We have couples that come to us torn between a micro wedding and an elopement. Here at Honeybee Weddings we do both! Our specialty is adventures and having a kick ass day. Whether you want to do that with just you and your boo or some of your favorite people, we gotcha. Let’s look at both micro wedding or elopement and how YOU* can decide.

*We are going to be emphasizing YOU a lot because IDGAF about your second cousin, Shawna who invited you to her wedding 7 years ago and now wants a return invite. YOU DO YOU!

First, What is the difference between a micro wedding or elopement?

Our sister site, Wild Montana Weddings speaks to it best- micro weddings are a smaller version of the large traditional weddings we have come to know and (maybe) love. Having a micro wedding is a great way to ditch the large guest list without missing out on your favorite people and cherished wedding traditions! How many guests is a micro wedding? It can be up to 40/50 people, but in our Honeybee world we kick it over to Wild Montana Weddings if your guest list is over 15. 

On the Honeybee side, we do a lot with elopements. Elopements have come a long way since two people and a courthouse and I am PROUD of all we have come up with during our couples’ planning sessions! For our couples, it is the ultimate adventure to kick start their marriage. There are endless reasons to choose an elopement, and we support 100% of them!

Maybe being the center of attention gives you the shivers, maybe the stress of planning feels the same as an asteroid coming, or maybe you just don’t care about anyone else (like second cousin Shawna) but you and your boo on this day. Or, maybe you have one of the other 97 reasons. Whatever your reason is, it’s valid and celebrated here. How many guests is considered an elopement? Typically TWO! But we’ll take a few extras and still consider it an elopement. You can elope and still have your mom there if that’s something YOU want. 

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate your love. We capture both micro weddings and elopements. We are here to help you be well informed of any decision you make!

Let’s Plan Your Adventure!

Which is Cheaper: Micro Wedding or Elopement?

This is a tough one, and I am sorry to say we don’t have a good answer for you because we don’t know YOU yet! When we do, if you are on the fence, we will be able to talk through your vision and help guide you.

In general, we have found that micro weddings and elopements can cost the same. They also can cost a similar amount to having a large wedding! However, by having either a micro wedding or elopement, it can open up to more luxurious or adventurous options that would be out of the budget with a standard wedding. So, same buck, more bang. 

For Alyssa and Tyler’s wedding, they were able to use their budget for a trip of a lifetime on their Greece Hiking Elopement in Crete. They wanted an “off-the-beaten-path” spot for their wedding day and we found them just the perfect spot. On the southern coast of Crete, Greece is the small, isolated village of Loutro. Loutro is only accessible by a boat or a hike across the hill. It screams Mamma Mia vibes and adventure all wrapped into one! Not only do A&T seek a meaningful, adventurous wedding day, but hiking is so important to them that they decide on booking a 2nd day hike at Imbros Gorge. Is an elopement cheaper than a wedding? We are going to say no. But this experience was like no other. 

Which is Easier to Plan: Micro Wedding or Elopement?

Depends on who you are asking. Like seriously, who are you talking to when you’re planning? If you are talking to an old fashioned grandmother, planning may make you get a few gray hairs of your own. If you are talking to your childhood BFF, it may be very easy to plan!

In all seriousness, an elopement is easier to plan as you’re not soliciting the same level of feedback. For a micro wedding, you are considering the venue with the guests in mind and same with the food, and how much alcohol you are having. Are you doing super sweet favors like our lovely winter couple Katie and Trevor? They celebrated their micro wedding at Rainbow Ranch and for their amazing guests, Katie and Trevor wanted to do something a little extra special. Please welcome….the cutest little custom Montana mugs you have EVER seen! Lulu Pottery crafted the sweetest Montana style favors and we are all heart eyes for them! These details can make a micro wedding harder to plan. 

When to wed?

However, when you are choosing when to wed, an elopement can be easier! The planning of the when definitely changes if you are having an elopement or a micro wedding. With a microwedding, you’ll need more lead time with a venue to secure the space. Also, most weddings take place on weekends to accommodate guest schedules.

