Table of Contents:

• What is a “Micro Wedding?”
• Why Have a Micro Wedding?
• 9 Best Micro Wedding Venues in Oregon
• Oregon Micro Wedding Packages
• Real Oregon Micro Wedding Inspiration

Micro weddings, elopements, intimate weddings, big weddings… there are SO many ways to define a marriage celebration these days, and you’d be hard-pressed to find one that is more versatile, customizable, and meaningful than a micro wedding. As much as I adore elopements, micro weddings have had my heart lately, as a mom and friend who really values time with the people she loves most—especially in big moments. In this guide, I break down what micro weddings are, why they’re so incredible, and how to find the right micro wedding venue for you!

What is a “Micro Wedding?”

Wondering what the heck the meaning of a “micro wedding” is? You’re not alone! I know that wedding terminology has gotten a little bit confusing these past years, as more and more couples opt to change things up, do their own thing, and throw tradition out the window. And I am ALL for it!

So before we dive into why I love micro weddings more than anything, let’s define what exactly a micro wedding even is.

What’s the difference between a micro wedding vs an elopement?

There’s no exact definition that I can give you, because every couple, every vendor, and honestly, every LOCATION defines it differently. A micro wedding might mean something different in Oregon than it does in New York, or in Switzerland, with the way different markets evolve over time!

In my own eyes & experience, an elopement typically only has a few people: the couple, their officiant, required witnesses, and maybe 5-15 guests.

Whereas a micro wedding is somewhere between that and a larger, traditional wedding; usually between 20-50ish guests.  

Both share the same purpose: to get married to your love and celebrate in an intentional way that feels right to you—and prioritizes you over anyone or anything else. They just take different approaches.

How big is a micro wedding?

I tend to define micro weddings as having anywhere from 20-50 guests, give or take a few. 

They’re nowhere near as large as a traditional wedding with 100+ people, but they’re also not completely private like an elopement, either. Somewhere in that magical middle, where you get to celebrate alongside the people you love most, but you don’t have SO many people that you don’t really get quality time together!

How much does a micro wedding cost?

Couples often wonder if micro weddings are cheaper than traditional weddings… and the answer is, well, it depends. 

If you’re looking at how much money you’ll save on guest costs such as save-the-dates/RSVPs, meals, favors, accommodations, travel, etc… then yes, a micro wedding with a smaller guest list will definitely save you money.

But not all couples choose to have a micro wedding for purely budgetary reasons; sometimes, it’s because they’d rather invest that money elsewhere, somewhere that matters to their wedding day more. 

So instead of spending, say, $30K on vendors and services related to their guests, maybe they only need to spend $10K on all that, and put the remaining $20K somewhere else—like an activity or experience on their wedding day, vendors that are more important to them, or a honeymoon. Wedding budgeting is all about prioritizing, no matter what size or type of event you’re having, so the cost of your micro wedding really depends on how you choose to allocate your funds!

It’ll also depend on factors such as…

• Venue or location
• Travel/transportation
• Accommodations
• Meals
• Vendors
• Activities and experiences

And so much more, of course.

Do micro weddings have bridesmaids/groomsmen?

If you want them to! Just because you’re having a smaller wedding doesn’t mean you can’t still do all the fun wedding day things if they’re important to you. You can totally have a wedding party EVEN if you’re having a private elopement, and your only guests are your wedding party members!

Do micro weddings have receptions?

They absolutely can! Again, totally up to you. I’ve seen couples have micro weddings with a reception or dinner the same evening, I’ve seen couples have an afterparty a few weeks/months later, and I’ve seen couples opt out of receptions completely.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to have a “traditional” reception either… if you’re not into the whole dancing-in-a-grand-ballroom thing, you can still have a killer afterparty that fits your vibe better. Maybe this means you reserve a space for your party at a restaurant nearby, maybe you go out dancing or bar hopping with a few of your besties, or maybe you meet back up with everyone the next day for a brunch buffet “reception”! 

Where can I have a micro wedding?

You can have your micro wedding anywhere that allows ceremonies & groups of your size. Micro wedding location options are usually more limited than private elopements, since if you have a group of 25-50 people you won’t be able to fit on a trail, or in a national park. But you can look for:

• A wedding venue
• An Airbnb or private rental that has enough space (and allows events)
• A public park or landmark with a large enough dedicated space for your group size

There are plenty of wedding venues that offer specialized micro wedding packages, too, when you don’t need quite as much space or as many services as a larger wedding would. Definitely look out for those if you’re searching for a good venue to host your micro wedding at!

Why Have a Micro Wedding?

Micro weddings are only becoming increasingly popular by the year, and I am SO glad. If you and your partner identify with any of the items on this list, then a micro wedding might be the right option for you!

