What is a micro wedding? It’s a question many couples are asking in light of the COVID-19 pandemic- including couples who just months ago envision large weddings with hundreds of guests.

In short, micro weddings are the future. It’s hard to imagine large celebrations taking place anytime in the near future, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tie the knot- or that your wedding will be any less magical. Micro weddings are small, intentional celebrations with guests lists often in the single digits (though nuptials with up to 50 guests considered micro weddings), making them the default option for couples planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like elopements, micro weddings were already a popular choice for couples even before the pandemic hit. Keeping your guest list small ensures that you can meaningfully interact with each guest, and keeps your wedding costs low (though luxury micro-weddings are also an option, of course!).

These 10 couples all opted for micro weddings, and as you’ll see from their wedding galleries, their special days couldn’t have been anymore, well, special!

Psst… Looking for the perfect small wedding venue? Check out the Intimate Weddings Venue Finder.

*These weddings took place before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Safety should always be the priority when planning your wedding. Be sure to check with local guidelines regarding physical distancing measures, and gatherings of small groups, and stay up to date with recommendations from health officials.

Filled with organic, tropical details and romantic moments, Sara and Jason’s boho micro wedding in Maui was truly a stand-out celebration.

Photography: One Eleven Photography

 The beauty of the desert provides the perfect backdrop for Janice and Austin’s Pioneertown wedding.

Photography: Paige Nelson Photography

Nicole and Anthony chose the rugged coastline in Cambria, California to say their ‘I do’s’ with just 14 guests in attendance, and their micro wedding couldn’t have been any dreamier. 

Photography: Northfern

For Lauren and Caleb, the decision to keep their wedding guest list small was an easy one. “We wanted only our closest family and friends to be there to share in our special day so we could enjoy every single person without feeling the burden of ‘making our rounds’,” shared the bride.

Photography: Mikaela Wendel Photography 

A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of Liza and Ryan, who chose the rugged BC coastline as the backdrop of their $8,000 16-guest intimate wedding. 

Photography: Tulle & Tweed Photography 

Carrie Lynn and Blake’s intimate wedding in Tennessee is as beautiful and heartfelt as it gets. 

micro wedding in tennesseemicro wedding in tennesseePhotography: Laklin Brooke Photography 

Erin and Jake had an intimate outdoor ceremony at River Oaks Garden Club Forum in Houston, Texas with 25 of their nearest and dearest. We absolutely love the garden ceremony space! 

micro wedding in texasmicro wedding in texasPhotography: Half a Rice Studios

Julie and Robert, who live in Ohio, had plans to get married in Cleveland, but their plans changed when a close family member got sick.

“Sadly, Robert’s dad was diagnosed with cancer and he needed aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. We were originally planning to get married in Cleveland, Ohio, where we live, but Robert’s dad told us that he wouldn’t be able to travel during treatment,” says Julie.

Having Robert’s parents, who resided in North Carolina, attend the wedding was extremely important to the couple, so they brought the wedding to them.

Photography: Winslow Picture Company 

Simple, beautiful and heartfelt, Jamie and Terence’s wedding at the Wildwood Manor House will make you forget all about any pre-COVID large wedding plans. 

micro wedding ohio micro wedding ohioPhotography: Luckybird Photography 

“When the bride-to-be and groom-to-be began planning, they sat down with all the traditions and completely threw out the ones that they knew weren’t for them. The result was beautiful […]. The moments shared were nothing short of remarkable. Everything flowed together so seamlessly and the moments were equally full of laughter and tears of joy.” – Photographer Becki Smith from Smith House Weddings on Melba and Josh’s Intimate & Elegant Houston Wedding

micro wedding in texasmicro wedding in texasPhotography: Smith House Weddings