What Is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is an intimate wedding that typically includes 15 to 50 guests. Couples still enjoy a ceremony, reception, professional photography, and meaningful celebrations, but with fewer guests, more quality time, and a full wedding weekend instead of a single day.
Planning a big wedding nowadays can feel a little too much for many couples. If spending your entire special day running around the crowd trying to say a quick “hello” to everyone sounds tiring, you aren’t the only one. More and more couples across the country are trading in giant single-day events for something much simpler and relaxed: the micro wedding.
This intimate celebration lets you hit the pause button and truly enjoy the moment. You can turn your big single day into a long weekend getaway, while still hanging out by the pool, cooking delicious food, and actually talking to everyone you’ve invited. Between evergreen forests, quiet saltwater views, and fresh mountain air, Washington State is one of the best places in the country to organize these incredible cozy celebrations.
A micro wedding usually has fewer guests but with all the important stuff: the ceremony, the beautiful dress, the photos, and good meals. The only difference is that everything is just done on a smaller scale. And the fact that there are fewer people gives you the chance to focus on having fun and spending more quality time with your guests over a few days instead of just a few hours.
This guide explains what a micro wedding is, why Washington state is the great choice for it, and how to plan a great wedding weekend you’ll remember for life.
What’s the Difference Between a Micro Wedding and an Elopement?
Think of a micro wedding as the middle ground between a huge traditional wedding and a small elopement. You’ll get all the special moments of a big wedding, but without the crazy schedule or the demanding crowd. Here’s how they compare:
- Traditional Weddings: According to the Knot, the average U.S. wedding has around 100-120 guests. The day is super busy and potentially stressful, plus having meaningful conversations with guests may be difficult.
- Elopement: It commonly involves just the marrying couple and an officiant. It’s very private, so you likely won’t get to celebrate with friends and family.
- Micro Weddings: Around 15-50 of your favorite people. You still get the dress, the vows, the photos, and everything that matters but with a smaller setup and in a setting where you can actually relax. Plus, your budget can go further. Instead of paying for hundreds of expensive meals, you can spend that money on a more ideal location or on fun activities for your guests.
Why Washington State Is the Best Choice for Micro Weddings
Washington State gives you those wild, beautiful water views, pine trees, and mountain trails. Scimitar Ridge Ranch is nestled on Fidalgo Island in Anacortes, and here’s why people love it so much:
- Easy access: You can drive straight onto the island, there’s no need to worry about ferry schedules or prices.
- Close to Seattle: It’s less than 2 hours from the airport, so it’s close for people flying in.
- Beautiful spots: You’ve got ocean cliffs, hiking trails, and a cute downtown area all nearby.
- Nice weather: The summers are mild and the other seasons can also be great for events and activities.
How to Plan Your Micro Wedding Weekend in 5 Simple Steps
Having an entire weekend is different from organizing just a five-hour party, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax and have a mix of fun activities to do. Here’s a quick sample plan or micro wedding itinerary to ensure a great wedding weekend:
1. Choose to stay in the same place
If everyone stays on the same property, the guests won’t have to worry about drinking, driving back late at night or checking out of a hotel at a particular time. They’ll just focus on having a good time and forget about everything else until Sunday.
2. Keep Friday night chill
You may want to leave the fancy rehearsal dinner aside and start the weekend relaxed. You can offer a backyard BBQ, some tacos, or even pizza eaten by a fire while grabbing some drinks and letting everyone settle in.
3. Take it easy on Saturday
Wake up slowly and enjoy the day all the way through. You can kick things off by drinking a good coffee with your loved ones, going for a quick swim, or even going for a hike. We strongly recommend you plan the ceremony for late in the afternoon when everyone’s ready and the light is best.
4. Focus on the food
The meal should be the highlight of the event. You can hire a local chef for a nice dinner with fresh local seafood, or just set up long tables outside for a big family-style meal under hanging lights. Either way, you’ll be paying for high quality meals for your closest people instead of large amounts of cheaper food.
5. Finish with Sunday brunch
Before finishing the weekend and sending everyone home, have a nice brunch all together. This is the perfect time to sit and share stories from the night before, and say your goodbyes to each person without rushing.
What to Look for in a Perfect Wedding Venue
With a micro wedding, you’ll want to rent a place where everyone can stay overnight. Focus on features that will make people feel relaxed and connected:
- Full Privacy: Make sure you have the whole place to yourselves so you aren’t sharing any spaces with strangers.
- Indoor and Outdoor Space: we know weather can change fast in Washington state, so it’s always a good decision to have an outdoor and indoor space just in case.
- Different Types of Rooms: A main house is great for hanging, but separate cabins are nicer for guests who need more privacy and a quiet spot.
- Fun Extras: check for other amenities like hot tubs, swimming pools, playrooms, and trails around nature to keep everyone busy without you having to plan everything minute by minute.
- A Big Kitchen: This option makes it easier for caterers to work or even for the family when they want to cook breakfast together.
Read our article on how to choose the best wedding venue for you.
Why Scimitar Ridge Ranch is Perfect for Micro Weddings
Scimitar Ridge Ranch has everything for an intimate wedding weekend. It’s set on 40 private acres on Fidalgo Island in Anacortes and gives you tons of options to spend your special weekend. Instead of just renting a hall for a few hours, you’ll get a whole luxury ranch for a full weekend. These are some of the reasons why people choose Scimitar Ridge Ranch:
- Great ceremony spots: There are many beautiful places to get married, like on the lawn, by the pond, or in the forest chapel.
- Plenty of room: We have a massive main lodge and several private cabins, so your whole group can sleep on-site and stop worrying about uncomfortable or far-away accommodation.
- Resort vibes: Some of our amenities include a pool, hot tubs, a sauna, and an outdoor firepit to enjoy.
- Nearby hiking: There’s no need to walk too many miles into nature, you can simply explore the trails right on the property, go for a hike or head to Whistle Lake.
How Much Micro Weddings Cost
The purpose of a micro wedding isn’t necessarily to spend less money. Instead of thinking about it as a budget option, consider it a way to make your dollar go further by inviting less people, but making it longer and more special for those included. Instead of paying for hundreds of chairs and simple meals, you can get:
- A private luxury estate for a few days
- An all-in-one-place accommodation for your closest friends and family to stay
- A private chef for custom, tasty meals
- A great photographer to capture the whole weekend, not just a few hours
- Different amenities to explore and have fun
Frequently Asked Questions About Micro Weddings
Can our wedding guests sleep on-site at the venue?
Yes! Properties like Scimitar Ridge Ranch have a huge luxury lodge and private cabins so your whole wedding crew can stay together all weekend.
How far in advance should we book a micro wedding venue in Washington?
Most venues in Washington State, especially places on Fidalgo Island near Deception Pass that offer lodging, tend to get booked up pretty fast. It’s a smart move to reserve your weekend 8-12 months in advance, especially if you want a summer or early fall date.
Are micro weddings cheaper than traditional weddings?
They can be more affordable because you’re going to pay for fewer meals, drinks, and seats, but many couples choose to keep a similar overall budget and use it to treat fewer guests with a more luxurious wedding experience, complete with lodging and activities during an entire weekend instead of just a few hours.
