The Savannah Elopement Package is an all-inclusive ceremony package that includes photography, bouquet + boutonniere, hair + makeup, a cake, and an officiant! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy real elopements and inspiration!
If you’re planning a small wedding celebration, you’ve probably come across two popular terms: elopement and micro wedding. But what exactly is the difference between an elopement vs micro wedding—and how do you decide which one is right for you?
Let’s break it down so you can choose the best celebration style for your love story!
SPOILER ALERT: We offer both elopement and micro wedding packages—so no matter how you choose to celebrate, we’d love to be the team that makes your day feel effortless and magical.
Photo by Jaclyn Armeni Photography
An elopement is no longer “running away” or “getting married in secret.” An elopement is just an intimate, low-stress wedding experience focused entirely on the couple. Most elopements include just the two of you—or a few close friends or family—gathered in a beautiful location to exchange vows without the pressure or expense of a traditional wedding.
Elopements are perfect for couples who:
At the Savannah Elopement Package, our elopement packages include up to 20 total guests (not counting the couple or kids under 18), a beautiful ceremony location, and everything you need—photography, officiant, flowers, hair and makeup, a small cake, and a day-of assistant.
Photo by Bronston Photography
A micro wedding is a small wedding celebration with a guest list typically under 40 people, but it still includes many of the traditional elements of a larger wedding—just on a more intimate scale. Think ceremony plus a small reception or dinner, with more room for celebration while still keeping things manageable.
Micro weddings are great for couples who:
When you book with the Savannah Elopement Package for your micro wedding, you can have up to 40 total guests (not counting the couple or kids under 18), and you get everything from our elopement packages PLUS a permit for your choice of location in Forsyth Park or one of the historic squares. (And if you have a private venue booked, we waive the permit cost!) We also offer micro wedding upgrade options to streamline your day even further, such as ceremony and reception floral add-ons, bridesmaid bouquets, and more!
Photo by Apt. B Photography
ELOPEMENT | MICRO-WEDDING |
Usually 0-20 guests | Somewhere between 21-40 guests |
More focused on the ceremony | Often has a small reception after the ceremony |
Short + sweet timeline | Usually a slightly longer event |
Less formal, more relaxed | More structured and detailed |
Lower overall cost | Slightly higher cost for more guests + services |
As you can see, the difference between an elopement and a micro wedding mostly comes down to guest count and event structure—but both options allow you to celebrate in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
And the best part is – whichever route you go, you can easily design a stress-free day with the traditions you value and the people you love.
Photo by Taylor Brown Photography
While there are a few key differences between elopements and micro weddings, they actually share a lot of beautiful similarities—especially compared to the stress and pressure of planning a big traditional wedding.
Here’s what both elopements and micro weddings have in common:
They’re both less stressful. One of the biggest reasons couples choose a smaller celebration is to skip the overwhelm of planning a huge event. Whether you’re eloping or having a micro wedding, you get to focus on what matters most without a long to-do list or high-pressure timeline.
They’re often less traditional. Smaller weddings naturally lend themselves to more flexibility and freedom. You get to skip the expectations and outdated traditions, and instead, create a day that feels like you.
They’re more intimate and intentional. Both elopements and micro weddings prioritize connection—whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of your favorite people. There’s more space to be present, soak in the moment, and start your marriage in a meaningful way.
They can be as simple or personalized as you want. You don’t have to choose between a quick courthouse wedding or a fully styled large event—both elopements and micro weddings can be tailored to your vision. Whether you want a minimalist ceremony or custom florals and a private dinner, you can create an experience that’s completely your own.
They focus on the start of your marriage—not just the wedding. More and more couples are choosing to celebrate their relationship in a way that feels joyful, grounded, and true to their values—and that’s exactly what elopements and micro weddings offer.
At the Savannah Elopement Package, we define the difference based solely on guest count:
That’s it. It’s not about how “real” or important the day is—because every wedding is real, and every love story deserves to be celebrated beautifully.
Photo by Apt. B Photography
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just the celebration that feels most like you. If you’re dreaming of a quiet moment under the mossy oaks, an elopement might be perfect. If you’d love to share dinner and toasts with your favorite people afterward, a micro wedding might be a better fit.
No matter what you choose, you deserve a wedding day that’s joyful, beautiful, and completely stress-free.
We’re thrilled to now offer a brand-new option for couples who want something between an elopement and a full wedding day: the Savannah Micro Wedding Package! It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and celebration—and we make it all effortless. Reach out today if you have any questions or would like more guidance on choosing the perfect way to celebrate your wedding day.
From breathtaking locations to trusted vendors, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about our Savannah Elopement Package and start planning your dream day today.
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