First of all—congratulations! 🎉
If you’re newly engaged, one of the first questions you’ll face in wedding planning is deciding what kind of wedding to have. Before choosing a venue or booking vendors, understanding your options—elopement, micro wedding, or traditional wedding—will help you create a day that truly fits your relationship.
This guide is designed to help newly engaged couples explore their wedding options and choose the celebration style that aligns with their priorities, budget, and vision.
Option 1: The Elopement
Best for couples seeking an intimate, stress-free wedding experience
An elopement wedding focuses on connection, intention, and experience. Modern elopements often take place in scenic outdoor locations and are fully planned events—just without a large guest list.
An elopement may be right for you if:
- You want an intimate wedding ceremony
- You prefer flexibility over tradition
- You’re interested in destination elopements or outdoor weddings
- You want to prioritize meaningful moments over logistics
- Traditional wedding planning feels overwhelming
Option 2: The Micro Wedding
Best for couples who want a small wedding with close family and friends
A micro wedding is a small, intentional wedding celebration, usually with 10–30 guests. It combines the emotional intimacy of an elopement with the shared experience of a traditional wedding.
A micro wedding may be right for you if:
- You want a small wedding without sacrificing meaning
- You value connection with your closest people
- You want a simplified wedding planning timeline
- You’re interested in unique venues or outdoor wedding locations
Option 3: Elopement Day One + Micro Wedding Day Two
Best for couples who want privacy and celebration
Many couples choose to elope privately and then host a micro wedding or intimate reception with family and friends on a separate day. This option offers flexibility while keeping the focus on what matters most.
This option works well if:
- You want private vows without an audience
- You still want a meaningful celebration with loved ones
- You feel torn between eloping and hosting a wedding
- You want a relaxed, low-stress wedding experience
Option 4: The Traditional Wedding
Best for couples who want a full wedding day experience
A traditional wedding typically includes a formal ceremony and reception with a larger guest list. This option is ideal for couples who enjoy tradition, hosting, and a full-scale celebration.
A traditional wedding may be right for you if:
- You’ve always envisioned a classic wedding day
- Family traditions play an important role in your planning
- You enjoy event planning and guest experiences
- You want all loved ones together in one place
How to Choose the Right Wedding Style
When deciding how to plan your wedding, consider:
- Your budget and priorities
- The size of your ideal guest list
- How you want your wedding day to feel
- Whether intimacy or celebration matters more to you
- Your tolerance for wedding planning logistics
There is no single “best” wedding type—only the one that fits your relationship and values.
Planning an Elopement? I’ve Got You Covered
Choosing where to elope is just the beginning. From permits and timelines to lighting, weather, and logistics, elopements—especially in public and iconic locations—require thoughtful planning.
That’s where I come in.
I’m Salima, an elopement and intimate wedding photographer who helps couples:
- Choose locations that align with their vision, season, and accessibility needs
- Navigate permit requirements for ceremonies versus photos-only sessions
- Create a relaxed, experience-focused elopement timeline
- Capture genuine, emotional moments without turning the day into a staged photoshoot
Whether you’re dreaming of vows in nature, portraits among stunning architecture, or a blend of adventure and elegance in one intentional day, I help you plan an elopement that feels effortless—and document it beautifully.
Why Couples Choose Me
- Deep experience with elopements and micro weddings
- Knowledge of both outdoor landscapes and urban architectural locations
- Support beyond photography—planning guidance, logistics, and timing
- A calm, grounded presence so you can fully enjoy your day
Your elopement deserves more than just pretty photos—it deserves to be remembered exactly as it felt.
Ready to Start Planning Your Elopement?
If you’re planning an elopement or intimate wedding and want guidance choosing locations, navigating permits, and creating a meaningful, stress-free experience, I’d love to connect.
📸 Elopement & Intimate Wedding Photographer
✨ Experience-driven. Intentional. Story-focused.
Final Thoughts for Newly Engaged Couples
Wedding planning doesn’t have to follow a script. Whether you’re planning an elopement, micro wedding, or traditional wedding, the most important thing is that your celebration feels authentic and intentional.
Your wedding is about your love story—choose the path that allows you to honor it fully.
