Weddings do not have to mean 200 guests, a ballroom, and a five-figure budget. That is why more and more couples are looking into having a micro-wedding.

This intimate approach to celebrating love focuses less on obligation and more on what truly matters, which is being surrounded by the people who mean the most to you.

Instead of stretching your wedding budget thin or stressing over endless logistics, a micro wedding allows you to create a meaningful day that reflects your story, your priorities, and your vision.

What Is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding usually ranges from 20 to 50 guests. Because of the smaller guest count, couples often find they can allocate your budget in ways that feel more intentional.

This type of small wedding is best described as a middle ground between an elopement vs a traditional ceremony. It keeps the structure of a wedding ceremony and wedding reception but on a much smaller celebration.

You still get to exchange vows with an officiant, enjoy a dinner reception, and share your big day with loved ones, but you keep the guest list short and focus on meaningful experiences.

Instead of paying for 200 dinners, you might spend on a live acoustic band, a multi-course farm-to-table meal, or a stunning micro-wedding venue that would have been out of reach with a larger guest count.

Couples in California are especially drawn to unique micro wedding venues like Breathing Trees Camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where the redwoods and serene forest setting create a naturally intimate backdrop.

Why Micro Weddings Are Becoming So Popular

Micro-weddings are not just a wedding trend. They are a response to the pressures of modern life, the average wedding cost, and the desire for authenticity.

Couples are realizing they do not need to host a regular wedding with many guests to celebrate in a way that feels special.

Here are a few reasons why couples are embracing micro weddings:

A More Manageable Budget

With fewer guests, costs naturally decrease. Couples can decide whether to keep things simple and save money or to reallocate their budget toward premium experiences like gourmet catering, luxury wedding photographer services, or a weekend celebration.

Focus on Relationships

Instead of rushing between tables to say hello to 150 guests, you have time to connect with every person who attends. A micro wedding allows for genuine conversations, giving you time to spend quality moments with your closest family and friends.

Flexibility with Venues

Smaller weddings open the door to creative venue options. From an intimate backyard ceremony to boutique campgrounds like Breathing Trees Camp, you can find spaces that reflect your personality rather than booking the standard ballroom.

Less Stress and More Joy

Larger weddings often come with big stress. Micro weddings are easier to plan a wedding, easier to manage, and allow you to be present on your big day instead of worrying about logistics.

Five Inspiring Micro Wedding Ideas You Will Love

If you are wondering how to make a smaller celebration just as memorable as a larger reception, here are five creative ideas:

A Redwoods Ceremony

Exchange vows surrounded by towering redwoods for a breathtaking natural backdrop. Many couples choose intimate outdoor spaces like Breathing Trees Camp for a setting that feels magical and grounded in nature.

Imagine saying your vows surrounded by ancient redwoods. At Breathing Trees Camp, couples can choose between ridge-top redwood views or a mountain meadow for their ceremony: both offering a one-of-a-kind natural backdrop.

A Backyard Celebration

Turn your own intimate backyard into the perfect wedding venue with string lights, handcrafted decorations, and a cozy dinner party vibe. It is personal, affordable, and full of charm.

Vineyard Micro Wedding

California vineyards are perfect for couples who want a rustic yet elegant setting. Imagine sharing wine tastings, gourmet food, and golden hour photos with your elopement photographer among the vines.

Weekend Wedding Campout

Instead of a single day, host a wedding weekend. Guests can gather for a welcome bonfire, camp in cozy pods or cabins, and enjoy the outdoors together. It turns your wedding into an unforgettable wedding experience.

Destination Micro Wedding

Fewer guests make it easier to travel. Whether you dream of a mountain lodge, a seaside escape, or a forest retreat, a destination wedding can be more affordable when the wedding size is limited to 25 guests or fewer.

How to Plan a Micro Wedding Step by Step

Planning a micro wedding still takes thought and organization, but the process is often less overwhelming. Here is a step by step guide to help you:

1. Decide on Your Guest List

Your guest list sets the tone. Start with your must-have people, like immediate family and closest family friends. Aim for 20 to 25 guests so the event stays intimate and manageable compared to a 100-person wedding.

2. Choose the Right Venue

Since you are not limited to larger weddings, think creatively. Do you want nature, like the redwoods at Breathing Trees Camp? A chic city rooftop? Or an intimate backyard that feels personal? Pick a space that matches your vision and allows you to create the mood you want.

3. Define Your Budget Priorities

With a lower guest count, you can decide where to spend and where to save. Some couples splurge on gourmet meals and a wedding photographer, while others invest in décor or accommodations for a weekend retreat. Be clear about what matters most as you plan your wedding.

4. Craft a Personalized Ceremony

A smaller guest count gives you the freedom to make your ceremony unique. Write your own vows, invite loved ones to share readings, or include traditions that matter to you. Intimacy allows for more authenticity compared to larger guest weddings.

5. Plan an Intimate Reception

Consider interactive elements like a long family style dinner table, wine tastings, or lawn games. Because you have fewer people, you can create experiences that reflect your personalities instead of sticking to rigid traditions.

6. Add Personal Touches

Micro weddings shine in the details. Handwritten notes at each seat, a custom playlist, or favors that reflect your story make your wedding feel extra meaningful, whether it’s a minimony or a full-day event.

7. Hire the Right Vendors

Even with minimonies or a smaller celebration, the right vendors matter. Choose a wedding photographer who specializes in intimate weddings, a caterer who can create decadent meals, and a planner who understands micro weddings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Micro Weddings

Is a micro wedding cheaper than a traditional wedding?

Yes. With fewer guests, you save significantly on food, drinks, rentals, and venue space. Many couples reinvest savings into personal touches like a wedding dress, a decadent meal, or upgraded wedding packages.

Can I still have a reception with a micro wedding?

Absolutely. You can still enjoy a wedding reception with dinner, dancing, and entertainment. The difference is that with 10 people or 30, it feels more like an intimate celebration than a larger reception.

Is a micro wedding the same as an elopement?

No. An elopement vs micro wedding is all about what’s the difference in wedding size. An elopement or a minimony may only include the couple and a witness, while a micro wedding or elopement blends intimacy with structure. It is not the same as elopements and weddings on a bigger scale.

Where can I host a micro wedding in California?

California is full of beautiful venue options for micro weddings. Couples often choose redwood forests, vineyards, or coastal escapes. Breathing Trees Camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains is one of California’s most unique micro-wedding venues.

Our $5,000 all-inclusive package includes a redwood ceremony site, reception spaces, overnight accommodations for up to 30 guests, and exclusive use of our forest property.

Your Dream Wedding Day Can Be Intimate, Affordable, and Unforgettable

A micro wedding is an intimate celebration that balances meaning, affordability, and style. By focusing on connection and experiences, couples can design a wedding that feels authentic without the stress of larger guest counts or the average wedding cost.

Whether you dream of exchanging vows in the redwoods, hosting an intimate backyard dinner, or creating a weekend retreat for loved ones, a micro wedding gives you freedom. It’s everything you need to know about keeping love at the center of your celebration.

If the idea of an intimate redwood wedding resonates with you, Breathing Trees Camp makes it simple. With affordable, all-inclusive packages, stunning natural settings, and exclusive weekend use, you can create a micro wedding that feels authentic, personal, and unforgettable.

Contact us today to start planning your redwood forest wedding.

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