Micro Wedding vs Elopement
How to choose what’s right for you.
When couples first start planning, one of the biggest questions that comes up is:
Should we have a micro wedding… or just elope?
And honestly, there’s no right answer.
Both options allow you to step away from tradition and create something that actually feels like you. The difference comes down to how you want your day to feel, who you want there, and what kind of experience you’re craving.
So as your Arizona Photographer I’m going to break it down in a way that actually makes sense- not just logistically, but emotionally too.
What Is An Elopement?
An elopement today looks very different than it used to.
Instead of running away in secret, it’s become an intentional choice to create a deeply personal, experience-driven day. Usually just the two of you (or sometimes a couple of your closest people).
Elopements are often centered around:
- being fully present with each other
- choosing a meaningful or beautiful location
- letting the day unfold naturally without pressure or expectations
It’s less about a timeline, and more about a feeling.
What is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is like a scaled-down version of a traditional wedding — typically with no more than 55 guests.
You still have many of the elements of a wedding day:
- a ceremony
- time with your people
- often a dinner or small reception
But everything feels more intentional, more relaxed, and more connected.
It’s not about doing less— it’s about doing what matters most for you two.
The Key Differences:
Elopement:
- Usually just the couple (or very few people)
- Experience-focused (location, adventure, intimacy)
- Flexible, less structured
- Often no formal reception
Micro Wedding:
- Small guest list (55 guests- max)
- More structure (ceremony, dinner, etc.)
- Still intimate, but shared with the ones closest to you
How To Choose What Is Right For You Two:
The decision isn’t just about guest count, it’s about how you want your day to feel.
You might lean toward an elopement if:
- you want something deeply personal and private
- you feel overwhelmed by expectations
- you’re drawn to a location-based experience
You might lean toward a micro wedding if:
- you can’t imagine the day without your people there
- you still want that shared energy, just on a smaller scale
- you want a mix of intimacy and celebration
Neither is better than the other— they’re just different ways of honoring your relationship.
How I Approach Both:
No matter which direction you choose, my approach stays rooted in the same thing: documenting your day in a way that feels honest, natural, and true to you.
I’ll step in when needed, guiding you through moments so nothing feels awkward or forced but I’ll never interrupt something real just to recreate it.
Whether it’s just the two of you on a quiet desert overlook or surrounded by your closest people at a candlelit dinner, my role is to capture not just how it looked but how it felt.
If you’re still unsure which direction feels right, that’s completely okay! Most couples don’t have it fully figured out at this stage.
This is something we can walk through together.
Whether you’re envisioning something quiet and just the two of you, or a small gathering with your favorite people, I’m here to help you shape a day that actually feels like yours.
If you are ready to book your Arizona photographer, I’m your girl!
I would love to chat.
X,
D
