Elopement vs Micro Wedding: Which One Is Right for You?

Written by Mark Benny — With over 20 years experience photographing more than 400 weddings, Mark shares insights gained from witnessing thousands of wedding moments and co-founding Long Acre Flower Farm in the Hunter Valley.

One of the biggest questions couples ask when planning a smaller wedding is: Should we elope, or should we have a micro wedding?

The answer really comes down to one thing: who do you want to share this moment with?

At Long Acre Flower Farm, we see both elopements and micro weddings as beautiful ways to celebrate your marriage without the stress, cost, and complexity of a traditional large wedding.

After more than 20 years photographing weddings, I’ve seen firsthand that the most meaningful celebrations are not always the biggest ones. They are the ones where couples feel relaxed, present, and surrounded by the people who matter most.

What Is an Elopement?

Traditionally, an elopement meant just the two of you quietly getting married, often without telling anyone beforehand.

While that still happens today, elopements have changed. Many couples now choose a more personal version, inviting a small number of their closest family or friends, often around 2 to 12 guests.

This allows couples to keep the intimacy of an elopement while still sharing the moment with the people who mean the most.

Why We Often Recommend Inviting Your Closest Family!

One thing I have noticed over many years photographing weddings is that sometimes the people who love you most can find it difficult to miss such an important milestone.

Grandparents, parents, and older family members often dream of seeing the people they love get married. For some, it may be one of the last weddings they ever attend.

While every couple has the right to celebrate their wedding in the way that feels right for them, it is worth considering those closest to you before deciding to disappear and elope without telling anyone.

Sometimes having just a few special people there creates even more meaningful memories.

What Is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is similar in style to an elopement but includes a slightly larger group of guests.

Usually around 12 to 20 guests, a micro wedding gives you more time to celebrate with your family and friends while still keeping the day relaxed and personal.

It is perfect for couples who have:

• A larger immediate family

• Close friends they cannot imagine leaving out

• Parents or grandparents who want to be part of the day

• A desire to spend quality time with every guest

Rather than spending the day greeting 100 people, a micro wedding allows you to actually enjoy the people who came to celebrate you.

The Best Part About Smaller Weddings

One of the biggest advantages of an elopement or micro wedding is the flexibility afterwards.

Instead of paying for a large reception package, many couples choose to continue their celebration at a local Hunter Valley restaurant, winery, pub, or accommodation venue.

This means you can enjoy:

• A beautiful private ceremony

• Professional photography

• Time with your favourite people

• A relaxed meal afterwards

• Drinks and celebrations without the cost of a traditional wedding reception

Some couples choose to cover the meal, while others may organise a small bar tab and allow guests to purchase their own drinks. There are many ways to create a wonderful celebration without the traditional wedding price tag.

Elopement vs Micro Wedding: The Simple Difference

Elopement

• Usually just the couple or a very small group

• Focused on intimacy and simplicity

• Around 2 to 12 guests

• More time focused on the couple

Micro Wedding

• A small gathering with family and close friends

• Around 12 to 20 guests

• More time celebrating together

• Often includes food, drinks and a longer experience

  
  

What About Traditional Wedding Sizes?

Wedding sizes have changed significantly over the years.

Today, many couples consider:

• 40 to 60 guests a small wedding

• 80 to 120 guests a more traditional wedding size

For couples wanting something more personal, elopements and micro weddings offer a chance to focus on the experience rather than the guest list.

Choosing What Feels Right For You

There is no right or wrong choice.

Some couples dream of standing together with nobody else around. Others cannot imagine getting married without their parents, grandparents, or closest friends there.

The most important thing is creating a day that feels like you.

At Long Acre Flower Farm, our Hunter Valley elopements and micro weddings are designed for couples who want a beautiful, relaxed celebration surrounded by gardens, flowers, and the people who matter most.