• You don’t want to worry about managing huge groups of people.
• You don’t love being the center of attention in a large crowd.
• You get overwhelmed or stressed out with people relying on you for entertainment/a good party.
• You’d prefer to be surrounded by a small group of people you love most, than a bunch of strangers/long-lost relatives you barely know.
• You prefer intimate, meaningful conversations over small talk and random mingling.
• You’d rather spend your money on creating a better experience for a small group than buying meals for hundreds of guests.
• You don’t want to get married in complete private, because you value the people in your lives & want them by your side when you tie the knot.
• You’re down to get married at a cool venue or Airbnb instead of a National Park or outdoor adventure elopement-type location.
• You’d rather create a celebration that feels right for your relationship, than put on a performance.
• You don’t care about breaking tradition if it means an experience that feels right to YOU!

Cheers to the couples who don’t care what anyone thinks, and stick to what feels right in their hearts… you’re what this world needs.

9 Best Micro Wedding Venues in Oregon

Not sure where to start your search for the perfect micro wedding venue? I’ve curated a list of some of the most popular micro wedding venues in Oregon, as well as a few of my favorites that are definitely underrated + hidden gems!

1. Wind Mountain Ranch | Stevenson, WA

Okay, this one is technically in Washington… but it’s SO close to the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge that I had to include it!

Wind Mountain Ranch is straight out of a western dream, nestled on 22 acres of expansive, scenic property in Stevenson, WA. There’s truly nothing else like it in Washington that makes you feel like you’ve been transported into Jackson Hole ranch country—without leaving the PNW! It’s only 1 hour from PDX and 25 minutes from Hood River, so it’s easy to get to, + there’s plenty to do in the area.

My favorite part about this ranch is that it was made for micro wedding weekends. For celebrations that extend past a single day; that invite you and your loved ones to sink into the moment together and truly embrace all the beauty that the Columbia River Gorge has to offer. The whole ranch can accommodate up to 175 wedding guests, and up to 35 overnight guests in the 7 timber cabins across the property.

And a bonus? It’s pet-friendly! Bring your pups and let ‘em run around the property while you tie the knot… they’ll love you for it.

Take a peek at my Wind Mountain Ranch Wedding Guide to see all the beauty this venue has to offer.

2. Griffin House | Hood River, OR

Located across the Gorge from Wind Mountain Ranch, the Griffin House is one of those micro wedding venues I will never get over. 

The house itself is set on this epic cliffside property just 5 minutes from Hood River, and is seriously one of the most unreal properties in the entirety of the Columbia River Gorge. The views you get of the vineyards, the lush greenery, the winding river, and the mountains in the distance are absolutely insane, given how close you are to the largest city in Oregon. 

Plus, the team here does an amazing job of creating a venue that allows for completely custom, tailored-to-you micro weddings! They will always go the extra mile to make sure you feel understood, that your vision is being seen, and that every element of your wedding day is executed seamlessly. YOU get to choose how your day looks and feels, whether that be with your guests, your vendors, or the spaces you choose to celebrate in… it’s an immersive experience from start to finish, and one that feels perfectly you.

3. Silcox Hut/Timberline Lodge | Mt. Hood, OR

Silcox Hut is easily one of the coolest, most unique, and most enchanting micro wedding venues I have ever shot at. Without a doubt. 

It literally sits at 7,000 feet above sea level on a gorgeous mountain, accessible at ANY time of year. You could get married here in the middle of a winter snowstorm, or on a sunny summer day with no clouds in sight (though it’ll still be chilly), and it would still be beautiful! Many groups will book the hut to serve as their base camp while they’re out hiking and adventuring, which would be such a fun way to set up your adventurous micro wedding.

I’m a huge believer that your micro wedding should be not just a day full of pretty decor and aesthetic photos, but a full, unforgettable experience for you + your guests. And if you decide to tie the knot at Silcox Hut, you will for SURE be giving your guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience + the chance to create so many cherished memories together.

Here’s proof… Sarah + Colin’s snowy Silcox Hut Micro Wedding was to DIE for.

4. FivePine Lodge | Sisters, OR

Ever since photographing Kailea + Byram’s wedding, FivePine Lodge has become one of my all-time favorite Central Oregon micro wedding venues. Seriously y’all, there is NO way to not fall in love with this place – it’s surrounded by massive ponderosa pines and wildflowers, and offers so many incredible services to couples + their guests.

FivePine has both indoor and outdoor spaces for year-round weddings, as well as cozyyy cabins to host your closest friends/family members. They even have a full spa on-site—so after you enjoy your unforgettable wedding day, a comfy stay in your cabin, and have dined on their delicious farm-to-table catering, you can also get a post-wedding massage and relax. Sounds like the dream, doesn’t it?

5. Camp Lane | Walton, OR

Want a micro wedding venue with more of a summer-camp vibe? This one’s for you!

Camp Lane is a dreamy woodland retreat nestled along the Siuslaw River, about 40 miles west of Eugene. The main lodge is as cozy and rustic as you can get in the lush forests of Oregon, featuring a spacious dining hall and a warm indoor fireplace—the ideal spot to welcome your loved ones as they arrive for the weekend. 

With multiple other lodging options (including a two-story A-frame, a rustic Adirondack shelter, a collection of elevated treehouses, and a quaint yurt), Camp Lane is the ultimate venue for multi-day micro weddings, offering plenty of room for guests to stay and make the most of their time with you. After all, who wouldn’t want to embrace the idyllic woodland atmosphere of the Oregon Coast with the people they love most in their lives?

