Your Ultimate Guide to Micro Weddings in 2023

The Elysian Retreat Sedona was created with to provide intentional couples with intimate space for ceremony. We hope that when you stay with us, you too can witness that love heals and that one cannot see nature without being present.

Less is more? Can this concept apply to weddings?

My husband and I got married a year and a half ago in Sedona, Arizona with an original guest list of 150 people. I wanted it to be a big wedding. When I think back on my intentions of wanting a big wedding it was because I wanted all of our family and friends to experience a multicultural wedding and for them to experience the land that we fell in love with; Sedona. In full transparency, at the time I thought to myself, the more people that came, the more people that loved us. The year that we got married was also the tail-end of COVID-19 and a lot of people weren’t willing to travel. It ended up being a smaller wedding than we anticipated and perhaps the biggest blessing in disguise… What I realized throughout this entire experience was how much I valued intimacy and deep connection. Having two seconds to talk to someone in passing, while clinking glasses was NOT connected to me. Rather, kneeling in front of my parents during our tea ceremony and exchanging words never spoken out loud; was. Deep connection is the ability to show up exactly as you are; in your most authentic truth in a very vulnerable place and have someone meet you there and share their vulnerabilities.

Deep connection is the ability to show up exactly as you are; in your most authentic truth in a very vulnerable place and have someone meet you there and share their vulnerabilities.

And that is exactly why we have decided to hold space for this type of intimate wedding experience at The Elysian Retreat Sedona.

What are Micro Weddings?

Micro Weddings are small, intimate weddings that typically involve fewer than 50 guests. At The Elysian Retreat Sedona, we only allow up to 16 guests for a micro wedding. We believe this offers couples the opportunity for ultimate intimacy to deeply connect with one another, and also form deeper, more memorable experiences with guests. Imagine a stress-free wedding experience without sacrificing intentionality, style, and sophistication.

Creativity Without Limits!

The emergence of micro weddings has forced the wedding industry to rethink traditional wedding practices and perhaps hyperfocus on rituals that ACTUALLY MATTER. Many wedding vendors, including venues, caterers, florists, and photographers, have had to adapt to accommodate the needs of smaller weddings. For example, caterers have had to create smaller, more customizable menus, and venues have had to offer more flexible event spaces to accommodate smaller groups.

Moreover, micro weddings have provided an opportunity for vendors to offer more potent services. Couples can now work more closely with vendors to create bespoke wedding experiences tailored to their preferences and budgets.

How Will Micro Weddings Affect the Future of Weddings?

Experts predict that micro-weddings will remain popular for the foreseeable future. Especially now that more individuals have embraced minimalism and the concept of less is more. In fact, many couples who have had micro weddings have reported that they prefer the intimacy and personalized experience that a smaller wedding provides.

Additionally, micro weddings offer couples the chance to focus more on the ceremony and the meaning behind their marriage.

With fewer guests and distractions, couples can have a more meaningful and authentic wedding experience.

As micro weddings continue to grow in popularity, it is likely that wedding vendors will continue to adapt their services to meet the needs of smaller weddings. Moreover, as couples become more comfortable with the idea of a micro wedding, it is possible that the traditional, large-scale wedding will become less popular.

With the rise of micro weddings, it is likely that traditional, large-scale weddings will become less common in the future. As such, the future of weddings appears to be centered around intimacy, authenticity, and personalization, and micro weddings will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping this new era of weddings.

Preparing for a Microwedding

Preparing for a micro wedding involves careful planning and attention to detail. Begin by creating a guest list, keeping in mind that this type of wedding typically includes only close family and friends. Choose a venue that accommodates your smaller group size and complements your desired aesthetic.

When it comes to decor and details, focus on quality over quantity. Select a few key elements, such as a stunning floral arrangement or elegant table settings, that make a big impact. Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator who specializes in micro weddings to ensure every aspect is taken care of.

Focus on quality over quantity.

For attire, a micro wedding provides an opportunity to break away from traditional wedding norms. Opt for a more casual, comfortable style or choose something unique and personalized to reflect your personality.

Finally, be sure to communicate clearly with your vendors and guests. With a smaller guest list, it's easier to accommodate individual preferences and needs. Providing detailed instructions and schedules to your vendors ensures a smooth and stress-free wedding day while keeping your guests informed allows them to fully enjoy the intimate and personal experience of a micro wedding.

Check out our happy couples and wedding packages or connect with us for your inquiries!