One of the best things about a micro wedding? You don't have to choose between an intimate day with just the two of you and celebrating with the people you love. You can actually have both. That's exactly what Eileen and Emelia did for their Colorado destination micro wedding, bringing their closest friends and family together for a laid-back day that still left plenty of room for just the two of them.
The brides wanted a wedding that felt personal and relaxed, without the rigid timeline and formality that can come with a larger celebration. They planned a private hike and vow exchange, followed by a ceremony tucked into the trees, an outdoor dinner, wood-fired pizza, and plenty of time to eat, drink, dance, and hang out with their favorite people. Basically, everything that makes a micro wedding so good—just with a little more pizza.
Your Wedding Weekend, But Make It a Vacation
If you're already asking your favorite people to travel for your wedding, why not make the most of it? Eileen and Emelia chose a vacation rental that could host their ceremony and dinner and give their group a place to stay, making the whole experience feel more like a weekend away together than a one-day event.
They originally planned to keep the guest list around 25 people, but once they found a property that could accommodate more, they decided to invite a few more of their favorite people while still keeping things intimate. It's a great example of how choosing the right property can completely change what's possible for your guest list and your wedding weekend.
Yes, You Can Sneak Away on Your Wedding Day
Just because you invited your favorite people doesn't mean you have to spend every second of your wedding day with them. In fact, making time to step away together might be one of the best parts.
Eileen and Emelia knew they wanted a mix of time with their guests and private moments just for them. Before the ceremony, they went on a short hike for portraits and exchanged their personal vows privately, surrounded by the incredible views of the Flatirons.
It gave them that quiet, elopement-style experience while still allowing them to return to a full ceremony surrounded by everyone they love. And honestly? That's the beauty of a micro wedding. You don't have to pick one or the other.
Bring on the Wood-Fired Pizza
Nothing says relaxed wedding reception quite like a wood-fired pizza truck pulling up for dinner. The brides wanted their reception to feel casual and unstructured, so instead of a formal seated dinner with a packed schedule of speeches and events, everyone gathered outside for an al fresco meal. Long tables filled the lawn, their guests shared stories, and Wildfire Cuisine kept the pizzas coming.
Even when an unexpected rainstorm rolled in right as dinner started, nobody was too bothered. Jackets and umbrellas came out, everyone stayed outside, and the pizza kept the good vibes going. Half an hour later, the storm had passed, leaving everyone to laugh about the unpredictable Colorado weather and get back to celebrating.
The Best of an Elopement and a Wedding
This might be our favorite part of Eileen and Emelia's day: they didn't have to choose between an elopement and a micro wedding. They created a version of both.
They had a private first look, personal vows, and a quiet hike together. Then they returned to Colorado LOVe Ranch for a larger ceremony tucked among the pine trees, surrounded by their closest people. They kept the reception casual, skipped the traditional schedule of toasts and formalities, and still ended up with a packed dance floor when everyone moved inside.
It's a pretty perfect example of why micro weddings are so popular. You can make the day as intimate as you want while still bringing your people along for the ride. You get the quiet moments and the big ones, the adventure and the celebration—and, in this case, a whole lot of really good pizza.
Jennie LaVanchy is a former micro wedding bride, and she now supports countless couples in planning their own intimate celebrations through her blog, featuring real micro wedding stories and a curated vendor directory. Her practical advice and firsthand experience make her a go-to resource for those seeking to create memorable and meaningful micro weddings.