Elopements vs. Micro Weddings –
Is there a Difference?

The wedding industry is changing. As someone who has been advocating for small weddings and elopements for a very long time, I always believed that we were heading in this direction. However, things have been given something of a quantum leap thanks to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Out of necessity weddings have gotten smaller. We are now seeing vendors advertising their small weddings using a number of different terms including ‘intimate weddings’ and ‘micro weddings’. But, Elopements vs Micro Weddings – Is there a Difference? What do these terms actually mean? Are they just a fancy way of referring to elopements? Let’s explore this in more detail!

Why Are Weddings Getting Smaller?

First, let’s talk about the reason why weddings are getting smaller. As previously mentioned, this is a trend that has been in the cards for some time as more couples begin to realize that the money they would have spent on a big traditional wedding could be put to better use buying a home, paying off student loan debt, or starting a family. With the current Coronavirus situation, more couples are having smaller weddings for reasons that include:

• Money – With many people being furloughed, dropping hours, or losing their job completely there is less to spend on big weddings.
• Gathering Sizes – Many states have capped family gatherings at very low numbers meaning a small wedding is the only legal option.
• Travel Restrictions – Travel has been heavily disrupted throughout 2020 and although movement within the US is more feasible now, foreign travel is still difficult – so no or few destination weddings!
• Health – For some couples, their own health or the health of elderly relatives has made them think twice about the risks of a large family gathering.

Overall, it just seems like elopements are much safer.

What is a Micro Wedding?

Elopements have been gaining popularity for some time with money as the over-riding factor shaping that decision. Despite this, there is still a certain negative connotation for many people when they hear about elopements. It still triggers thoughts of couples marrying against their parents’ wishes as it did hundreds of years ago! This has encouraged us to talk about elopements in a new language. I talked about many of the new terms for elopements in my book, BIG Weddings SUCK!

But are elopements and micro weddings really the same thing? Our friends at Stonegate Manor recently published a blog posing that same question. They have only recently started to offer micro weddings and elopements in response to COVID-19, but state that they have actually found themselves really enjoying the smaller ceremonies. Couples too are expressing that Coronavirus has made them rethink their priorities too. With Michigan state laws limiting indoor gatherings to 10 people, their elopements for 8 guests are a popular choice. They do also have a Petite Wedding package for up to 30 people available once allowed – or if an outside ceremony is preferred. So, at least for Stonegate Manor, micro wedding is just another way to say elopement!

Elopements VS Micro Weddings

Other vendors have also been adding micro weddings to their offerings. Bespoke Events in Iowa have a Bespoke Micro Wedding package that promises an upscale small wedding or elopement on a smaller scale with all aspects of the day handled by the Vendor. The package is available for up to 50 people, which suggests that for them a micro wedding is closer to a small wedding than an elopement. Meanwhile, Harmony Gardens in Pennsylvania is also serving those seeking smaller weddings. Officiant Lois Heckman can accommodate 2 to 35 people for micro weddings or elopements at her property in the Pocono Mountains.

I also came across a blog by Meri Wick, who owns the Westbrook Inn in Connecticut discussing how Coronavirus has impacted the wedding industry this year. She describes Micro Weddings as an intimate celebration for between 5 and 50 guests. She also points out that since Connecticut is one of the top 5 most expensive states to get married in, the growing popularity of elopements and micro weddings is being welcomed by couples in the state!

So, what is the final word? What is the difference between elopements and micro weddings? The two phrases can be used interchangeably, but it seems that most vendors are considering micro weddings as slightly bigger affairs, but much smaller than a traditional wedding. A good rule of thumb would likely be that around 10 guests is considered a micro wedding.