Intimate Wedding vs Elopement

When it comes to planning your wedding, couples today are breaking away from traditional norms and embracing more personal and meaningful ways to celebrate. Two of the most popular options for modern couples, especially in the stunning Pacific Northwest, are having a Intimate Wedding or Elopement. Both offer unique opportunities to create a day that’s as special as your love story, but they each bring something a little different to the table.

In this post, we’ll dive into the key differences between Intimate Weddings and Elopements, covering everything from guest sizes to venue options, and the overall vibe of each celebration. Whether you’re envisioning a secluded elopement in the North Cascades or a cozy micro-wedding surrounded by your closest friends and family, this guide is here to inspire and help you choose the perfect fit for your big day. Keep reading to explore creative ideas, get insider tips, and see how these alternatives to traditional weddings can transform your vision into an unforgettable experience.

Key Differences of Intimate Weddings and Elopements

Recently I was asked if there was truly a difference between intimate weddings and elopements, or if the concept was just a fancy way of saying “elopement with more guests.” As a wedding photographer specializing in both, I’ve seen how each option offers incredible opportunities to capture love in its purest form. Whether it’s the heartfelt connections of an intimate wedding or the raw, unfiltered joy and adventure of an elopement, both paths lead to unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish. There is no right or wrong option–only the option that speaks to your heart!

Intimate Weddings:

Intimate weddings have many of the same elements as a traditional wedding day but with a smaller, more personal twist. Guest counts typically range from 15-50 people and are made up of the couple’s family and a few close friends. The day often includes a heartfelt ceremony followed by a relaxed photo session at golden hour and an intimate dinner. Instead of a large reception with dinner and dancing, intimate weddings focus on meaningful connections and a cozy, celebratory atmosphere.

• Guest List Size: Typically includes 20-50 people, creating a warm and personal atmosphere with close family and friends.
• Venue Ideas: Charming locations such as boutique hotels, private estates, scenic gardens, or cozy indoor spaces.
• Planning: Involves careful coordination to balance guest experiences, personalized touches, and the overall vibe of the celebration.
• Rules and Formalities: Often includes traditional elements like a structured timeline, seated dining, or small-scale entertainment while maintaining an intimate feel.

Elopements:

Traditionally, elopements were all about secrecy — just the two of you running away to tie the knot in private. While that’s still an option, modern elopements have evolved! Now, they often include the couple’s nearest and dearest, like parents, siblings, or grandparents. Guest lists for elopements usually stay under 10 people, keeping things intimate and focused on your connection.

Alternatively, Elopements are all about breaking free from convention. They’re perfect for couples who dream of exchanging vows in a picturesque location like Mt. Rainier National Park, followed by exploring or engaging in a unique activity. Whether it’s hiking to a secluded mountain peak, wandering through a charming city like Edinburgh, or sharing a quiet beach sunset, elopements create space for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Unlike traditional weddings, elopements don’t follow a set structure. The day is fluid, spontaneous, and truly centered on the couple’s love story.

Guest List Size: Usually limited to just the couple or a few witnesses, keeping the focus on your bond.

Venue Ideas: Remote or awe-inspiring destinations such as mountaintops, secluded beaches, forests, or city landmarks.

Planning: Minimalistic and spontaneous, with fewer logistics and formalities, allowing for a truly unique and flexible experience.

Rules and Formalities: Generally relaxed, with the freedom to craft a highly personal ceremony without traditional expectations.

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Where to Have Your Intimate Wedding

Although traditional wedding venues often require a minimum guest count (sometimes around 100 people), intimate weddings open the door to more creative options. Think cozy inns, charming bed-and-breakfasts, or even your own backyard. Looking for something a bit different? Rent a gorgeous VRBO or Airbnb with character and stunning scenery. These spaces are perfect for creating an intimate, personal vibe while still offering plenty of charm and convenience for your small guest list.

WASHINGTON

Wayfarer on Whidbey Island | Langley, WA

• Price: $6,500/event
• Catering: Preferred list
• Max Guests: 100
• Type: Barn • Loft / Warehouse / Industrial • Garden • Beach / Ocean • Ranch / Farm

Two Point Ranch | Soap Lake, WA

• Price: $7,000–10,000/event
• Catering: In-house, BYO
• Max Guests: 50
• Type: Bed and Breakfast • Patio / Deck / Terrace • Private Estate • Private Home • Ranch / Farm • Retreat

NatureBridge at Olympic National Park

• Price: Inquire for custom quote
• Catering: In-house
• Max Guests: 150
• Type: Banquet Hall / Events Facility • Bed and Breakfast • Historic / Landmark Building • Inn / Lodge • Lake • Non-Profit • Retreat

