How to Plan a Michigan Micro Wedding Natalie Mae Photography

Even 5 years later, we are still seeing the impact that COVID has had on our lives, and no industry has been left untouched. In 2020, COVID redefined how couples choose to get married. Small intimate weddings, also called micro weddings, grew exponentially in popularity. Couples hosting smaller weddings have obviously been around for quite awhile, but the whole micro wedding trend really gained some traction. Let me tell you, I am here for it!

What is a Micro Wedding?

A Michigan micro wedding is a ceremony and/or a reception with less than 50 guests. Sometimes the couple will get married in a private ceremony or elopement, then invite their loved ones to celebrate together. When I got married this is exactly what we did. We eloped in New Orleans and had our honeymoon there. Then the following week when we were back in Michigan, we had a celebration with 20 of our closest family. Honestly, it was great for us. We saved money on the big wedding because we were saving for buying a house. Plus, we could really focus on thoughtful touches that made our celebration undeniably ours.

Many guests also appreciate small weddings because they are usually not an all-day event. This allows them to celebrate with you without requiring a long time commitment or becoming too exhausting. Plus, with a more intimate guest list, they have a better chance to connect with you and other attendees rather than feeling lost in a large crowd. The relaxed atmosphere also makes it easier for everyone to be present and enjoy the moment without the usual wedding-day hustle and formality.

1. Find a Micro Wedding Venue

The possibilities of venues in Michigan are endless! Any style or vibe you’re going for, you can find it. Having a smaller guest count opens up even more places you wouldn’t usually think of. I have seen breweries, park buildings, AirBNB‘s (check with them prior to make sure they allow events), indoor gardens, and even a small clearing in the woods. These types of venues are usually less expensive if not free, which helps keep your overall budget low. WIN!

Some of my favorite places for a Michigan micro wedding are:
Vinology in Ann Arbor. More specifically The Bubble Room. It’s has 400 hand-blown glass bubbles hanging from the ceiling! Beautiful soft lighting makes this room SO romantic.
Brewery Becker in Brighton. Built in 1873, this hotel turned brewery still has a ton of original elements in it. The exposed brick and wrought-iron staircase are just to die for! Check out Ash & Tim’s reception there.
Pictured Rocks National Park in Munising. You will need a permit to have your wedding there, but it is beyond worth it! The stunning landscape makes for the best backdrop.
Belle Isle Conservatory in Detroit. Inside the building is has so many different spots to do photos and an open area for the ceremony. It’s perfect for any season!

Vinology Ann Arbor wedding in the Bubble Room

2. Choose a Photographer

This should be an easy choice for your Michigan micro wedding *cough* ahem! No, but for real, choosing a photographer is a big deal, and I’m not saying that because I am one. They’re the ones that will capture all those precious moments and details of your wedding day. The photos are what you’re going to look back on for years to come, so you want to make sure your photographer is the best fit for you.

Some things to consider when looking for a small wedding photographer:

Photographic Style | Every photographer has a different approach to capturing a wedding day. Some take a very traditional route, carefully posing each shot, while others lean into a more photojournalistic style, capturing moments as they naturally unfold. My approach blends the best of both. Family photos are done in a more traditional style to ensure everyone is beautifully captured. For the rest of the day, I focus on documenting genuine moments as they happen. And if you’re not completely comfortable in front of the camera—don’t worry! I use natural prompts to help guide you, creating portraits that feel effortless, authentic, and full of emotion.

Cost | When budgeting for photography, think about how much coverage you truly need. Micro weddings are all about focusing on what really matters—your love, your people, and the moments you’ll cherish forever. That’s why I offer packages designed specifically for intimate celebrations, with coverage that fits the scale of your day without feeling overwhelming. From my experience, six hours tends to be the sweet spot—it’s enough time to capture the ceremony, all the little details, and plenty of meaningful moments with the two of you. If you’re planning a smaller wedding and want photography that truly reflects the heart of your day, I’d love to be part of it.

Experience | There’s nothing wrong with working with someone who’s newer to wedding photography—after all, everyone starts somewhere! But before making a decision, it’s important to ask to see a full wedding gallery. This gives you a better idea of how they handle different lighting situations, how well they pose and direct people, and the overall consistency of their editing. No matter the size of the wedding, some things can only be learned through experience. With 17 years in the industry, I’ve navigated everything from tricky lighting to unexpected timeline shifts, ensuring that no matter what happens, your day is captured beautifully and stress-free.

Pinckney wedding couple kisses as guests wave lighted

Bride and groom with all their guest at their Michigan micro wedding on Belle Isle

3. Vibe

This is where the only limit is your imagination! You can make your Michigan micro wedding anything you can envision. Not to mention with the money you’ve saved downsizing, you can use it on all those beautiful details. Whether you want boho chic or to surround yourself in nerdom, it’s the perfect time to full send your theme. Some couples will use their venue as the inspiration. Take for instance the couple below. They said their vows on their family’s flower farm and fully embraced vintage elegance. Amongst the hundreds (actually probably thousands) of blooms were touches of lace and vintage glass. It was beyond anything I have actually seen and SO beautiful, but completely fit the couple and their personality. If you’re obsessed with their wedding as I am, check out the rest of the photos!

4. Guest List

The guest list can often be a bit of a tricky spot, right? Parents want to invite their friends, but sometimes those are people you don’t know well or simply can’t afford to feed. It can feel a bit odd having guests at your wedding who are more like acquaintances. That’s where micro weddings come in—they’re perfect for narrowing down that list to include only those who are truly there to support you and your partner.

And here’s another perk: With fewer guests, you’ll actually have time to connect with everyone who came. After 17 years in this business, I’ve witnessed many couples spend the entire reception getting pulled in every direction by well-meaning guests who just want to congratulate them and share a quick chat. It can be overwhelming, to say the least! A smaller guest list gives you the chance to enjoy the day without feeling like you’re constantly on the move.

Everyone in attendance at a small Michigan wedding.

So the Adventure Begins

You and your partner are about to plan your perfect Michigan micro wedding, and how exciting is that? Following these steps should help you get started on the right foot with the planning process. Of course, there are a few key vendors not listed here—like your caterer, DJ, and officiant—but those are definitely things you can figure out as you go. If you need any help, I’m more than happy to recommend some fantastic local vendors to make your planning even easier. Here’s a little pro tip to help keep things extra intimate: consider having a close friend or family member get ordained to officiate your ceremony. It adds such a personal touch and makes the day feel even more special. Best of luck as you begin your planning journey—I’m sure your day will be everything you’ve dreamed of and more!