Micro Weddings: What They Are, What They Cost, and Why Couples Are Choosing Them
- Sarah Clark Varley
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Part 1 of a 3-part series
What Is a Micro Wedding?
A Modern, Intentional Way to Get Married
If you’re planning a wedding and finding yourself drawn to something smaller, more personal, and less performative, you may have come across the term micro wedding. It’s a phrase that’s become increasingly common but often misunderstood.
A micro wedding isn’t always a scaled-down version of a “real” wedding. It’s not an elopement with a few extras. And it’s definitely not a temporary trend that only existed during COVID.
A micro wedding is a fully realized wedding experience designed intentionally for a smaller guest count.
Let’s define what a micro wedding actually is, what it includes, and why so many couples in Montana are choosing this format today.
What Is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is an intimate wedding celebration that typically includes 10–50 guests, while still featuring the core elements of a traditional wedding.
That usually means:
A meaningful ceremony
A planned reception or dinner
Professional vendors (photographer, florist, catering, etc.)
A timeline and flow for the day
Thoughtful design and guest experience
The key difference isn’t what you include; it’s how intentionally everything is chosen.
Instead of building a wedding around a large guest list, a micro wedding is built around:
Connection
Experience
Atmosphere
Presence
Micro Wedding vs. Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding
These terms often get used interchangeably, but they represent very different experiences.
Elopement
Typically 2–10 people
Often location-focused (mountains, national parks, private land)
Minimal structure
Short timelines
Usually no formal reception
Micro Wedding
10–50 guests
Full ceremony and reception
Structured timeline
Professional vendors
Design-forward and guest-centered
Traditional Wedding
75–250+ guests
Large-scale logistics
Bigger production
More complex timelines and coordination
Micro weddings sit in the middle, offering the meaning and celebration of a traditional wedding without the scale.
What a Micro Wedding Is Not
This is important.
A micro wedding is not:
A “budget wedding” by default
Casual or unplanned
Something you throw together last minute
Less emotional or less important
In fact, many micro weddings require more intentional planning because every moment, space, and interaction matters more.
When you have 25 guests instead of 200, there’s nowhere to hide disorganization, and the experience needs to be seamless.
Why Guest Count Matters So Much
Guest count is the foundation of your entire wedding experience.
With a smaller group:
You can actually talk to everyone
Guests feel included, not lost in a crowd
The day feels calm instead of rushed
The celebration feels grounded and personal
Many couples planning micro weddings say the same thing:
“We want our wedding to feel like us, not a production we’re hosting for other people.”
Where Micro Weddings Take Place
Micro weddings open the door to venues and locations that wouldn’t work for larger weddings, including:
Boutique venues
Private estates or homes
Outdoor Montana locations
Restaurants or intimate event spaces
Smaller ceremony sites with character
In and around Billings, micro weddings are especially appealing because couples can prioritize atmosphere and scenery without the logistical burden of managing hundreds of guests.
What a Micro Wedding Day Feels Like
Micro weddings often feel:
Slower
More emotional
More connected
Less rushed
More intentional
There’s time to breathe. Time to be present. Time to actually experience the moments you’re planning.
For many couples, that’s the entire point.
Is a Micro Wedding Right for You?
A micro wedding may be a great fit if you:
Value connection over crowd size
Want to be present on your wedding day
Prefer quality over quantity
Want flexibility in location and design
Are comfortable setting boundaries around guest lists
There’s no “better” or “worse” way to get married, only what aligns with your values and who you are as a couple.
Final Thoughts
Micro weddings aren’t a compromise. They’re a conscious choice.
They allow couples to celebrate their marriage in a way that feels honest, intentional, and deeply personal without the pressure to perform or impress.
In Part 2, we’ll dive into one of the biggest questions couples have:What does a micro wedding actually cost?
Until then!
Considering a micro wedding in the Billings or surrounding area? Check out my micro wedding package!
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