What Is a Colorado Micro Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that’s intimate, intentional, and full of connection, a Colorado micro wedding might be exactly what you’re looking for. Think stunning views, heartfelt moments, and all the best parts of a traditional wedding—just on a smaller scale.

As a Colorado wedding photographer who’s captured everything from tiny mountain ceremonies to intimate backyard celebrations, I’m here to break down what a micro wedding really is, what makes it different from an elopement, and why so many couples are choosing this path for their day.

So… What Exactly Is a Micro Wedding?

A Colorado micro wedding is a small-scale celebration—usually with 10 to 50 guests—that blends the structure of a traditional wedding with the intimacy of an elopement. You still get the meaningful moments: exchanging vows, sharing a meal, dancing under the stars… but with way fewer people and way more intention.

It’s perfect for couples who want to celebrate with their inner circle, prioritize experience over expectations, and plan a wedding day that actually feels like them.

How Is It Different From an Elopement?

Great question—because the line can feel a little blurry. An elopement usually includes just the couple (and maybe a few guests or witnesses), often in a more private or adventurous setting. On the other hand, a Colorado micro wedding includes a bit more structure and guest count. Think ceremony, dinner, toasts, and maybe even a small reception.

You still have the flexibility to get married outdoors, plan a weekend celebration, or keep things casual. But unlike an elopement, a micro wedding gives you space to include your closest loved ones without committing to a full-scale event.

Why Choose a Colorado Micro Wedding?

There are so many reasons couples opt for a micro wedding in Colorado. Here are just a few:

• Connection: You get to spend real, quality time with each guest. No rushed hugs or missed moments.
• Flexibility: Want to get married on a mountaintop and have a private dinner at an Airbnb? Go for it.
• Budget-Friendly: Fewer guests = more room in the budget for things that matter (like photography, food, or a weekend getaway).
• Less Stress: A smaller guest list and more intentional schedule means less pressure and more presence on the day.

As a Colorado wedding photographer, I see how much calmer and more joyful micro weddings feel. Couples are focused on each other, not logistics or expectations.

Where Can You Have a Micro Wedding in Colorado?

Honestly? Anywhere. That’s the beauty of it. You can host a Colorado micro wedding in the foothills of Boulder, a private home in Estes Park, a downtown Denver rooftop, or even a national forest.

Some couples rent Airbnbs that allow small gatherings. Others book cozy venues or restaurants with beautiful outdoor spaces. With fewer people to accommodate, you have a lot more freedom to choose a space that reflects your style and your story.

What Does Photography Look Like?

Your photos will feel like your day—personal, emotional, and real. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I approach micro weddings like I do full-day celebrations. With care, curiosity, and an eye for the honest in-between moments.

You might still want getting-ready coverage, detail shots, portraits, ceremony photos, and reception candids, or you might prefer a shorter, story-driven collection focusing on the most meaningful parts. Either way, a micro wedding gives you the space to be present and fully seen—and that makes for beautiful, heartfelt photos.

A Colorado micro wedding is proof that small doesn’t mean less—it often means more. Time with your people. More room to breathe. More moments that feel like you. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard celebration, a mountain escape, or something completely non-traditional, a micro wedding gives you the freedom to do it your way.

If you’re looking for a Colorado wedding photographer who values presence over perfection and connection over checklists, I’d love to help! Let’s bring your micro wedding to life, and capture every bit of it along the way.