Should You Plan a Micro Wedding or a Full Wedding?
One of the first decisions couples make when planning their wedding isn’t about colors, florals, or décor — it’s about what kind of day they want to experience.
Do you picture something quiet and intimate, or a full day surrounded by the people you love?
I’ve had the honor of photographing both micro weddings and full wedding days, and one thing is always true: there is no wrong choice. Each option offers something beautiful. The best fit is simply the one that reflects your hearts, your priorities, and how you want your wedding day to feel.
This guide is here to walk you through the differences so you can choose what feels right.
What Is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding typically includes 10 to 30 guests and is intentionally designed to feel personal and meaningful. These days often move at a slower pace, with fewer transitions and more time to simply be present.
With a smaller guest count, couples can share genuine moments with each person there: lingering conversations, unhurried hugs, and time to soak it all in together.
A micro wedding may be a wonderful fit for you if:
- You’re drawn to intimate, meaningful experiences
- Spending quality time with each guest feels important to you
- Your vows and ceremony feel like the heart of the day
- You love the idea of non-traditional locations or timelines
- You want a relaxed, flexible pace with fewer moving parts
- You want a short and sweet ceremony (between 10-15 minutes)
Photography coverage for micro weddings:
From a photography perspective, I typically recommend:
- 2-4 hours of coverage: this usually includes photography of first look (or final touches of getting ready), ceremony, couples portraits, and brief reception coverage. Some couples even plan a private first dance.
Micro weddings allow space for quiet emotion and natural moments, the kind that feel deeply personal and true to who you are. The focus is on the moments that matter most: your vows, your connection, and the people closest to you.
Since micro-weddings are so unique to each couple, I offer personalized packages tailored to what you need. I'd love to hear your plans and create a photography package that's perfect for you!
What Is a Full Wedding?
A full wedding typically includes 50 or more guests and follows a more traditional flow, from getting ready, to the ceremony, to celebrating together at the reception.
These days are full of connection, laughter, and moments shared with a wider circle of family and friends. There’s a natural rhythm to the day as everyone comes together to celebrate your marriage.
A full wedding may be a beautiful choice for you if:
- Being surrounded by a larger group of loved ones matters to you
- You enjoy time-honored traditions and meaningful moments shared together
- A joyful, lively reception is something you’re excited about
- Your day includes multiple locations or a longer timeline
- You want your wedding documented from the early moments to the final celebration
From a photography perspective, I typically recommend:
- 8 hours of coverage: covers all the major events of the day while allowing some breathing room for timelines to flow naturally. Great for couples who want the full wedding story without needing extended evening coverage.
- 10 hours of coverage: allows for extended coverage from start to finish, including getting ready, portraits, ceremony, reception, and your grand exit. Perfect for couples who want every moment documented, extra breathing room for unhurried timelines, and to make sure nothing (especially those last magical moments) is missed.
Full weddings offer a wide range of memories, from quiet anticipation in the morning to heartfelt moments and joyful celebrations later in the day.
It’s Less About Guest Count — and More About How You Want the Day to Feel
This decision isn’t really about numbers. It’s about experience.
A few questions to consider as you decide:
- Do we want a slower, more intimate day or a full celebration with many people?
- Do we picture a quiet dinner or a full evening of celebration?
- Do we want the day to feel private, or shared with a larger community?
There’s no right or wrong answer, just what feels most aligned with you!
Photography Considerations for Each Option
From a photography standpoint, both types of weddings are meaningful, they just tell different stories.
Micro weddings tend to shine in connection and emotion. With fewer distractions, moments slow down and unfold more naturally, creating images that feel deeply personal.
Full weddings shine in story and energy. The natural rhythm of the day (anticipation, movement, celebration) creates a complete narrative from beginning to end.
Neither approach is better. They simply capture different kinds of memories.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Your wedding doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Whether you choose a micro wedding or a full celebration, the most important thing is that it reflects who you are and what you value.
When you look back on your photos years from now, what will matter most isn’t how many guests were there — it’s how the day felt.
If you’re still unsure which direction feels right, I’m always happy to help you talk through your options and figure out what best fits your vision
