Elopements
Planning an intimate wedding in beautiful northern Michigan can be a dream come true! Whether you’re looking for a beachfront ceremony, a small gathering in the woods, or an elegant affair in a rustic barn, the perfect setting for your special day exists in Michigan’s northern regions.
First, let’s define a small wedding
What is a small destination wedding, anyway? A small wedding, also known as intimate, mini, micro, or pop-up, is different from a traditional wedding for one main reason – the guest list. Intimate weddings typically have a a guest list of 20-50 people while larger, more traditional weddings typically have more than a hundred guests.
Now, let’s talk about how to start planing an intimate wedding
Not to be confused with eloping, having an intimate wedding can have more traditional elements on a smaller scale. Here are some tips for planning the perfect intimate wedding in northern Michigan:
- Set your budget.
- Before you start looking for venues, decide on a budget so you know what you can afford. Keep in mind that you may need to book a venue with space to accommodate your vision. Check this resources from brides.com on how to allocate money for your wedding budget.
- Choose a venue.
- Northern Michigan is home to some stunning wedding venues, so take your time and find one that fits your theme and budget. Here are a couple favorite venues perfect for small weddings.
- Think about the details.
- Once you’ve booked your venue, start thinking about the vendor most important to you. Consider booking a photographer and videographer first as these are typically the most needed on a wedding day. Add smaller details like florals, catering, decorations, and others. Make sure to book your vendors early to ensure they’re available on your wedding day. Start booking about a year away from your date – more if needed.
- Consider accommodations.
- If you’re inviting out-of-town guests, make sure to book a hotel or rental home where they can stay. You could even consider renting an entire house or resort for your wedding weekend. This post includes images from an intimate wedding at Pinecrest Northwoods, which is an authentic Upper Peninsula camp venue with tons of vintage charm. This venue has multiple cabins, ceremony space overlooking a lake, outdoor space for summer receptions and an indoor space for smaller gatherings in the colder months.
- Have fun!
- Above all else, make sure to enjoy yourself and have a great time! Intimate weddings are just as special and memorable as large ones, so make sure to savor the moments.
We hope these tips help make your intimate wedding truly an unforgettable experience. Take a look at this gallery from Madi & Mike’s wedding day:
[flo_pictime id=3269]