Weddings today are no longer defined by massive guest lists and traditional expectations. Couples are increasingly choosing smaller, more intimate celebrations that focus on their love story. Whether you’re considering an elopement, a microwedding, or a small wedding, understanding the differences can help you decide what’s right for your unique vision. In this Elopement vs Wedding Guide, I’ll break down each option to help you make an informed decision. You deserve to have an extraordinary wedding experience! 

Elopement vs Wedding: The Key Characteristics and Benefits of an Elopement

An elopement is all about intimacy and intentionality. Gone are the days when elopements were secret, spur-of-the-moment events. Today’s elopements are thoughtfully planned celebrations that focus on the couple’s experience above all else!

The Key Characteristics of an Elopement: 

Guest Count: Typically 2-20ish people (MYTH: Elopements can’t have guests. This is NOT true because what matters is the focus on the couple vs a big, expensive party. So, if you want to elope and invite a handful of guests, you can!)

Location: Elopements often take place in breathtaking outdoor locations, like mountaintops, beaches, iconic landmarks, or even in cities. For example, you could choose Shenandoah National Park or the historic monuments in Washington DC.

Planning: Simple and stress-free. Elopements often involve fewer vendors and minimal decor which allows couples to focus on their experience 

Flexibility: Couples have the freedom to choose the time, place, and activities for their day

Vibe: Intimate, adventurous, and deeply personal

The Benefits of an Elopement: 

• Allows you to spend more quality time with your partner
• Only invite your MOST important people & not feel pressured to invite everyone you’ve ever known
• Focus on the experience vs material things required in big weddings
• Spend money on what’s important 
• Less stress & planning (while some planning is still involved for elopements, overall, it’s much less stressful than planning a big, expensive party with lots of moving parts. Plus, if you hire an elopement photographer like me, I can help you in the planning process!)
• More options for unique locations & activities

Elopements are perfect for couples who…

• Value new experiences over traditions
• Want a private, meaningful celebration
• Love adventure and spontaneity
• Prefer a minimalist approach to weddings

For more Elopement Planning Resources, check out these blog posts!

How to Plan an 8-Hour Washington DC Elopement

Romantic Elopement in Washington DC

My Elopement Guide to Shenandoah National Park

How to Tell Your Family You’re Eloping

The Ultimate Elopement Packing List for Your East Coast Adventure Wedding

Elopement vs Wedding: The Key Characteristics of a Small Wedding

Otherwise known as a microwedding or an intimate wedding, a small wedding offers the best of both worlds: the intimacy of an elopement with some traditional wedding elements. With 25-50 guests, it’s still a small gathering but only includes family and close friends. 

Key Characteristics of a Small Wedding: 

Guest Count: 25-50 people, allowing you to invite your most important people

Location: Often held at small wedding venues, private gardens, or small estates. Think cozy vineyards, intimate historic homes, private rooms at restaurants, or even VRBO’s

Traditional Elements: Couples can include classic wedding features like a DJ or live band, formal dinner, first dance, and cake cutting 

Personal Touches: Because of the smaller size, couples can focus on meaningful details, like personalized vows, custom menus, and curated decor 

Budget-Friendly: While more elaborate than an elopement, microweddings are still usually more affordable than larger weddings. Or at least, you’re able to splurge on what truly matters to you! 

Small weddings are perfect for couples who…

• Want a traditional wedding experience on a smaller scale
• Appreciate a balance between simplicity and tradition
• Desire a more intimate atmosphere without the pressure of a large event
• Want the best of intimacy and celebration 

The Main Difference Between Elopements and Small Weddings

As a wedding photographer who has captured and helped plan MANY elopements and weddings, the main difference between the two is how many people you want to celebrate your wedding day with. Whether it’s just the two of you or also 40 guests, your wedding day can be intentional and authentic to you and your love story. And the best part? You can do a mix of both if you want to! This is what I mean…  

How to Have an Elopement AND Small Wedding

If you truly can’t decide between an elopement and small wedding, good news! You can actually do both! Purposefully splitting your wedding day into two events or even between multiple days allows you to truly customize your experience and can spread out your timeline so you can relax and be present. 

Big weddings are notorious for jam-packed days with a timeline down to the minute and couples barely have time to eat or take a break. When everything is crammed into one day, it can feel rushed. 

So, here are a few ideas on how you can split your time: 

One) Half the day just the two of you, the other half celebrating with guests.

In the morning, it’s just the two of you getting ready, sharing private vows, and enjoying a private adventure somewhere amazing. Then, you can meet up with your guests at the reception to celebrate with them (less than 50 people) 

Two) Planning multiple days for an all-day elopement adventure with later celebrations. 

This is a great option for people who want to truly spread things out and dedicate separate days to different activities. One day can be just the two of you on your private elopement adventure with a private ceremony. The next day can then be spent with your friends and family for a small wedding celebration. 

The Benefits of Planning A Two Day Wedding

One) More time to relax and enjoy the days, more time to spend with loved ones, more time to be present, more time to explore multiple locations and activities. You can make the whole weekend a celebration! 

Two) You get to have a unique experience since you’re not tied down to traditional wedding day timelines and activities. Each day can have it’s own focus! One day is more about your adventure with just the two of you, and the other day is the celebration with your family and friends.

Three) You can include more people. If you’re dreaming of hiking a mountain to say your vows or simply enjoying the day just with your partner, you CAN still do that and invite your grandparents who wouldn’t be able to hike to the celebration another day.  

Elopement vs Wedding: Choosing the Right Option for YOU

Selecting the right celebration style comes down to your priorities and vision as a couple. Here are some things to consider: 

• Budget: Elopements are often the most cost-effective, while small weddings require more resources
• Guest Experience: Think about how important it is for you to share your day with others
• Venue: Consider whether you envision an adventurous setting, a cozy venue, or a more formal space
• Planning: Decide how much time and effort you want to put into planning

If you’re still unsure which is best for you, that’s okay! Walk through these exercises to start piecing together what your ideal wedding day(s) could look like. 

1. Write down your top three priorities. Why are they important to you? How will you ensure they are a part of your wedding day?
2. Visualize your ideal wedding day – what does it feel like?
3. Talk to a photographer or planner specializing in intimate weddings to explore options!

Whether you choose an elopement, microwedding, or small wedding, the most important thing is that your celebration reflects your love story. Each option offers unique opportunities for personalization, intimacy, and joy. 

If you’re dreaming of a heartfelt elopement or an intimate celebration in Washington DC, Virginia, or beyond, I’d love to help you capture every beautiful moment. Reach out to start planning your unforgettable day! 

Juliana Wall Photography | Virginia & Washington DC Elopement and Small Wedding Photographer

Creating Magical Elopements Filled with Everyday Adventures

Want to work with Juliana to photograph your elopement or small wedding?