Nicole + Nigel’s Vintage-Inspired Micro Wedding at Camp Lane was a dream come true.

6. Soda Creek Campground | Bend, OR

For anyone not from the PNW, it might sound a little weird to have your wedding ceremony at a campground—but when the campground looks like this, it’s no surprise that you’d want to tie the knot there! 

Soda Creek Campground is one of my personal favorite hidden gems in the Deschutes National Forest, super close to Sparks Lake with a secluded, private feel. The mountain views are absolutely to die for, spectacular from every angle especially with the lush greenery and forests in the distance. It makes for an amazing ceremony location not just because of the views, but because it’s easy to access, and is doable for guests with certain mobility restrictions.

My couple Amanda + Kyle hosted their Scenic Micro Wedding at Soda Creek Campground, and it was incredible. These two didn’t let tradition, expectations, or norms define their day; didn’t force themselves to fit into the “elopement” or “wedding” box. Instead, they focused on crafting a day that felt true to THEM over everything else!

7. Deep Creek Farmstead | Portland, OR

Deep Creek Farmstead is a micro wedding dream, offering an idyllic space for you and a few guests to retreat to for a little woodland escape. It’s located right on a creek that leads to the Clackamas River, with seven lush acres free for you to explore + call home during your wedding festivities. The farmstead is SUPER secluded, bordered by two large private parks, so you won’t feel like you’re anywhere near a big city (even though you’re only 30 minutes from Portland!).

With space for up to 75 day use guests and 12 overnight guests (yes, there are accommodations on the property!), it’s a dream come true for couples who want to plan an unforgettable weekend-long party with loved ones. Trust me, you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy the stunning landscapes and retreat into the quiet + peace of the outdoors—whether you stay on the property the entire time, or head out and explore the nearby Mt. Hood wilderness.

Check out Kate + Ben’s Woodland Microwedding at Deep Creek Farmstead for inspo!

8. Sparks Lake | Cascade Lakes, OR

Sparks Lake is a natural lake located about 40 minutes (27 miles) west of Bend, Oregon, just off the Cascade Lakes Highway – one of the true hidden gems of central Oregon. It’s a must-visit if you’re spending any time in the Bend area, especially since it’s close to the rest of the Cascade Lakes that you can visit all in one day!

I’m obsessed with Sparks Lake not only because it has jaw-dropping mountain views, but because it ALSO has golden grassy fields and deep green forests that you can explore. So you can really get such a variety of landscapes for your micro wedding, all at one location!

For my couple Sarah + Colton, Sparks Lake was the perfect Oregon micro wedding destination. What stuck out to me about their day was that they planned it to be exactly what they wanted, and what they dreamed of. Nothing more, nothing less; no strict labels or categories to fit under. 

Instead of choosing between an elopement and a wedding and limiting themselves to one or the other, Sarah and Colton combined the two for a celebration that truly had the best of both worlds. It truly was a dream from beginning to end; see the whole thing here, y’all!

9. Suttle Lake Lodge | Sisters, OR

This is another dreamy lodge in Central Oregon, spanning over 200 acres of land in the Cascade Range! Suttle Lake Lodge is an amazing micro wedding venue for many reasons: the main ones being the absolutely breathtaking landscapes + the option to buy out the full property. 

That’s right—if you don’t want to have to share the lodge with any other guests outside of your wedding, you can rent out the ENTIRE property, or a section of it, to have all to yourselves! This is a huge bonus if you & your wedding guests are all staying at the lodge and really want an amazing opportunity to celebrate with each other, without worrying about random strangers wandering around you or being in the restaurant with ya.

Another of the biggest benefits of having your micro wedding at Suttle Lake Lodge is the insane amount of outdoor adventure available to you! The lodge is super close to the Pacific Crest Trail (aka the PCT), and there are amazing ways to explore the beautiful central Oregon area for everyone, no matter what your skill level or how much (or how little!) of a challenge you’re looking for.

BONUS: Airbnbs/Private Rentals

If you can’t find a venue you love, another amazing option is to look for an Airbnb or private rental that allows events! PLEASE make sure to check with the host when you’re doing your initial search, I see sooo many couples finding a place they love only to realize they’re not allowed to host their micro wedding there. 

Private rentals like this are honestly the best option for a micro wedding if you want as much time with your fam + friends as possible, because if you find one that’s big enough, a group of you will be able to stay on site the entire time. Nothing is more intimate and special than a romantic picnic dinner in the backyard, or an elevated chef-cooked meal inside of a spacious A-frame cabin… trust me.

Oregon Micro Wedding Packages

Hey y’all, I’m Dawn—an Oregon micro wedding photographer who is obsessed with helping couples like you find the right type of wedding to celebrate your unique love story.

What do you say? Let’s get y’all married, whether it’s with a micro wedding at a cozy cabin, a private elopement in a National Park, or a larger wedding at an epic PNW venue! Reach out now, and I’ll send you a customized pricing guide within 24-48 hours so we can find your perfect fit.

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