Although we’ve all been hopeful, the reality is that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage on. So what does this mean for wedding planning? Well, unless you’re looking towards the end of this year or into 2022, it might mean that you’re planning a sweet, scaled-down celebration called a micro wedding!
What is a micro wedding?
A micro wedding is an intimate affair, typically with no more than 50 guests. They still feature time-honored traditions that make a wedding but on a much smaller scale.
While we’ve shared a few resources on how to navigate wedding planning during a pandemic, today we wanted to share some major wedding planning hope for 2021! Micro wedding venues are popping up all over. These spots are great if you plan to say ‘I do’ with 20-50 of your nearest and dearest. From Colorado (like the ever-so-cool Treehaus venue — more on the space below — photographed above by Jessica Cooke) to New York, here are 24 of the coolest micro wedding venues to consider for your nuptials.
Happy researching! Please don’t forget to reference your state and county event regulations; as well as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
West Coast Micro Wedding Venues
1. The Emerald Forest – Redmond, Washington
Nestled amongst thirty tranquil acres of lush wooded private property, the Emerald Forest provides a stunning backdrop for a strikingly serene and cherished micro wedding (up to 30 guests). Take photos on suspended bridges, say I do with a moss-covered forest floor, and take a zip line to your reception! Plus – you can spend your wedding night in the honeymoon suite treehouse!
photog: Megan Montalvo
2. WithinSodo – Seattle, Oregon
WithinSodo is an industrial wedding venue located in the Sodo district of Seattle. A flexible, unique space that was created to inspire. Bonus? The rooftop includes gorgeous views of Seattle’s skyline!
photog: TMinspired Photography | planning + design: Tapestry Event Company
3. Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse – Mt. Vernon, Washington
Christianson’s Nursery is a gorgeous nursery in Mt. Vernon, just about an hour outside of downtown Seattle. They have beautiful gardens, two greenhouses, and a meadow schoolhouse (which was built in 1888) which makes a lovely ceremony space.
photography: The Ganeys | florals + design: Gather Design Company
see more Christianson’s Nursery Micro Wedding inspiration here.
4. Jupiter Hotel – Portland, Oregon
The Jupiter Hotel gives your guests the ultimate Portland experience! They are currently hosting micro weddings (this sweet couple pictured had to replan their wedding FOUR times until they found the Jupiter Hotel and had such a gorgeous day!). The hotel lobby, event spaces, and upstairs lobby all are so beautiful, which makes it the perfect place for hosting guests.
photos: Casi Yost – find more details on their wedding here
5. Santa Lucia Preserve – Carmel, California
A micro wedding amongst the redwoods?! Yes please. Santa Lucia Preserve is just minutes from downtown Carmel, but the ceremony space feels like pure magic! They are currently hosting micro weddings for 2021!
photog: Liz Banfield | coordination: Sara Fay Egan Events | florals: Fionna Florals
6. Kim Sing Theatre – Los Angeles, California
The Kim Sing Theatre was artfully reimagined in the early 2000’s for private use and re-opened to the public in 2017. Kim Sing Theatre offers a unique space, carefully tended to and treasured by its’ proprietors. Since it’s rebirth, the space has been celebrated for being one of LA’s most interesting venues and respected for its achievement in architecture and design.
photos: Rad & In Love | floral design Inessa Nichols Design|planning Heartthrob Weddings
7. The Fig House – Los Angeles, California
The Fig House is offering micro weddings in their beautiful outdoor space. This venue and team are fully trained and prepared on how to follow the safety guidelines – so choose your guest threshold and book an all-inclusive intimate event!
photo: Mary Costa Photography | planning + design: Anything But Gray Events
Check out more in this Colorful Wedding Inspiration at the Fig House!
