The way weddings in Austin have evolved can be easily attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in 2020, engaged couples wanted to get married, no matter what. The easiest solution? Pivoting their wedding vision and narrowing down their intentions.

Enter stage left: the new appreciation for micro weddings.

But there seem to be a lot of misconceptions about what a micro wedding is and how it's different from an elopement.

Hopefully, this article will help you plan your micro wedding in Austin and answer all of those burning questions you might have!

Micro Wedding vs. Elopement

The difference boils down to size and intention. An elopement focuses on the couple with minimal guest count (if any), while micro weddings focus on still including friends and family—up to 50 guests.

For years upon years upon years, the traditional wedding involved inviting 100+ people, having a huge celebration, and spending oodles of money to make it happen.

Both elopements and micro weddings are the antitheses of the traditional wedding, focusing on having an intimate celebration, saving money, and foregoing most traditions.

I like to akin it to planning the best party of your life—doesn't that sound like a blast?

Benefits of a Micro Wedding

Especially nowadays, with values and family dynamics evolving, there are so many benefits to planning a micro wedding.

Save Money - Weddings can be expensive! It's a fact that the lower the guest count, the more money you save! Now, I'm not saying you should cut corners, but it can help hone in on spending money on what matters most to you, like high-end food or the cake of your dreams.
Cuts Down Stress - While this isn't a guaranteed benefit, the average wedding planning experience leads the vast majority of couples to wish they had eloped by the time their big day rolls around! A micro wedding can help cut down or eliminate those wishes.
Cuts Down Drama - This is also definitely not guaranteed, but it gives you a great excuse not to invite Aunt Karen, who loves to get drunk and cause a scene at family events! While I'm sure the family member eager to help means well, I promise planning your wedding without allowing the possibility of drama will make you feel so much better.
Allocate Money To What Matters - If you've always wanted a beer donkey at your wedding but need to invite 150 people to your event, there's a possibility you won't have enough money left over for the donkey! Micro weddings cost less, so you can focus on spending money on super fun/unique things!
More Time With Guests - When you invite 150+ people to your wedding, it can be downright impossible to say hello to everyone! But <50 people? So much easier! Cultivating a guest list with limited guests can make your event feel so much more cozy, guaranteed!

How Much Does a Micro Wedding Cost?

According to Shaneco.com, the average cost of a micro wedding in Austin, TX, is $11,394.02. The way they lay out the cost of things can be adjusted—venues for micro weddings in Austin don't need to cost over $ 5,000. And photographers in Austin will definitely cost more than $300!

The key is to create a budget that works for you and your partner and then stick to it! A micro wedding can cost as little as $1500, and technically, it could cost over a million dollars if you were really determined to have a Michelin Star Chef cook for everyone at a venue in Bora Bora?!

Things You Want To Know About Micro Weddings in Austin

Do You Need A Wedding Planner For A Micro Wedding?

A lot of people think because they're not having a traditional wedding that, they don't need a wedding planner for their micro wedding. I would strongly disagree! Just because micro weddings can be less stressful doesn't mean you're responsible for dealing with it all!

Wedding planners who have experience with micro weddings will be able to help you keep it toned down so you can stay on budget and keep from being overwhelmed.

Obviously, planners can also help make the experience far more stress-free! Which is probably your original goal to begin with.

They can also help inspire with different micro wedding ideas, which will only enhance your big day!

TLDR: Yes! You want/need a wedding planner for your micro wedding!

Wedding Planners in Austin That Do Micro Weddings

Truly Together Event Co.

An Event to Remember

Something to Celebrate

Altar Ego Weddings

Is A Cocktail Hour Necessary At A Micro Wedding?

Absolutely not. A big reason cocktail hour is part of a large wedding is because there needs to be time for not only the guests to mingle but to make sure they're happy while the couple/family takes wedding photos.

But when you're having a micro wedding, you are able to create a timeline that suits your needs more. You can create a more informal mingling time with your guests throughout the day without focusing on booze.

How Long Is a Micro Wedding?

This can vary, especially if your getting ready space, ceremony and reception dinner are in different spots, but the average micro wedding is six to eight hours.

How Big Is a Micro Wedding?

Generally speaking, your micro wedding doesn't need to have a hefty guest list. Fifty or fewer guests is a great maximum number to keep things more manageable.

Do You Need To Have a Full Ceremony For Your Micro Wedding?

Absolutely not! Really, any wedding ceremony can be as long or as short as you'd like. I've seen ceremonies only five minutes long (albeit, this isn't recommended because it feels rushed).

But when you focus on just making your micro wedding a celebration, the ceremony can be more intentional. Try exchanging handwritten notes. I once saw a couple write each other's vows for fun. It's such a unique and personal touch!

However, if you're hoping to have a mini ceremony, then chat with your minister or officiant to make it happen!

