How to Plan a Micro Wedding: Intimate, Elegant, Unforgettable

Short answer: A micro wedding is an intentional celebration with 10 to 50 guests. It is not about cutting corners. It is about investing in quality over quantity, creating meaningful moments, and giving every guest a real seat at your table.

• Choose a venue that doubles as an experience: vacation rental, private estate, garden, or beach
• Start planning 6 to 9 months ahead, with flexibility for 3 to 6 months if needed
• Keep your guest list tight, then invest your budget in food, photography, and personal touches
• Build a relaxed timeline with space for conversation and candid moments
• Use a shared photo gallery like Gather Shot so every guest can contribute their perspective

Who This Is For (And Not For)

This is for you if:

• You value quality time over a packed ballroom
• You want your wedding to feel like the best dinner party you have ever thrown
• You are comfortable keeping the celebration small and intentional

This is not for you if:

• You cannot cut your guest list below 100
• You feel obligated to invite extended family to avoid conflict

A micro wedding requires saying no to some people. That is part of what makes it special.

What Is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding typically includes 10 to 50 guests. It is more than an elopement but far smaller than a traditional wedding. You still have a ceremony, a reception, a photographer, and all the elements that make a wedding feel like a wedding.

The difference is scale.

Micro does not mean cheap or tacky. Many couples reallocate their budget to create a more elevated experience: better food, nicer florals, a stunning venue, and more time with each guest. With fewer people, you can afford details that would be impractical at scale:

• Handwritten place cards
• A custom menu
• A live musician during dinner

The intimacy changes everything. Every guest knows you well, conversations are real, and you can actually sit down and eat with your closest people.

Where to Host a Micro Wedding

The venue sets the tone. Here are four options that work well for small weddings.

Airbnb or VRBO Rentals

Renting a large home lets you host your wedding and accommodate guests for the entire weekend. The ceremony happens in the backyard, dinner on the patio, and everyone stays under one roof. It feels like a house party, elevated.

Considerations: Check the listing rules carefully. Many properties prohibit events. Get written approval from the host, clarify guest limits, and ask about noise restrictions and parking.

Private Estates

Estates offer manicured grounds, architectural details, and often basic event infrastructure. They feel polished without requiring hundreds of guests to fill the space.

Considerations: Rental fees can be higher. Clarify what is included and what you need to rent separately.

Gardens and Parks

A garden or botanical setting provides natural beauty that requires minimal decoration. Your budget can go toward florals, food, and photography instead of transforming a blank venue.

Considerations: Weather is a factor. Have a backup plan for rain or extreme heat. Check permit requirements, rules about amplified music, and time limits.

Beaches and Waterfronts

A beach ceremony offers dramatic views and a naturally relaxed atmosphere. Sunset ceremonies are especially striking with a small group.

Considerations: Wind and waves affect audio. Sand is hard on formal shoes. Check local regulations on setups, permits, and group size.

Micro Wedding Planning Timeline

You do not need a year to plan a micro wedding. Six to nine months is comfortable. Three to six months works if you are flexible on dates and venues.

6 to 9 months out:

• Define your guest count and budget
• Choose a venue type
• Book your venue, officiant, and photographer

4 to 6 months out:

• Finalize your guest list and send save-the-dates
• Book catering, florals, hair and makeup, and music

2 to 3 months out:

• Send formal invitations
• Finalize your menu and ceremony details
• Build your day-of timeline with input from your photographer (see our wedding day timeline guide for tips)
• Set up your Gather Shot event so guests can easily upload photos

1 month out:

• Confirm RSVPs and share final headcount with vendors
• Create your seating plan
• Share your photo priorities with your photographer

Day of:

Keep the schedule relaxed. A typical flow:

1. Getting ready
2. Optional first look
3. Ceremony
4. Cocktails
5. Dinner with toasts
6. A quiet moment for the two of you

Use the wedding day timeline builder to map out your schedule.

Crafting Your Guest List

The guest list is the hardest part of a micro wedding. You cannot invite everyone, and that is the point.

Start with your non-negotiables: immediate family and closest friends. Ask yourself: who would you want at a dinner party celebrating your relationship? If you would not invite them to that, they probably do not belong at your micro wedding.

Be direct with family. Explain that you are keeping the celebration small. Most people understand.

Making Your Micro Wedding Memorable

A micro wedding should feel like a wedding, not just a fancy dinner. Layer in meaningful elements:

• A ceremony with personal vows
• A first dance
• A curated playlist

Personal touches matter more at this scale. Handwritten notes at each place setting, a signature cocktail, or a group photo where everyone actually fits in the frame.

With a small group, you can collect photos from every angle. Set up a Gather Shot gallery and share the QR code with guests. Their candid shots will complement your professional photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests should I invite to a micro wedding?

Most micro weddings have 10 to 50 guests. The sweet spot is often 20 to 35, small enough to feel intimate but big enough for energy and toasts.

Is a micro wedding just a cheaper version of a regular wedding?

Not necessarily. You can save money, but many couples invest the savings into higher-quality food, florals, photography, and guest experience.

Can I plan a micro wedding in just a few months?

Yes. With a smaller guest count and flexible date, 3 to 6 months is realistic. Book venue, officiant, and photographer first.

How do I make a micro wedding feel special?

Include wedding elements like a ceremony with vows, a first dance, and intentional decor. Use personal touches and a shared photo gallery to mark the day as uniquely yours.

Next Steps

Start by deciding on your guest count and venue style. Use the wedding day timeline builder to plan your schedule and set up a Gather Shot gallery so guests can share every moment.