We are seeing more and more couple choosing Gatlinburg elopements each year in the Smokies, and it is for good reason! From the rolling hills and peaks, to the down to earth downtown vibes. Gatlinburg is an attractive option for many couples looking to adventure and explore on their wedding day! And a trend I love to see increasing in the area is Micro Wedding Gatlinburg TN. This option offers you the intimacy of an elopement, while allowing for a few traditional elements of a wedding. Wondering what exactly a micro wedding is? Read on to get all your questions answered!
What Is A Micro Wedding?
In short, a micro wedding is just a smaller wedding. There are less guests, less planning, less set up, and most importantly, less stress! Typically the guest list is no more than 50 people, and after the ceremony there is more scaled down celebration. Micro weddings are ideal for couples seeking an intimate celebration with their closest loved ones, without the pressure or high costs of a large wedding. They have become increasingly popular in recent years as couples focus on quality over quantity. Unlike elopements, which typically involve just the couple and a few witnesses and often do not include a reception, micro weddings retain the essence of a traditional wedding on a smaller scale.
How To Start Planning A Micro Wedding?
Much like any event, there are a few key elements to start with while planning a Micro Wedding Gatlinburg TN. As a Gatlinburg photographer I love helping couples put together timelines, recommend local vendors and so much more! Check out my Gatlinburg elopement planning services here! But to give you a head start, here is how to start planning a micro wedding.
Guest List
Before anything else we need to decide on who will attend your big day! Micro weddings are typically smaller with a guest list of no more than 50 guests. So I usually see couples just invite their closest friends and family. There are never distant relatives that you haven’t seen since a family reunion or your parents neighbors you barely know. I personally love this type of guest list because it keeps the day more intimate and meaningful.
Location
Of course I will be encouraging the Smoky Mountains for a micro wedding! After all, we have dozens of ceremony locations, gorgeous views, and so much exploration! You can have your ceremony on an outlook in the Foothills, or in the valley of Cades Cove. Then move to your reception at a cabin or lodge for a small party to celebrate. This is a part of planning that I recommend we talk about before you book dates and make hard plans. There are permit requirements and other insider knowledge that I can share with you to help you make the right choice for you!
Timeline
Timelines for micro weddings are about the same as a traditional wedding celebration, just scaled down. When I help plan a Gatlinburg elopement or micro wedding we usually start with getting ready photos at your cabin, then have a quick first look followed by your ceremony. Then the rest of day looks pretty different depending on the couple. Some choosing to spend a few hours in the park adventuring and getting one of a kind elopement photos, and having dinner later in the day. While others spend a quite 30 minutes for bridal portraits and then move onto a reception dinner at a local eatery for dinner and toasts. Just depends on what you want!
How Much Does A Micro Wedding Cost?
One of the most common questions I get about micro weddings in Gatlinburg is how much they cost. It’s a tricky question to answer because the cost can vary widely based on your budget and priorities as a couple. On the lower end, you can expect to spend around $3,000–$4,000. On the higher end, costs can range from $7,000–$10,000. Most of my couples land somewhere in the middle, around $5,000–$6,000, which I think is a perfect balance. This budget allows you to book the vendors that matter most to you while still saving a significant amount for your future goals and endeavors.
Whether it is a micro wedding in Gatlinburg or an elopement, I am here to help plan it all! Reach out here!
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