How To Find a Micro Wedding Venue in Austin

Smaller weddings can certainly be limited by the wedding venues available. However, don't fret! Even with the smaller guest list, there are so many venues willing to open their doors to you!

First, when you're looking for a micro wedding venue in Austin, you'll want to decide on a date that may offer the most flexibility.

A lot of venues offer discounts for weddings in the middle of the week. Some venues that would only allow larger weddings on the weekends are more than amendable for a Thursday wedding.

Second, you may want to consider an all-inclusive package offered by the wedding venue. It can cut down on stress even more when the venue can take over the finer details.

Third, figure out if you want to have a cocktail hour. If you want just a ceremony and then an intimate reception, you can choose wedding venues that are smaller and don't need to accommodate a room flip.

Top 10 Micro Wedding Venues in Austin, Texas

I have a ton of favorite Austin wedding venues for micro weddings, but here are my top ten favorites. If you're looking for a more comprehensive list of venues, check out my 42 top wedding venues in Austin blog!

Springdale Station

While this East Austin wedding venue can accommodate a larger wedding, this venue is also perfection for a smaller wedding! It's no secret that Springdale Station is one of my favorite wedding venues, and I can assure you it's great for a micro wedding as well!

Sekrit Theater

Definitely defined as a non-traditional venue, Sekrit Theater is one of the last remaining spots in Austin that has the quirk the city was once really known for. As the city evolves, Sekrit Theater just gets more interesting!

Chapel Dulcinea

The only truly free wedding venue in Austin, TX, this cute little chapel is nestled in Dripping Springs overlooking gorgeous oak trees.

The outdoor chapel has built-in chairs via blocks of stone and while not everyone will be able to sit if you have 15+ guests, all of your guests will be able to view your intimate ceremony.

Mattie's

One of the more popular micro wedding venues, Matties offers a cozy feel for your intimate wedding. When you're planning on fewer guests, this venue has beautiful dining spaces that will help bring your friends and family together for your special day!

House On The Hill

This venue is perfect for micro weddings! It's one of the more non-traditional venues because it offers accommodations on-site, making it really easy to keep friends and family members in the same space.

Justine's Secret House

This Victorian-style home has been converted into a really chic and memorable venue for micro weddings! It's located in East Austin and can also work beautifully for a rehearsal dinner. It's also quite affordable, only $2500 for off-peak days, keeping your wedding day more cost-effective!

Lucky Arrow Retreat

If your wedding plans include having an iconic spot to get hitched at, while having a place for your friends and family to stay at, then Lucky Arrow Retreat is worth a gander! Their ceremony spot is super cute with incredible views, and their rooftop reception area keeps those views going on all night!

Martindale SchoolHouse

Now, this one is a little bit out of Austin, but is absolutely worth the drive! If your guest list includes those who love real quirk and history, Martindale Schoolhouse is just the ticket! I love this wedding venue because of its unique layout and the open-air reception hall that is the former gymnasium.

Umlauf Sculpture Gardens

Many a wedding has happened at Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, large or small. But this wedding venue in Downtown Austin is uniquely made to allow you and your guests to experience culture, art, and the beautiful outdoor spaces Austin is known for.

Vuka

While able to handle a big wedding, this wedding venue is also fantastic for micro weddings. There are two locations, in South and North Austin. Each has its own feel, so make sure to check out which would be great for your wedding day!

Micro Wedding Venues With All-Inclusive Packages

If your intention for having a micro wedding is to save money, then picking a venue with all-inclusive packages is a smart bet. The wedding industry is full of vendors happy to help you and team up with venues to help things stay simple for clients.

Keep in mind that all-inclusive will vary from venue to venue. When you reach out to them, make sure to clarify exactly what is included. Sometimes it includes vendors, but it can often only include tables, chairs, or security.

Springdale Station

As mentioned above, this wedding venue is perfect for a micro wedding and offers an all-inclusive package. They want to make sure that clients feel taken care of, no matter what.

Vuka

This venue is not only great for micro weddings, they also offer options for coordination, catering, and DJs! While it isn't a traditional micro wedding package, it allows you to customize the kind of wedding experience you want.

Cypress Valley Event Center

This venue is absolutely gorgeous. They offer tree houses to stay in and glamping options, Plus, their ceremony site is out of this world!

You can get married in a gorgeous Texas forest and then dance under the stars with your loved ones.

Their micro wedding packages are sure to make your celebration even more memorable!

Wrapping Up

Planning a micro wedding in Austin can be such a fun experience! Smaller weddings feel more like a party with your loved ones, with a more ample budget for delicious catering, yummy cake, and other fabulous details that bring your intimate wedding to life.

The wedding of your dreams doesn't have to be huge. In the end, it's a celebration of your love with your partner. That in itself makes it a special day!

So go and start planning your micro wedding. Invite only your closest friends and create a ceremony worth remembering. Spend quality time with the ones that matter most.

In the end, you're marrying the love of your life with your closest friends to witness. What could be better than that?