8. The Revery – Los Angeles, California
The Revery is a gorgeous warehouse space in Downtown, Los Angeles. They are now offering micro weddings in partnership with @studiokmrbi! 🥂 Their all-inclusive wedding packages (yes, design, florals, photography, rentals and food!!) will be available April-July 2021, and hosted in accordance with CDC guidelines so you can safely celebrate with your loved ones. More details on their Story highlights.
photos from The Revery (top) and This Modern Romance (bottom)
9. Hidden Garden LA – Los Angeles, California
The Hidden Garden is a private home set against towering pepper trees, succulents, and a restored 1908 greenhouse. You are in Downtown LA but feel like you are truly in a hidden garden. Perfect for micro weddings.
photos by Gina and Ryan Photography
10. Julep Venue – San Diego, California
JULEP San Diego event venue is one of San Diego’s newest event spaces and it features a bright and expansive main hall with high gabled ceilings and 12,000+ square feet of flowing indoor-outdoor dining and event space. Located at the base of Mission Hills in the heart of the city, JULEP is the perfect location for your micro wedding.
photog: Foolishly Rushing In| planning + design: Fetelle Designs | florals: Intentional Blooms | balloon install: Balloonzilla
Fun Note – last year’s Modern Love Event took place here!
Southwest Micro Wedding Venues
11. The Emerson – Kaufman, Texas
The Emerson is that authentic, out of the box venue you have been looking for! This timeless white chapel was designed by the insanely creative mind of Leanne Ford (HGTVs – Restored by Fords).
top photo by Chelsea Reece | bottom photo by Hannah Bri
12. Mattie’s – Austin, Texas
Mattie’s in Austin with a few onsite event spots perfect for smaller celebrations. Bring a a large, clear tent on the property and watch magic happen!
photos: Caroline Lima | planning + design: Wild Sky Events
13. Stem and Light – Ellis County, Texas
Stem & Light has a few different spaces to host micro weddings but we are in love with this brand new gorgeous greenhouse! Perfect for an intimate wedding inside or a backdrop for a micro wedding!
photos of couple: Rebecca Chesney | florals for couple: Cottage Florie | photo of bride: Taylor Folmar | florals for bride: Floral Jane
Rocky Mountains Micro Wedding Venues
14. Piney River Ranch – Vail, Colorado
Beneath the Gore Range, one of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain vistas, Piney River Ranch has lots of outdoor space for your micro wedding. They are only open for June through Sept, but have lots of dates still vailable for 2021 micro weddings. With two custom log pavilions + a ceremony deck that boasts mountain views guaranteed to take your breath away, it’s no wonder couples from all over the country come here to say “I do.” They are sharing their Covid updates here.
photo by Hailey Pierce
15. Treehaus – Rollinsville, Colorado
Just 35 minutes up the hill from Boulder, Treehaus feels like a secret retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This venue is not only a magical forest venue, but it’s also totally private and has incredible scenery. It;s run by a sweet couple who work hard to make sure your all your wedding dreams come true!
top photo: Ashley Joyce Photography| bottom photo: Murphy Weibel
17. Botánico – Chicago, Illinois
Decorated with Murano crystal wall lamps, gently worn Persian rugs, farmhouse dining tables, colorful large-scale paintings from local artists and lush tropical greenery, Botánico offers the signature exotic vibe and atmosphere for which Bonhomme Group is known. With its distinctive interior design, Botánico furthers the definition of what a micro wedding can be.
photos: Colette Marie Photography| planning: Ash Best Events
18. Maxwell Mansion – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
This historically significant Italianate mansion offers an exquisite and historic location for your important event. Built-in 1856, the Maxwell Mansion was the first mansion built in Lake Geneva and has long been host to stunning micro weddings.
photo by GE Creative
SouthEast Micro Wedding Venues
19. The Seraphim House – New Orleans, LA
The Seraphim House is a creole fairytale brought to life! Built by Seraphim Maspereau in the 1860’s and meticulously renovated from 2012-2015, this elegantly decaying masterpiece has been preserved and feels both otherworldly, and relaxed. It’s perfect for micro weddings and you there are also options to stay on the property.
photos courtesy of The Seraphim House
20. The Ivy Rose Barn – Rocky Mount, VA
The greenhouse at Ivy Rose Barn makes a perfect spot for your micro wedding. There is also a barn (coming later this year) and it’s all on a working floral + honey farm! They also have a team to take care of your every need, including wedding photography, planning and decor, so you don’t need to worry about any of that! What a dreamy spot to say I do!
photos by Nicole Colwell Photography
21. Vaughan Greenhouse – Lynchburg, Virginia
Here’s a quiet corner of nature! The Vaughn Greenhouse is a thoughtfully refurbished greenhouse venue with a gorgeous lawn and endless opportunities for small weddings!
more of Vaughn Greenhouse in this must-see lush wedding inspiration with a burgundy wedding skirt!