Now, if it’s just you and your fiancé you may opt for a weekday wedding to avoid overcrowding of areas or for cost cutting purposes. However, in some cases an elopement may need more time to plan! Especially, if you are looking at an international adventure! Our couple Lisa and Adam are from Australia and planned a California Elopement in Lake Tahoe. That shit takes tiiiiiime. We also locked in Tahoe Waves Boat Rental for their adventurous day. The custom vendor list is a must-have! They’re big wakesurfers and wake boarders, so of course a boating day is a perfect way to spend their wedding day! 

Who has a Better Reception: Micro Wedding or Elopement?

What is the downside of an elopement? Probably missing out on a full party reception. We love a good 90s throwback, group dance moment. As Rocky Mountain Bride shares, “many elopements also do not have formal receptions. Instead, there is a ceremony followed by whatever it is that the couple wants, whether that’s burgers, a hike, or relaxing in a cabin. Once the ceremony is complete, elopements tend to be more unstructured than microweddings, without anything planned, such as formal dining or a reception.”

BUT HEY- if your dream is a sweet ice cream date with your honey or enjoying dinner in a new country, we promise you won’t miss not having the after party.

Which one are your friends and family a part of?

Definitely micro weddings are the clear answer if you want your friends and family to be physically present. They will walk you down the aisle, cheers you across the reception, and have tears escaping as they watch you say I Do. 

BUT, elopement is not synonymous with no support! There are so many ways to still involve family and friends even if they are not there during the day. You can live stream your vows, you can hold a reception at a later date, guests can write letters that you read during your ceremony, there is so much opportunity! In fact, we have gone ahead and listed out a few options for you about downsizing to an intimate wedding and how to keep it special. You’re welcome.

Also, know that nothing you want to do is too off the wall for us. For Tyler and Alyssa’s elopement, the couple brought champagne glasses to GREECE. After their ceremony, they toast to Baba using her champagne glasses to celebrate the family who couldn’t be there. Romantic, sentimental, badass, all of it!!

Which is more adventurous: Micro Wedding or Elopement

We will say that an elopement is more adventurous but that does not take away from all the adventure that is a micro wedding! During Lindsay and Vance’s Holland Lake Falls wedding, they brought eight guests with them. These sunrise warriors were not disappointed. As the group hiked with flashlights and headlamps to where the trail overlooked the lake, the sun started to creep up. The group laughed the whole way on the 3.5 mile round trip hike.

We approached Holland Falls, overlooking Holland Lake, with Mission Mountains in the background. Alpenglow was happening so the mountains were getting really pink. A cotton candy paradise. We reached the top right before the sun crested the hill. MAGIC! Their ceremony spot was nestled at the top with a mountain lookout. Lindsay changed into this gorgeous wedding dress. The top was feminine with the rest of the gown flowing around her. Vance jumped into a suspender groom outfit, paired with a maroon bow tie. They were the raddest looking pair ever and their micro wedding was a 100% adventure.

A Helicopter Elopement

Our recent adventure elopement with Kelsey and RJ went a little like holy shit- a limo, a helicopter, gorgeous views, ice cream aaaand the 2nd day hike in Bozeman, Montana! We photographed and filmed this one so Jake and I went all double date on it! A lot of plans As Bs and C’s happening buuuut that’s why we put in all the time to plan. Overall it was a really cool day for anyone who loves new places, mountains, and experiencing new things, and who wants to get married without all the fuss.

This helicopter wedding in Montana really is a DREAM and just meant for two! Physically, it would be harder (and expensive AF!!) to have this as a micro wedding! Also, it would be a completely different vibe. So, when you envision your wedding, do you want it just the two of you? Or do you want your tribe with you? Both ways are great, it’s up to you!

Plan your own micro wedding or elopement

If you are alllll in on your person, whether it be a micro wedding or elopement, Let’s Plan Your Adventure! I am so excited to hear your love story (seriously it’s my favorite to read these) and plan your adventure wedding. See you at the top of a mountain! Or in a helicopter! Maybe on a romantic boat ride! Or in fucking Sweden. Dare to dream, we will be there to make it a reality.