How to plan a micro wedding-Washington DC

How to Plan a Micro Wedding in Washington, DC

If you're dreaming of a wedding day that's small in size but big in meaning, a micro wedding might be exactly what you're looking for. As a wedding photographer serving couples in Washington, DC and surrounding areas, I’ve had the joy of capturing many beautifully intimate celebrations—and I’m here to share what works best when planning one in the heart of the capital.

What Is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding typically includes 10–50 guests. It combines the romance and significance of a traditional wedding with the relaxed feel (and lower cost) of an elopement. It's perfect for couples who want to focus on what really matters: the connection, the experience, and beautiful moments with their closest people.

1. Pick a Meaningful Venue

DC offers incredible options for micro weddings, from scenic rooftop spaces to historic mansions and charming gardens.

Some of my favorites include:

Tudor Place Garden – for classic romance and greenery

District Winery – intimate, modern, and waterside

Meridian Hill Park – ideal for outdoor ceremonies

The Line Hotel – stylish with skyline views

I always help my clients scout locations that photograph well and offer versatility in a small space.

2. Focus on Personal Details

Smaller guest counts mean more room in the budget for custom touches. Think handwritten vows, curated florals, signature drinks, or meaningful heirlooms. These are the details I love capturing most, they tell your story in a way that staged photos never can.

3. Create a Thoughtful Timeline

Micro weddings allow more flexibility. You can skip the all-day schedule and instead plan a cozy two- to four-hour event with plenty of time for portraits, ceremony, and mingling.

Pro Tip: Golden hour portraits are especially stunning in DC. I help my couples time their events to take advantage of the best lighting and energy of the day.

4. Hire a Photographer Who Gets It

Just because it’s smaller doesn’t mean it matters less. I approach micro weddings with the same heart and attention as full-day weddings, sometimes more, because the intimacy means the emotions are that much deeper.

If you’re planning a micro wedding in DC, I’d love to help you document every meaningful glance, laugh, and quiet tear.

5. Embrace the Freedom

Micro weddings don’t have to follow tradition. Want to have a picnic reception? Great. Want to skip the bouquet toss? Totally fine. Want to include your dog as a ring bearer? Even better.

You get to make the rules, and I’ll be there to capture the genuine, unscripted beauty of it all.

Planning a micro wedding in Washington, DC gives you the chance to create something deeply personal, stress-free, and visually stunning. If you're looking for someone to help you preserve every moment, I’d be honored to be part of your day.

Let’s chat about your vision, and how we can make it unforgettable, together.