The Hitching Post

Elopement or Micro-Wedding: How to Choose the Celebration That Fits You

So much is changing in the world right now. Those big, beautiful wedding dreams can sometimes run headfirst into the reality of rising costs. And for many couples, the money that might once have gone toward a lavish celebration now looks a lot better as a down payment on a home—or tucked away for a rainy day.

Take a deep breath. You’ve got options.

If you’re thinking of something smaller and simpler you might consider an elopement or a “micro-wedding”, which is becoming a kind of buzz word in the wedding world. Both are intimate. Both are beautiful. But one might fit your love story better than the other.

What’s the Difference between an Elopement and a Micro-wedding?

Elopement

An elopement, in the truest sense, is when a couple slips away hand in hand, skips the guest list, and says “I do” with nothing but love (and maybe a witness or two) in tow.

Here at The Wee Wedding Cottage, couples sometimes bring up to ten of their closest family and friends – but often, it’s just the two of them. When that happens, I’m always happy to call on a few willing witnesses to make it official.

For the couple, eloping is quick, simple, and blissfully stress-free. It takes very little planning, and for loved ones who can’t be there in person, there’s always the option of livestreaming the ceremony. Most couples, though, cherish this private, intimate escape that’s all about them.

For an elopement, all you really need are your marriage licence and rings. Whether you arrive dressed to the nines or in your casual best, the focus stays right where it belongs: on the love you share.

Micro-Wedding

A micro-wedding has been gaining popularity over the past number of years. It’s the perfect middle ground between a grand celebration and an elopement. It’s small, cozy, and deeply personal with few joyful traditions.

While The Wee Wedding Cottage is ideal for elopements and very small gatherings of up to a dozen guests, I’ve officiated at many beautiful micro-weddings at other venues. This option is perfect for couples who want to be surrounded by their nearest and dearest without the stress or expense of a full-scale wedding.

With a few more guests come a few more decisions – venue, food, flowers – but the essentials remain the same: your marriage licence, your rings, and your officiant. It may take a little more planning than an elopement, but it’s still intimate, affordable, and most importantly, a celebration of the two of you and the love you share.

Which one is right for you? It really depends on your situation.

If you’re working with a tight budget or simply want something straightforward and stress-free, an elopement is the perfect choice.

But if you’d like to add a few personal touches, include more of the people you love, and maybe celebrate with a meal and some music, then a micro-wedding might be your sweet spot.

Whether you slip away for an elopement or gather your nearest and dearest for a micro-wedding, your day should feel like you. At The Wee Wedding Cottage, we keep things simple, personal, and full of joy.

And if you’re planning something larger and need an officiant in the Niagara area, I’m here to help make your ceremony meaningful – and fun. I can also recommend officiants who will make your ceremony one to remember.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how many people are there. It’s about the two of you and the love you’re celebrating.

With Love,
Rev Deb

Wedding Officiant, Joy-Spreader, and Keeper of the Wee Wedding Cottage