Microwedding Planning Guide
“Microwedding” is the trending term nowadays. So what the hell is it, what isnt it, and how can you plan one?
Imagine an Elopement and a traditional Wedding had a baby.
Intimate and fun but not a “just us two vibe”. Enough people to get up and dance if you want it or have a more elegant seated dinner but without having to invite obscure relatives that you dont really know that well. Its a best of both worlds way to say ‘I Do’
By our definition here at Adventure Pact, 15-30 people is a microwedding. Once you cross that threshold you start getting into traditional wedding territory, which is a whole different beast
>>>Did you know?<<
Adventure Pact offers mostly inclusive Microweddings (all the details, less the venue/location)—Check them out at the end of this blog
How do I Start Planning a Microwedding?
This is where most soon-to-be-weds start to twitch with the endless resources and options for their day—so we are here to break things down into (hopefully) digestible chunks
So lets get to it
Lets start with the biggest things first which is the “what is your vibe” that is.
Think about:
>>What locations/environments make you feel happy/most like you or remind you of significant parts of your relationship?
>>Do you want your microwedding to be laid back, more like a traditional wedding, one big party?
Once youve gotten the “vibe” down its time to look at the nitty gritty of it all.
How much (realistically) does a microwedding cost?
Microweddings are a great way to have the feel of a traditional wedding for a fraction of the cost. That being said its important to remember that having a “fairytale” day with decor elelemtns, catering, activities, and more still is an investment.
Most people looking into a microwedding can expect to spend between $3000 from the most short/simple microwedding to upwards of $20k +
Based on what we’ve seen here are some typical breakdowns of cost
SIMPLE CEREMONY ONLY COVERAGE AT LOCAL STATE PARK
A simple outdoor ceremony for 20 people at a local state park, no chairs - $300 for permit
officiant - $500
2 hours photography - $800-2000
dress from Lulus or other online retailers + suit - $1100
Small Cake + disposable plates and forks = $200
TOTAL: $2900-4500
NATIONAL OR STATE PARK CEREMONY WITH GROUP ACTIVITY AND DINNER AT RESTAURANT
Outdoor ceremony permit at local state or national park, 15 people - $300
Officiant -$500
Bouquet - $350
Pre Ceremony group activity such as offroading or paddleboarding $2000
4 hour Photography $3500
Dinner at local brewery for group $900-$2000
TOTAL: $7550- $8650
OUTDOOR CEREMONY WITH SEATED DINNER FOR FAMILY WITH CURATED DECOR DETAILS
Outdoor ceremony + reception space at an outdoor venue catered to microweddings - $2000-4000
table and chair rentals with installation for 15 people - $400
partial floral arch $800
officiant - $500
small cake -$200-300
3 course family style dinner catered in with place settings at a farmhouse style table + twinkle lights and table florals - $3500-5000
6 hour photography to cover getting ready, ceremony, and adventure session - $4000
TOTAL: $11,400-15,000
TWO DAY SPLIT ELOPEMENT/MICROWEDDING WITH ADVENTURE SESSION
Venue rental Space for 30 people - $3000
Catering (passed horderves, 3 course plated dinner, cake) - $4500-6000
Cash Bar $800 (guest pay for drinks)
6 hour wedding photography + video on wedding day $6000
Event florals $1700
Professional Hair/makeup $400
Officiant $650
Second day canyoneering adventure session (activity + photo) $1800
TOTAL: $18,850-20,850
3 DAY GROUP ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE (INTERNATIONAL)
Ground transport for 18 people in coach bus + driver and guide per diem $4100
Hotels for 20 people based on 2-3 person occupancy for 4 nights - $2800-5200
wedding day venue space + sit down dinner, officiant, and cake - $9000
bouquet + arch + table florals $1600
3 days full coverage photo $9000
hiking, snorkeling, and cultural tour for group $8700
TOTAL: $27,00-$29,500
Epic locations and recommendations
Some of our favorite microwedding venues from coast to coast. We’ve included starting costs and recommendations for each location
Cloudland Canyon- Rising Fawn, Georgia
Starting Cost: $0 for up to 10 people
Best for: Simple Hiking Ceremonies with a picnic after
3M Curve at Rocky Mountain National Park
Cost: $300 for permit
Best for: Ceremony only microweddings up to 15 people
Twin Lakes Lake Front/Independence Pass- Twin Lakes, Colorado
Starting Cost: $0, No permit required for gathering under 50 people with no props (chairs, etc)
Best for: No Frills microweddings followed by brunch at a local VRBO and group adventure activities such as paddling or mountain biking
Puuwai Gardens - Big Island Hawaii
Starting cost: $3000 + $150+pp for catering
Best for: The traditonal micrrowedding - food, photo, ceremony, reception for up to 50 people
Kona Salt Farm - Big Island, Hawaii
Starting cost: $3000 + $150-200pp for catering
Best for: The traditonal micrrowedding - food, photo, ceremony, reception for up to 50 people
Starting cost: $2500 for venue rental. Ghost ranch has multiple sites to choose from
Best for: The traditonal micrrowedding - food, photo, ceremony, reception for up to 50 people
Luna Mystica - Taos, New Mexico
Starting cost: For private events buyout required
Best for: Those looking to PARTY for up to 150 people
Photo by Tria Howard for New Mexico Magazine
Starting cost: $7000-8000 + Room Buyout
Best for: The small destination microwedding and those looking for a “minimoon” beachy vibe with nearby group activities
Maquipucuna Ecolodge - Ecuador
Starting cost: Room Cost + catering fees (approx $4000 total for 10 people)
Best for: The relaxed getaway microwedding. Dinner, photos, chill time.
