get lost on the way. You will have the liberty to decorate the place just as you want without hearing a peep from any venue managers.
And the best part? The after-party clean-up can wait till your honeymoon’s over!
Getting Hitched in a National Park
Looking for a wedding venue that screams ‘epic’ without emptying your wallet?
Fancy saying your vows under a sky so blue it makes your grandma’s sapphire brooch look dull? Cue a national park wedding. It’s like the Discovery Channel minus the shark attacks and close-ups of insects.
You get jaw-dropping landscapes, sweet bird symphonies, and a bear or two (from a safe distance, I hope) as your audience.
Your ceremony backdrop is a natural wonder. Plus, with the money you save on decorations, you can splurge on something fun, like a hot air balloon exit. This is a micro wedding reception idea that is never disappointing.
Check out my blog post – What to Expect From a Smoky Mountain National Park Elopement.
Invest in a Photographer
Let’s be honest, your wedding is no time for a DIY photo session.
A professional photographer, like me, is what you need to capture all those candid moments in their true essence. After all, you wouldn’t want your best man’s epic dance moves or your Aunt’s teary-eyed toast looking like grainy Bigfoot footage, right?
Plus, selfies aren’t really an option unless you want your wedding album filled with your right cheek and half of your partner’s forehead.
Lastly, you and your guests will want to fully indulge in the moment without worrying about capturing every detail.
A micro-wedding is the perfect opportunity for your photographer to capture the special details and raw moments that happen, as the focus is on what is most important to you with those closest to you.
Personalizing Your Vows
This micro-wedding idea is your chance to express your love in a way that only you can.
Mention how you will love them even when they are on their third hour of watching sports bloopers, or how you adore their talent for burning toast just right. Add in a dash of humor – maybe something about vowing to always let your partner control the Netflix queue (even if it is full of true crime documentaries).
Spice things up, make them laugh, and show your love in all its weird, wonderful glory.
Who knows? Your personalized vows could end up being more memorable than the cake – and that’s saying something!
Pre-Wedding Events
You know what they say – why put off until tomorrow what you can do today?
Why not kick off the wedding fun a day early, a week early, or heck, even a month early?
Ever thought of a pre-wedding hike to help those city slickers in your family find their inner Bear Grylls? Or what about a glamping night under the stars, filled with gooey s’mores and off-key renditions of Kumbaya?
Pre-wedding events are like the trailer to your wedding blockbuster. They build up the hype and let you share the thrill of impending marital bliss with your nearest and dearest.
Plus, they serve as a fantastic distraction for your in-laws while you tackle last-minute prep like deciding whether the napkins should be eggshell or ivory (Spoiler alert: nobody will notice).
With this micro-wedding idea, you can start the party early or take the opportunity of a small wedding to incorporate some activities throughout your wedding day.
Scenic Ceremony Site
Say ‘I do’ in the most stylish location, courtesy of Mother Nature herself.
She’s your floral designer, your decorator, and your lighting technician all rolled into one. The best part? Her fees are unbeatable!
Getting married outdoors means you have verdant trees as your wedding arch, a sunset that’s straight out of a Bob Ross painting as your background, and flowers that even the fanciest florist can’t compete with.
Let’s not forget the fluttering butterflies doubling as confetti. So if you’re looking for a wedding venue that leaves your guests spellbound, look no further than the great outdoors.
Just remember, your bear-themed wedding cake might attract some uninvited furry guests, so keep a picnic basket handy as a peace offering!
Now this micro-wedding idea is what I call a win-win situation!
Live Stream Ceremony
Let’s face it, not everyone is equipped for a ceremony in the wilderness.
Aunt Martha may not be keen on swapping her orthopedic shoes for hiking boots, and let’s not even start on Grandma’s issues with bug spray.
But hey, thanks to the marvels of modern technology, they can still watch you tie the knot without stepping a foot outside their living rooms. Just livestream your ceremony and voila!
Instant virtual wedding. You can tie the knot amidst the trees while your city-bound relatives ooh and aah from the comfort of their air-conditioned homes. Plus, it saves Grandma’s legs from climbing that hefty terrain!
So go ahead, put on your hiking boots and walk down that forest aisle knowing that everyone you love is right there with you with this micro-wedding idea, even if they are technically watching from their couch.
Glamping and a Family Hike
Replace those wedding bells with the sounds of chirping birds as you and your guests embark on a family hike.
With this micro-wedding idea, everyone can bond over the thrill of possibly spotting Bigfoot.
Pitch your tents and embark on a glamping adventure. Share heartwarming tales and slightly burnt marshmallows around the campfire. It’s the ultimate pre-wedding bonding experience that doubles as a game of “Who can find the most creative use for duct tape?”.
So gear up for an adventure that beats a boring old rehearsal dinner any day. After all, nothing says “I do” quite like matching family hiking boots and mosquito net veils!
Ready to Plan Your Micro-Wedding?
There you have it – my micro-wedding ideas for adventurous couples! Your loved ones can be a part of your wedding day and you can fill your day with the things you love most and give you joy, all whilst keeping things small and intimate.
Anything is possible when you put your mind to it and with the right support.
If you are ready to enquire about your wedding photography then get in touch with me today – I am a micro wedding photographer and I would love to hear about the day you have planned, give you some guidance and of course, capture your day in all of its beauty.
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