Micro weddings are the perfect solution for couples who want to include elements of a traditional wedding with the simple flexibility of an elopement. From examples of dreamy Indiana micro weddings to unique ideas, we’ve got your back so you can create you dream day!
As a husband-and-wife photo and video team, we love watching couples create the wedding days that they truly want. With the ability to customize an experience and be intentional, micro weddings are a wonderful choice for couples who crave a calm day—we love getting to document that!
Micro Wedding Meaning
Traditional weddings, micro weddings, and elopements are all different ways to do the same thing: celebrate getting married. No matter what kind of wedding day you choose to have, make sure it’s the day that the two of you want.
Let’s break down each of those types of weddings into bite-sized pieces. A traditional wedding takes place at a wedding venue, has a large ceremony and reception with 100-250+ people, typical wedding attire, and all the attached expectations such as wedding favors, a wedding party, dinner, big dance floor, etc.
An elopement is a much smaller celebration that takes place anywhere that’s important to the couple and can include guests or be private. Elopements allow for complete and total freedom to dress how you want, do what you want, and include who you want.
Micro weddings are a perfect compromise between these two types of weddings. Micro weddings are smaller in size (from 10-75 people) and include a short ceremony and some sort of small reception/meal. It’s very intentional and only includes the traditional wedding elements that the couple wants while creating space for a calmer, more intimate setting. Micro weddings have become very popular in the past few years—especially with COVID-19 restrictions.
What You Should Know About Micro Weddings
Micro Weddings Can Include Traditional Wedding Elements
Traditional wedding elements that we’ve seen woven into micro weddings include having a first look, sharing a meal with the guests, cutting a cake, having a first dance as a couple, dancing with parents, and sharing speeches/toasts.
The best part of a micro wedding is that if you want to include traditional wedding elements, you can! There’s no pressure and you can incorporate what makes the most sense for the day you choose to create.
Micro Weddings Can Be Customized
For couples who plan a micro wedding, they choose to customize their day to include fun activities. Since they have less guests, they gain a lot of flexibility to craft a more personal experience.
Some fun things to add to your micro wedding can include: going for a walk or hike at your favorite park, spending time with your pets, having a private dinner party with your guests, playing board games with your people, taking portraits at a unique location, or having a small open house the following day for others to celebrate with you.
Micro Weddings Can Be More Sustainable
Since micro weddings are smaller than regular weddings, they can make sustainable choices easier. We wrote an entire blog full of sustainable ideas in our blog, “How to Have an Eco Friendly Wedding in Indiana” if you want to check it out.
To get started, here are some ideas for how you can be sustainable at your micro wedding:
- Sustainable Outfits—secondhand, rented, or something you already have
- Intentional Guest List—focus on who means the most to you and your partner
- Aim for Reusable Décor—avoid single-use items that will go to the landfill
- Reduce Food Waste + Local Food—enjoy leftovers and support a local vendor with in-season foods
- Sustainable + In-Season Florals—aim for local in-season florals or grow your own
- Choose an Eco-Friendly Venue/Park or Your Own Home—focus on places that practice sustainability or use nature as your backdrop
- Hire a Leave No Trace Photo + Video Team—they can help to navigate you through LNT principles should you spend any time outdoors
- Plan a Slow-Paced Day—sustainability is a mindset + sustainable options require a slower pace and intentionality which is great for micro weddings
Micro Weddings Near Indianapolis
Rachel + Josh – Waveland
Rachel + Josh had a wedding weekend at Sugar Creek Retreat in Waveland, IN and it was a unique combination of elopement vibes with a micro wedding guest list. It was a nature lover’s dream filled with emotion, authenticity, campfires, board games, and good food.
They kicked off the day with a hike through Shades State Park with 25 of their closest people. Josh + Rachel had a beautiful, serene ceremony in the woods where 75 guests attended. Rachel skipped flowers and carried a lantern down the aisle. No wedding party, but they had a special part of the ceremony for Josh’s daughters to be a part of.
When it was time to share dinner with their guests, they had a taco bar and sat in a beautifully lit pavilion surrounded by a field. No cake cutting, but lots of time to socialize with their guests and shared a first dance. At last, the stars came out and they danced joyfully to an intentionally curated playlist.
Annie + Kevin – Indianapolis
Annie + Kevin originally planned to have a large wedding but decided to switch gears and have a beautiful micro wedding in their own home in Indianapolis, IN. It was so beautifully orchestrated, personal, and filled with love.
Surrounded by 20 of their closest family and friends is how they chose to spend their wedding day. It started off with a first look between the two of them and Annie also shared a first look with her parents. Their best friends/siblings were a part of the day as well from the wedding party to the officiant. Annie + Kevin even included their dog and bearded dragon, Zelda + Darwin, in some photos!
Their backyard ceremony was dreamy with tons of green plants and a custom chuppah that included the same tallit that Annie’s parents had at their wedding. Annie’s brother officiated their ceremony and they ended it with Breaking the Glass.
From there, they went for a sunset walk on their favorite walking path, enjoyed a catered barbecue dinner, cut their wedding cake, shared a first dance in their living room, and danced with their parents. The evening ended with toasts from the fathers, Annie’s brother, the maid of honor, and best man.
The following day, they held an open house at their home for other family members and friends to stop by and wish them congrats, grab a bite to eat, play board games, and build custom puzzles with their engagement photos on them.
Vendor Appreciation:
- Venue: The Couple’s Home
- Officiant: The Bride’s Brother
- Florist/Arch: Spirited Event Services
- Catering: Big Hoffas Barbecue
- Bakery: Carmel Market District
- Bride’s Dress: Gretchen’s Bridal
- Groom’s Suit: Ted Baker
Allison + Colton – Carmel
Coming in 2026!
Mirco Wedding Photographer
If a micro wedding sounds like the best fit for you and your partner, then that’s what you should do! Don’t forget: no matter what kind of day you plan, make sure it brings you both peace and joy.
And, if you’re looking for a micro wedding photographer or videographer, you can contact Jonathan and I here. Then we can start talking about your day along with any photo or video needs you might have.
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