Discover key differences between micro weddings and intimate weddings–including costs, guest size, packages, and planning tips–to help you choose the perfect small wedding experience.
The Basics
Over the past few years, couples increasingly have chosen smaller-scale gatherings that highlight meaningful moments over extravagance. Whether you’re leaning toward a micro wedding or an intimate wedding, understanding their differences is key to crafting your dream day.
Guest List & Atmosphere
- Micro Weddings at The Gardens hosts up to 75 guests, offering a relaxed, cozy vibe where guests are able to interact with everyone
- Intimate Weddings at The Gardens hosts up to 35 guests, allowing for a more structured, reception-focused event while maintaining warmth and connection.
Cost & Package Breakdown
Our venue offers:
- Micro Wedding — $2,700 (up to 75 guests): Includes ceremony, onsite coordinator, one-hour use of The Gardens property, ceremony chairs, backdrop of your choice, luxury restrooms, and parking. Extra time or larger guest count incurs additional fees.
- Intimate Wedding — $6,500 (up to 35 guests): Includes 4-hour reception, chairs for ceremony and reception, 72″ round tables, cottage for meals, 24′ catering tent, luxury restrooms and parking.
- The Gardens also offers an Intimate Tented Wedding for $10,500 (up to 75 people). This includes a 5-hour venue rental, 44′ x 53′ sailcloth tent, chairs for ceremony and reception, 72″ round tables, cottage for photos and putting dress on, dance area, 24′ round catering tent, tent fairy lighting, luxury restrooms, and parking.
Overall, micro weddings are a budget-savvy choice–leaving more room for splurges like décor or photography. Intimate weddings deliver full reception vibes, such as dinner, toasts, and social flow.
Key Takeaways
- Connection > Crowd — both options foster deeper guest interaction than a large-scale wedding.
- Budget Focus — micro weddings stretch dollars further; intimate weddings give the full reception experience without excess.
- Planning Speed — smaller weddings are simpler to organize in a few months.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose a micro wedding if budget-stretching, ceremony focus, and quality time are priorities for your wedding.
- Choose an intimate wedding if you want a full reception experience with dinner, toasts, and ambiance, but with fewer guests and less stress.
At the end of the day, both a micro wedding and an intimate wedding offer meaningful ways to celebrate your love with those who matter most. Small doesn’t mean less–it means more connection, intention, and more memories. At The Gardens, our team is ready to cater to your desired preferences!