Small Celebrations Bring Big Impact

Planning a microwedding or elopement

By Rebecca Padgett Frett

Historically, the 2020 pandemic microwedding and elopements. In many cases, small weddings became the only option for those who wanted to marry.

Yet throughout time and today, many couples forgo large weddings for more intimate options.  A microwedding or elopement doesn’t equate to an occasion any less special or depersonalized; in some cases, couples can expand their wedding wishes by cutting the guest list.

“Couples today are craving intentionality,” says Lindsey Caldwell, owner of 30A Tablescape and Design Co. and Emerald Coast Marriage. “Elopements and intimate weddings strip away the expectations and extravagance that can often overshadow the meaning of the day. They offer freedom to be creative, to celebrate on their own terms, and to invest in intentional, unique experiences as opposed to catering to a large number of guests.”

Microweddings are defined as weddings with anywhere from 10 to 50 people in attendance. Often these weddings include a ceremony and reception, but with a smaller guest list, it could be shifted to encompass a private ceremony then a reception with guests, or a ceremony followed by a scaled-down dinner.

Traditionally, an elopement was a secret wedding often without parental consent. While this could still be the case, it likely isn’t in this day and age. Some couples keep their nuptials secret, but the modern definition of an elopement is a nontraditional, intentional wedding experience that focuses on the couple rather than the guests.

In most instances, an elopement is just the couple, an officiant, and a photographer and/or videographer. Couples may have their parents attend or close friends, but typically the number of people present is less than 10.

Couples typically still have a venue and vendors. This could be just a photographer, clothing stores for your wedding outfits, and a florist for a bouquet and boutonniere. Or an occasion where you hire a planner to help you secure vendors such as caterers, bartenders, a florist, entertainment, and more.

Vendors such as Emerald Coast Marriage and 30A Tablescape and Design Co. have the unique opportunity to elevate small weddings by leaning into the couple’s story and customizing every detail.

“It’s about flexibility and thoughtfulness,” says Caldwell. “Perhaps it’s a personalized floral design, customized favors for each guest, a private chef dinner on the beach, or capturing candid moments in a more relaxed timeline.”

Large venues often have a guest count that needs to be reached. With a small wedding, options expand, and you can even become more creative. For elopements, couples often marry at a public park, nature preserve, a beach, or a location such as a bookstore or restaurant where they met (given the location’s permission).

Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel in Pensacola specializes in intimate as they have a full-property rental policy for weddings. The eight luxury rooms are completely reserved for your wedding party.

“When you rent the Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel for a wedding, you can rest easy knowing that you are the only ones staying on-site and that our team is truly dedicated to giving you our utmost care,” says Stephanie Rosete, Oyster Bay event sales manager. “For microwedding and elope- ment weekends, the couple and a select few stay the weekend for an all-inclusive and secluded wedding experience where the welcome reception, ceremony, and reception occur on-site.”

To the opposite end, even large resorts can cater to small-scale weddings. At Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, couples can marry at a beach ceremony on the Emerald Coast sand, have a garden affair on the Grand Lawn with its Southern charm, or overlook Choctawatchee Bay.

Whether an elopement or microwedding, couples are electing to make a weeklong trip of it all, directing their budget toward the experience and memories.

“Our resort offers curated experiences and activities for your wedding,” says Olivia Moore, marketing and communications manager at Sandestin. “You can celebrate the entire weekend or week with us.”

With these close-knit options, the goal is optimal personalization, minimal stress, and an increased focus on connection with each guest.

Feature Photo by Alicia Osborne Photography