As couples choose to have smaller celebrations that align more with their values, the question may come up…what the heck is the difference between an elopement and a micro/intimate wedding?

The answer depends on who you ask. Many (including Google) would say that an elopement is a spur of the moment, secret union where only the couple and the officiant are present and anything else is an intimate wedding. I, however, personally disagree with this idea.

So what makes an elopement an elopement?

My answer: the number of guests, the complexity of the day, and where you choose to focus your energy.

An elopement can be 0 to 10 guests, not including the couple, officiant, and any vendors. Some couples choose just to have an elopement with the just two of them, while others choose to have their best friends, closest family, or a combination of both. It doesn’t have to be a secret, but it can be!

As far as complexity of the day goes, an elopement is going to be MUCH more laid back and less timeline-oriented and event than an intimate wedding. There’s no rush to be in a specific time for a specific event (unless you really want to catch the sunset.) The focus is solely on the couple and how they’ve chosen to celebrate their love; they just so happened to want to include a few of the favorite people.

An intimate wedding will have 10-50 guests with more a timeline oriented structure and events similar to that of a larger day. An intimate wedding will also have more energy focused on your guests, as you’re likely serving them food and entertainment. You’ll also need a space to hold your micro wedding, which means venue rental of some sort.

For example, your elopement day could look like..
– Getting ready (together OR separate) and detail photos
– First look with partner
– Ceremony
– Photos with anyone present
– Photo location 1 for couples portraits
– Photo location 2 for couples portraits

and your intimate wedding day would look more like…
– Getting ready and detail photos
– First look with partner
– Couples portraits
– Family portraits
– Ceremony
– Cocktail hour
– Couples photos
– First dance
– Speeches
– Reception

You feel me on the difference?

One thing to remember: both include planning. An intimate wedding will likely be a bit more complex when it comes to planning, but elopements still require planning. The cool thing? I offer elopement planning in my packages!

I’m Colleen, a north Georgia based elopement and intimate wedding photographer. I hope this blog clears up the difference between an elopement and a micro wedding. I fully believe that these smaller weddings are an intentional act that reflect your love and marriage, and I love working with couples that hold that intentionality for one another! Reach out today so we can chat about your day.