5 Key Differences: Elopement vs Small Wedding… Which Is the Perfect Option for You?

Planning a wedding today looks very different from how it did even a decade ago. Many couples are intentionally stepping away from traditional, large-scale weddings and instead choosing celebrations that feel more personal, meaningful, and aligned with their values. Two of the most popular options? Elopements and small weddings.

If you’ve found yourself Googling elopement vs small wedding, what does eloping mean, or what is considered a small wedding, you’re not alone. As a professional wedding photographer based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, I work closely with couples navigating this exact decision, and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. This is one of my favorite parts of working with couples who are looking because the world is our oyster if you will… anything is possible especially me as your wedding photographer. You have to resist saying no to my ideas and visions of creating something absolutely amazing. I’m confident we can create some amazing wedding imagery for you and your fiancé.

This guide breaks down the five key differences between elopements and small weddings, explores costs, planning, guest counts, and venues, and helps you confidently decide which option is the perfect fit for your story.

What Does It Mean to Elope Today?

Traditionally, the meaning of eloping implied secrecy — running away to get married without telling anyone. But modern elopements have evolved into something far more intentional.

Today, an elopement wedding typically involves:

• The couple

• An officiant

• Sometimes a photographer or planner

• Occasionally, a few witnesses or the immediate family

Elopements are about experience over expectation. They allow couples to focus entirely on their relationship, their vows, and the moment itself — without timelines, traditions, or outside pressure.

What Is Considered an Elopement?

Most elopements include 0–10 guests, though many couples like you choose to elope completely alone. Popular elopement locations include:

• National parks

• Mountain overlooks

• Lakeshores

• Private estates

• Destination elopements in meaningful locations

An elopement ceremony can be as simple or as intentional as you want… from exchanging vows at sunrise to hiking to a secluded overlook for an intimate celebration.

What Is Considered a Small or Micro Wedding?

A small wedding (often called a micro wedding) typically includes 15–50 guests. It offers the structure of a traditional wedding day but on a more intimate scale.

Small weddings often include:

• A ceremony

• A reception or dinner

• Traditional elements like toasts, first dances, or cake cutting

The key difference is guest count, not significance. These weddings are deeply meaningful, just more intentionally sized.

Small Wedding Venues and Options

Small wedding ceremony venues can include:

• Intimate chapels

• Boutique venues

• Small destination wedding locations

• Private homes or estates

• Unique wedding venues designed for smaller groups

Many venues and unique wedding locations now offer micro wedding packages or all-inclusive wedding packages specifically for couples planning intimate celebrations.

The Purpose of This Guide

Couples often ask:

• Should we elope or have a small wedding?

• Is eloping cheaper than a wedding?

• What feels more meaningful?

This post is designed to help you:

• Understand the real differences

• Remove pressure or guilt around your choice

• Choose the option that aligns with your priorities

1. Guest List: Elopement vs Small Wedding

Typical Sizes for Elopements

Elopements usually include:

• Just you as the couple

• Or up to 10 guests

This makes elopements ideal for couples who:

• Want complete privacy

• Feel overwhelmed by hosting

• Prefer a deeply personal ceremony

Typical Sizes for Small Weddings

Small weddings typically host:

• 15–50 guests

This option works well for you as the couples who:

• Want family present

• Enjoy shared experiences

• Still value intimacy over spectacle

2. Location Choices and Venues

Unique Venues for Elopements

Elopements offer incredible flexibility when it comes to location. Popular choices include:

• Destination elopements

• Remote natural landscapes

• National parks (with permits)

• Meaningful travel locations

Because guest logistics are minimal, couples can choose places that truly reflect who they are and what you would envision your wedding day to be.

Small Wedding Ceremony Venues

Small weddings benefit from venues designed for intimacy, such as:

• Small wedding chapels near you

• Boutique venues

• Intimate wedding venues

Many couples love that small wedding venues feel elevated without being overwhelming.

3. Planning Your Ideal Event

How to Plan an Elopement

Planning an elopement is often simpler yet intentional. Steps include:

1. Choosing a location

2. Securing permits (if needed)

3. Hiring an officiant and photographer

4. Planning your elopement ceremony

5. Deciding how to celebrate afterward

Many couples work with an elopement planner or elopement photographer who helps guide logistics and timing. Your elopement photographer will help you share ideas and thoughts, and of course, know what requires a photography permit and what doesn’t.

How to Plan a Small Wedding

Planning a small wedding involves:

• Selecting a venue

• Creating a guest list

• Booking vendors

• Designing a relaxed timeline

While it includes more logistics than an elopement, it still offers flexibility and personalization.

4. Cost Implications

Elopement as a Cost-Effective Option

Elopements are often more affordable, though not always “cheap.” Costs typically include:

• Travel

• Photography

• Officiant

• Attire

Because there’s no large guest list, couples like you can invest in experiences rather than production. Experiences are memorable for all.

Small Wedding Budgets: What to Expect

Small weddings can range widely in cost depending on:

• Venue choice

• Guest count

• Catering style

While more expensive than elopements, they are still significantly more affordable than traditional large weddings.

5. The Overall Experience

Elopement Experience

Elopements feel:

• Quiet

• Emotional

• Adventurous

• Unrushed

They’re perfect for couples who want their wedding day to feel like a shared experience rather than a performance.

Small Wedding Experience

Small weddings feel:

• Warm

• Celebratory

• Connected

They allow couples to spend real time with every guest while maintaining a meaningful atmosphere.

Eloping vs Wedding: Which Is Right for You?

Choose an elopement if you:

• Value privacy

• Love travel or adventure

• Want a stress-free experience

Choose a small wedding if you:

• Want loved ones present

• Enjoy celebration

• Still prefer intimacy

There is no wrong choice… only the one that feels most aligned with you and your fiancé.

Whether you choose to elope or host a small wedding, the most important thing is that your day reflects your relationship, your values, and your story.

As an Eau Claire wedding photographer specializing in intimate weddings and elopements, we go far beyond documenting the day. I help couples feel calm, confident, and fully present, no matter which path they choose.

If you’re still deciding between an elopement and a small wedding, this guide is your permission to choose what feels right — and let go of everything else.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a call to learn more about our elopement and small wedding collections, click here! I look forward to hearing your vision of your elopement or small wedding.