If you’re planning a nontraditional wedding, you’ve probably come across the terms elopement and small wedding (or micro wedding) used almost interchangeably. While they have a lot in common, they’re not exactly the same thing.
The biggest difference isn’t really about the guest count. It’s about the experience you want to create. Do you picture spending the day hiking through the mountains with just the two of you? Or do you imagine celebrating with your closest friends and family around a long dinner table?
The good news? There’s no wrong answer. In fact, many couples choose a combination of both. Let’s look at the differences so you can decide what feels right for you.
What Is an Elopement?
An elopement is a wedding day that’s intentionally centered around your experience as a couple. While many elopements are just the two of you, they can also include a handful of your closest family members or friends.
Instead of following a traditional wedding timeline, elopements give you the freedom to create a day that feels true to your relationship. Whether that means hiking to a mountain overlook, exchanging vows in the desert, or sharing a quiet dinner together afterward, there are no rules—just the experience you want to create.
What Is a Small Wedding?
A small wedding, often called a micro wedding, includes a limited number of guests while keeping the day intimate and intentional. Most small weddings have anywhere from 20 to 50 guests, giving you the chance to celebrate with your closest friends and family without the stress of a large event.
Many couples love small weddings because they offer the best of both worlds. You still get meaningful time with the people you love, while keeping the day relaxed and focused on what matters most.
Pros of Having an Elopement
One of the biggest advantages of eloping is the flexibility to create a wedding day that’s completely your own.
You can get married almost anywhere—a mountain overlook, a desert trail, a quiet forest, or even somewhere halfway across the world. You’re not limited by guest count, seating, or the logistics that often come with a larger wedding.
Elopements also create space.
Instead of rushing through a packed timeline, you can slow down and truly experience your wedding day. That extra time lets you build the day around the things you love, whether that’s hiking to a scenic overlook, sharing a picnic, enjoying a private chef dinner, or simply soaking in the views together.
At the end of the day, an elopement gives you the chance to create a celebration that feels intentional, meaningful, and completely true to your relationship.
Pros of Having a Small Wedding
Small weddings offer a different kind of experience.
You still get an intimate, intentional wedding day, but you also get to share it with the people who matter most.
For many couples, that’s the biggest advantage. You can celebrate with your closest friends and family while keeping the day relaxed, personal, and free from the stress that often comes with a larger wedding.
Small weddings also give you more flexibility when it comes to venues. Many locations offer micro wedding packages or beautiful spaces designed specifically for intimate celebrations.
Another benefit is balance. You have the opportunity to spend meaningful time with your guests without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one conversation to the next.
Whether it’s sharing a long dinner together, spending the weekend with loved ones, or simply enjoying quality time with the people closest to you, a small wedding creates space for genuine connection while still keeping the focus on your relationship.
Why Not Do Both? (My Favorite Option)
If you’re stuck between the two, you don’t actually have to choose.
More and more couples are blending both experiences, and it honestly gives you the best of both worlds.
You can have a private elopement that is just for the two of you. Something quiet, intentional, and focused entirely on your relationship.
Then you can celebrate with your friends and family in a way that still feels relaxed and fun.
There are a few ways to do this:
- Plan a day for just the two fo you, celebrate with family and friends the next day
- Split your day into two parts (private vows + reception later)
- Travel somewhere to elope, then celebrate at home
This approach lets you keep the intimacy of an elopement while still including the people you love.
How to Choose What’s Right for You
IIf you’re still deciding between an elopement and a small wedding, take a moment to think about how you want your wedding day to feel.
Ask yourselves:
- Do you picture exchanging vows privately, or with your closest family and friends by your side?
- Are you dreaming of an adventurous experience, a celebration with loved ones, or a little bit of both?
- How important is it to have family present during your ceremony?
- Do you want a relaxed, full-day experience or something that feels a little more traditional?
The truth is, there isn’t a right or wrong choice. The best wedding day is the one that feels the most like you. And remember, you don’t have to fit into one category. Many couples choose to combine both experiences, creating a day that’s uniquely their own.
Final Thoughts on an Elopement vs Small Wedding
Whether you’re dreaming of an adventurous elopement, an intimate wedding with your closest family, or a little bit of both, I’d love to help you create a day that feels true to you. If you’re still looking for a photographer, you can learn more about working together here or get in touch to start dreaming up your day.
And, if you still need the perfect photographer to capture your wedding day, whether you opt for an elopement alone or a party with your friends and family, I’d love to chat. You can learn more about my wedding and elopement photography here or you can get in touch with me to talk about your vision for your special day!
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