2020 took a DRASTIC turn with a global pandemic. Many brides were having to push back or cancel their elaborate wedding altogether, while some couples decided to change to a more intimate & simple wedding.

With all these changes and state & local regulations on crowd size, the terms micro and tiny wedding were all a buzz in the wedding world in the spring and summer.

But what exactly IS a tiny or micro wedding, and how does it differ from a traditional wedding?

Traditional weddings:

Traditional weddings are typically 6 hours and up, on average being 8 hours, with some cultural weddings spanning a few days! They include everything from start to finish: getting ready, details, first look, couples portraits, wedding party portraits, family formals, ceremony, husband and wife sunset portraits, reception and special exit. The guest list ranges from 50+ people and up, and some traditional wedding packages include an engagement session, prints or an album, however, make sure to check with your photographer.

Micro-weddings or tiny weddings:

Micro or tiny weddings (these terms can be interchangeable) are 1-3 hours max. They may include a first look, detail shots (rings, flowers), invitations, the ceremony, which typically only lasts for about 15 minutes, husband and wife portraits, family portraits, then a simple sit down reception with food such a light hors d’oeuvres or small plates, and cake cutting. The guest list is around 30 people or less. These do not include an engagement session, prints or an album, and they may not include a special exit.

Elopements:

What your grandparents or great-grandparents think of, when someone runs off to an undisclosed location and gets married without anyone knowing. That’s not so much the case anymore. Some people want a quick ceremony with only themselves and the minister, and/or maybe a friend or two. They don’t want a huge crowd, big reception or lots of decisions to make. Simple and intimate is what they are looking for. Their day consists of ceremony time around ten minutes, and could include 30-45 minutes for couples portraits as well as any friends if they choose. Total time being around one hour. Elopements do not include an engagement session, album, or prints. I’ve photographed a sweet elopement with a bride and groom & their children. Afterwards, we all went out to lunch! It was so much fun!

No matter what your wedding celebration looks like, be it traditional, tiny, or an elopement, it will be perfectly wonderful, just like YOU!