Hacienda Los Mortinos - Ecuador
Starting cost: Room buyout (approx $4000 for 2 days for a group of 20)
Best for: The mountain microwedding with no party. Focused on outdoor activities
Starting cost: $6000
Best for: The traditonal micrrowedding - food, photo, ceremony, reception for up to 100 people
Starting cost: $200 for permit for a 2 hour non private spot + photographer must have photo permit
Best for: Short and sweet ceremonies and microweddings focused on adventure. Most Locations in the Park are up to 20 people
Lake Wenatchee State Park - Leavenworth, Washington
Starting cost: $0 for up to 15 people
Best for: Simple ceremonies and picnic ceremonies
The Henry Miller Library - Big Sur, California
Starting cost: $2000-2500 for up to 30 people for 2 hour use
Best for: The traditonal micrrowedding, the glamping microwedding, the short and sweet microwedding
Saguaro Lake Ranch - Phoenix, Arizona
Starting Cost: $2200 for 2 hour weekday venue use with chairs
Best for: The traditonal micrrowedding - food, ceremony, reception
Microwedding Packages by Adventure Pact
The Essential Microwedding
4 hours total photography (details below)
3 hours getting ready + ceremony photo
Seating + Partial Floral arch
Charcuterie grazing table + small cake
1 hour hiking Adventure Session for Couple
Bouquet + Boutonniere
Officiant
>>Venue cost not included
$7500-$11000 for 15-30 people USA
The Adventure “Split” Microwedding
8 hours photo coverage
Seating + Partial Floral arch
Bouquet + Boutonierre
Officiant
Couples 4 hour adventure session with choice of activity (hiking, climbing, canyoneering, offroading, or ATVs + private vows
Hair/makeup for bride
Family style dinner with tables and light decor in your style (place settings, votives/candles, bud vases, menus)
Small cake + non alcoholic drinks for guests
Day/month of coordination
>>Venue cost not included
$13000-16500 for 15-30 people
Split this over 2 days for + $1500
The “Have your Traditional wedding and Adventure too” Microwedding- 2 DAY
8 hours photographic coverage
Seating + Partial Floral arch
Bouquet for bride + Boutonniere and personal flowers for up to 6 other people (bridal party)
Officiant
Full video coverage
Group activity on day one choice of Offroading, Mountain biking, Canyoneering, Hiking, Kayaking/SUP or ATVs
Hair/makeup for bride
Buffet style dinner with tables and light decor in your style (place settings, votives/candles, bud vases, menus)
Small cake + non alcoholic drinks for guests
Day/month of coordination
>>Venue cost not included
$16,300-$23000 for 12-25 people
PREFERED PACKAGE: OURAY OFFROADING
Offroading for group to ceremony site
Chairs for guests, no arch
Bouquet/Boutonniere
Officiant
6 hours photo
6 hours video
hair/makeup for bride
Champagne toast for group
$11000 for 12 people
PREFERED PACKAGE: LAS VEGAS ADVENTURE - 2 day
10 hour photo over two days
Chairs for guests + partial floral arch
Bouquet/Boutonniere
Officiant
Low Picnic table style dinner with table florals, place settings, and buffet style dinner
champagne toast for group
hair/makeup for bride
Small Cake
Transport to Dry Lake Bed
Next day hiking/packrafting adventure session along Colorado River or Rock Climbing
$16,000 for 20 people
PREFERED PACKAGE: PUU’WAI GARDENS
8 hour photo
Seating + Partial Floral arch
Bouquet or Lei Po’o for bride + Boutonniere
Officiant + traditional Hawaiian Ceremony
4 hour video
Venue Fees Included
Hair/makeup for bride
Plated dinner with tables and light decor in your style (place settings, votives/candles, bud vases, draped florals or chair florals, printed menus)
Small cake + non alcoholic drinks for guests
Day/month of coordination
Day before or Next day 5 hour adventure session canyoneering, sunset sailing, free diving or similar
$21,000 for 20 people
PREFERED PACKAGE: Multi Day Ecuador
4 days of photographic coverage (28 hours over 4 days)
3 adventure days + wedding day for group (hiking, canyoneering and cultural/food tour)
local guides/translators
ground transportation
Hair/makeup for bride
Bouquet for bride
Lodging for 2 nights (at ceremony location)
Acting officiant (non legal ceremony)
Buffet style dinner with seating and light decor in your style (place settings, votives/candles, bud vases, menus)
Small cake + non alcoholic drinks for guests
Day/month of coordination + planning assistance for airport transfers and remaining lodging
Day before or Next day 5 hour adventure session canyoneering, sunset sailing, free diving or similar
$30,000 for 16 people