22. Starry Fields Farm – Southern Kentucky
Starry Fields Farm is a 20 acre farm about an hour north of Nashville and just outside Bowling Green. They describe their weddings as intimate, authentic and magical – we are in love! Their micro weddings have a max capacity of 40 people and take place in their barn built with over 130 recycled windows!
NorthEast Micro Wedding Venues
23. My Moon – Brooklyn, New York
Blue skies in New York City – yes! MyMoon is a spacious Williamsburg treasure, a top-rated micro wedding venue, creating stress-free, rustic, elegant celebrations (with plenty of time for reveling under the moon + stars).
photo courtesy of MyMoon
24. The Bordone – Long Island City, New York
With an abundance of natural light, The Bordone can help you create the micro wedding of your dreams! We are in in love with their rooftop which has panoramic views of Manhattan, Long Island City, & the iconic Queensboro Bridge.
photos: Readyluck | planning: Amanda Savory Events | florals + design: Little Sister Creative
25. The Farm at Glenwood Mountain – New York City, New Jersey
The farm at Glenwood Mountain is a family farm located on 180 acres in the mountains of northern New Jersey. They are now hosting micro weddings and private parties with their 3 beautiful venue locations: The Herb Garden, The Pasture and The Barn. Come and enjoy an authentic farm to table experience, submerse yourself in the beauty of a fully working farm and enjoy world class cuisine using ingredients raised and grown on the farm.
photo: Meadow Lark Stills | florals: Whisper & Brook Flower Co
26. Wythe Hotel – Brooklyn, New York
Wythe Hotel is an industrial chic Brooklyn wedding venue on the waterfront of New York City’s creative epicenter, Williamsburg. Perfect for micro weddings, the former factory has been fully renovated and its original character and charm serve as a wonderful backdrop to a Brooklyn wedding.
top photo: Benj Haisch Photography
bottom photos: Joanna Fisher | planning: Wildflower Events & Design| florals: Buds of Brooklyn
27. The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain – Goffstown, New Hampshire
A fairy tale setting for wedding ceremonies, The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain offers outdoor, cottage, and tented celebrations from mid-April through October. Here you will find their gardens are overflowing with color all summer long, then giving way to autumnal hues which illuminate the grounds with classic New England foliage.
photo courtesy of The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain
Coast to Coast Micro Wedding Venues
28. Airbnb Rental – Across the US
Looking for something even more personal? Check out our fave airbnb wedding venues! We’re rounded up our fave castles, cabins and desert retreats perfect for your intimate wedding.
photo by Henry Tieu Photography
29. Cloth & Flame – Across the US
Cloth and Flame are the experts if you are looking to have a micro wedding (or elopement!) in a hard to plan place. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate mountaintop ceremony for just the two of you or a magical forest celebration for your 30 closest family members and friends, their team are the experts at making deeply romantic, exciting, and boundary-pushing wedding experiences possible without the stress. Their focus has always been to make stunning experiences comfortable and accessible in seemingly impossible locations – and they currently have more than 50 unique sites in Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, Texas, and Washington.
photos: top from a dinner (first one ever!) they hosted at the Grand Canyon | next photo from a Joshua Tree House wedding by Kayla Fisher | ceremony in Sedona by Jane in the Woods | bottom dinner photo in Page, AZ by Kayla Fisher
Where would you have a micro wedding?
Are we missing any rad venues for micro weddings? Please share with us in the comments and we will continue to update this post as we learn of more rad micro wedding venues here in the US!