In recent years, the wedding world has seen a meaningful shift toward something more intentional: microweddings. Whether sparked by the pandemic, a desire for simplicity, or a focus on meaningful moments over massive guest lists, microweddings have officially stepped into the spotlight — and they’re here to stay.

Beyond the logistical benefits, there’s another reason microweddings are thriving: they’re a dream to photograph. If you’re planning your wedding and wondering if smaller might actually be better, here’s why microweddings offer the unique opportunity for stunning photos—and why it might be the perfect choice for your big day.

“What Is a Microwedding?”

Let’s start with the basics. A microwedding is an intentionally small celebration, typically with 25 to 50 guests. It still includes the core elements of a traditional wedding — a ceremony, vows, a reception, cake, and dancing if you want — but in a more intimate, curated way.

Unlike elopements (which often include just the couple and an officiant), microweddings are perfect for couples who want to celebrate with close friends and family while keeping the focus personal and meaningful.

Why Microweddings are Gaining Popularity

There’s a growing desire among couples to plan a wedding that feels less stressful and more focused on connection over production and a tight timeline. Here are some of the benefits that microweddings offer:

1. More Time, Less Rush

Large weddings often run on tight, back-to-back schedules. With fewer guests and less chaos, microweddings allow more breathing room throughout the day. This means more relaxed portraits, more golden hour flexibility, and more opportunities to capture natural, unplanned moments.

2. Emotional Intimacy Shows Up on Camera

There’s something truly powerful about photographing a ceremony where every person present is deeply connected to the couple. The tears, laughs, hand squeezes, and quiet exchanges are so much more apparent. Photos from microweddings often feel more raw and heartfelt, simply because the setting fosters intimacy.

3. More Freedom with Location

Without the logistics of a massive guest count, microweddings open the door to unique, scenic, and sometimes unconventional locations: a mountaintop overlook, a historic garden, a private cabin in the woods, or even your own backyard. As a photographer, this gives me more natural light, more thoughtful compositions, and backdrops that enhance the storytelling of your day.

4. Room for Personal Details

From custom place cards to handwritten vows, smaller weddings allow couples to invest in the things that matter most to them. That level of personalization makes for beautiful flat lays, detail shots, and visual storytelling that’s rich with meaning. You’re not trying to decorate for 200 people—you’re creating an experience for your close circle. And the result? A day (and photos) that feel uniquely yours.

5. Less Noise

Fewer people means fewer distractions. And that gives photographers more space to capture you and your partner—your connection, your story, your love—in an intentional, unobstructed way. There’s room to experiment, be playful, get creative, and truly reflect your personality in the imagery.

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As a photographer, I’m seeing the ripple effect of all of these things. Microweddings are easier to capture, because they allow space for genuine emotion and creativity. Not to mention, the couple gets to be more in the moment throughout their wedding day which allows them to enjoy it more and soak in all of those smaller moments together. 

Overall, the message that I’m trying to convey is that smaller doesn’t mean less meaningful. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a large wedding or you simply want something that feels more personal and intentional, a microwedding might be a perfect fit for you. And from a photographer’s point of view? It’s an absolute dream.

The quiet moments. The meaningful glances. The freedom to explore beautiful locations without rushing. The chance to tell your story — beautifully, intimately, and in a way that uniquely defines your love story. If you’re planning a microwedding & looking for a photographer to capture it, feel free to reach out to me.