Agate Beach Lodge | Port Angeles, WA

• Price: $2500-$5500/event
• Catering: Preferred list, BYO
• Max Guests: 75
• Type: Banquet Hall / Events Facility • Bed and Breakfast • Historic / Inn / Lodge • Beach 

OREGON

Blockhouse | Portland, OR

• Price: $1,250–5,500/event
• Catering: Preferred list
• Max Guests: 30
• Type: Garden • Patio / Deck / Terrace • Loft / Warehouse / Industrial • Unique

The Ruins at the Astor | Astoria, OR

• Price: $2,000–3,500/event
• Catering: Preferred list, BYO
• Max Guests: 100
• Type: Banquet Hall / Events Facility • Historic / Landmark Building • Unique

The Woodlands House | Sandy, OR

• Price: $1800-$5800/event – Inquire for custom wedding quote
• Catering: BYO
• Max Guests: 75
• Type: Banquet Hall / Event Facility / House  / Forest / Lodge / Mountain / 

Loloma Lodge | Mckenzie Bridge, OR

• Price: $5,000/event
• Catering: Preferred list, BYO
• Max Guests: 150
• Type: Banquet Hall / Events Facility • Bed and Breakfast • Historic / Landmark Building • Inn / Lodge • Mountain

Where to Have Your Elopement

The beauty of an elopement is that you can say your vows just about anywhere. With such a small group — often just the two of you or fewer than 10 guests — your options are wide open. Forget being limited to city hall. Dreaming of exchanging vows in a lush city park, a contemporary art gallery, or one of Washington’s stunning national or state parks? It’s all possible. The flexibility of an elopement means your location can be as unique as your love story.

What to Do for Your Intimate Wedding

While an intimate wedding has a bit more structure, it’s still incredibly relaxed compared to a large traditional wedding. You might start your day getting ready with a small group of loved ones, followed by a First Look with your partner. After the ceremony, enjoy a leisurely photo session and then sit down to a cozy luncheon or dinner with your closest family and friends. Intimate weddings are perfect for personal touches like lawn games, a firepit for making s’mores, or even a pool party if the setting allows. The smaller guest list makes the day feel personal, warm, and wonderfully low-stress.

What to Do for Your Elopement

Elopement days are all about freedom and fun. With no strict rules or schedules, you can fill your day with activities that are meaningful to you as a couple. Love adventure? Go hiking, sailing, or even skydiving. Prefer a more relaxed vibe? Spend the day exploring a new city, making art together, or enjoying a quiet beach picnic. Elopements let you focus on your love story, and the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Now that we’ve explored the magic of Intimate Weddings and Elopements, how do you choose which one is right for you? Let’s break it down:

Your Vision and Priorities:

What does your dream wedding day look like? If you’re envisioning a private, deeply personal day focused solely on the two of you, an elopement could be your perfect fit. But if sharing the moment with a small circle of family and friends feels essential, an intimate wedding offers the best of both worlds — a meaningful celebration without the overwhelm of a large event.

Budget Considerations:

Elopements tend to be more budget-friendly, with fewer guests and simpler logistics. However, intimate weddings are still a cost-effective option compared to traditional weddings. With a smaller guest list, you can prioritize the things that matter most to you, whether that’s incredible food, stunning flowers, or a venue with all the charm.

Guest List Dynamics:

Think about who you want to share your day with. If a celebration with loved ones feels essential, an intimate wedding allows you to include the people who matter most. On the flip side, if you and your partner value privacy and simplicity, an elopement creates a uniquely personal experience just for you.

The best part? Whichever path you choose, you’re crafting a wedding that reflects your love story. All of my couples who’ve chosen intimate weddings or elopements say it was the best decision they ever made. With less stress, more meaningful moments, and space to focus on what truly matters, these smaller celebrations are pure magic.

Certainly don’t think for a second that choosing a smaller wedding means sacrificing style or tradition. You can still have gorgeous flowers, a stunning dress, and all the little details you’ve dreamed of. Plus, with the money you’re saving, you can splurge on things that truly make your day unforgettable — like an amazing photographer (hello!) or a keepsake album to share with loved ones. Whatever you decide, your day will be uniquely, beautifully yours.

Intimate Wedding and Elopement Resources

Looking for more ideas and inspiration for your intimate celebration? Check out these guides and stories to hopefully empower you to have the wedding day adventure of your dreams.

Intimate Garden Wedding in Brush Prairie, WA

All about weddings at Wind Mountain Ranch | Stevenson, WA

Luxury Boho Wedding at Trout Lake Hall

An Intimate Wedding and Elopement photographer

Altogether, I hope this blog was insightful and eye-opening to the differences of intimate weddings and elopements. If you’re looking at either option and are in the market for a photographer who specializes in smaller celebrations, I’d love to chat more with you about your vision and how we can bring it to life! You can inquire with me here.