Micro Wedding Packages: Your Guide to an Intimate, Beautiful Celebration

There’s something magical about standing with the person you love most, speaking your vows with the sound of waves, the whisper of wind in the trees, or the quiet hush of a mountain sunrise as your backdrop. Micro weddings allow you to strip away the noise and focus on what matters most — your connection, your story, and the people who mean everything to you.

As an Oregon-based photographer, I’ve had the privilege of documenting these kinds of deeply intentional days in places that feel more like sacred spaces than traditional venues. And because no two couples (or love stories) are the same, my micro wedding packages are designed to meet you exactly where you are.

Micro Wedding vs. Elopement — What’s the Difference?

Couples often ask me, “Should we plan a micro wedding or an elopement?” The truth is, there’s no strict rulebook, but here’s how I think about the two:

Micro Wedding:

• Typically 10–50 guests
• Includes a ceremony and a celebration (often with dinner, toasts, and dancing)
• Can take place at a private venue, Airbnb, or outdoor location
• More structure to the day but still deeply personal and intimate

Elopement:

• Usually just the couple or up to 10 guests
• Often takes place in a wild, outdoor setting (think mountaintops, beaches, waterfalls)
• Timeline is flexible, and the focus is entirely on the couple’s experience

If you love the intimacy of an elopement but want to include your closest friends and family, or you want a more traditional wedding feel without the large guest list, a micro wedding might be your perfect match.

Why Micro Weddings Steal My Heart Every Time

Micro weddings give couples permission to create a day that’s entirely their own. No massive timelines. No endless guest list drama. Just space to be yourselves.

And in Oregon, the options are endless. You could say your vows under the mossy canopy of a Columbia River Gorge waterfall, on a cliff above the ocean at Cape Kiwanda, or in front of Mount Hood glowing at sunrise. You could gather everyone at a cozy lodge in the forest or plan a weekend retreat by a lake.

The magic comes from this combination: an epic setting, intentional moments, and the ability to slow down and take it all in.

What’s Included in My Micro Wedding Packages

No two love stories look the same, and your wedding day should feel just as unique. That’s why I’ve designed my micro wedding packages to be completely adaptable, giving you the freedom to choose the elements that matter most and craft an experience that feels entirely your own.

Available Add-Ons

Depending on your package, you can include:

• Full-Day Photo + Video Coverage — So no moment is missed, from the first look to the last laugh.
  
• Film Photography — For couples who love the timeless, artistic feel of film.
  
• Rehearsal Dinner Coverage — Capture the laughter, toasts, and anticipation the night before your wedding.
  
• Ceremony & Speeches — Full coverage of the words that mean the most.
  
• Documentary-Style Highlight Video — A beautifully edited short film to relive the day.
  
• Engagement Session — Perfect for save-the-dates or just to capture this chapter before the wedding.
  

You’re never locked into a one-size-fits-all approach. We’ll create a package that feels true to your relationship, your priorities, and your budget.

My Booking Process for Micro Wedding Packages

I believe the best photography experiences start with a genuine connection. That’s why booking isn’t just filling out a form — it’s about making sure we’re the right fit for each other. Here’s how it works:

1. Inquiry Form
Start by reaching out through my contact page. Tell me all about your plans — where you’re thinking, how many guests, what your dream day looks like.

2. Connection Call
We’ll hop on a call to talk through your ideas, answer questions, and see if our styles and personalities align. I’ll also walk you through my micro wedding packages in detail.

3. Choose Your Package
Based on what we discuss, I’ll help you choose or customize the perfect package for your vision.

4. Reserve Your Date
A signed contract and retainer secure your spot on my calendar. From there, I’ll send you planning resources, location suggestions, and vendor recommendations.

5. Planning Support
Leading up to your wedding, I’ll help with timelines, light scouting, and any last-minute details to make sure your day runs smoothly.

Oregon Micro Wedding Locations I Love

The beauty of planning a micro wedding in Oregon is that you’re never short on incredible backdrops. Here are a few of my favorites from my micro wedding location guide, each offering a different flavor of Oregon magic:

1. Hoyt Arboretum – Portland, OR

Imagine saying your vows surrounded by towering evergreens and the quiet rustle of leaves. Hoyt Arboretum offers a serene forest escape right in the heart of Portland — perfect for couples who want a blend of nature and city convenience. With its diverse collection of trees and lush trails, it’s a dreamy backdrop for intimate ceremonies and sunset portraits.

Nearby Activities & Recommendations:

• Stroll Washington Park: Wander through the Portland Japanese Garden or visit the Oregon Zoo — both just steps away.
  
• Dinner After the Ceremony: Head into Northwest or downtown Portland for a cozy gastropub dinner or an elegant, candlelit date-night spot.
  
• Sunset Photoshoot: Capture golden-hour portraits along Hoyt’s scenic trails.
  
• Post-Venue Festivities: Celebrate at one of Portland’s local breweries or hidden gem restaurants.

2. Del Mar Villa – Dundee, OR

Nestled in Oregon wine country, Del Mar Villa feels like a slice of the Italian countryside. The villa’s vine-draped courtyards, riverside lawns, and sweeping vineyard views create a romantic, old-world setting for your micro wedding. Whether you choose the grand ballroom or a garden arbor, every spot feels designed for love stories.

Nearby Activities & Recommendations:

• Wine Tasting in Dundee: Visit Sokol Blosser, Domaine Willamette, and other renowned vineyards.
  
• Downtown McMinnville: Stroll boutique shops or enjoy a relaxed rehearsal dinner.
  
• On-Site Fun: Lawn games, tennis, and quiet corners to unwind.
  
• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take off nearby in Newberg for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the valley.
  
• Explore Portland: Just 45 minutes away for guests who want to pair your wedding with a city adventure.

3. Hood River Hotel – Hood River, OR

A charming historic hotel in the heart of Hood River, this venue blends vintage character with modern comforts. The Emerald Room offers a stylish space for your celebration, while the surrounding town adds small-town charm and sweeping river views. Book an exclusive buy-out, and your guests can stay just steps from the dance floor.

Nearby Activities & Recommendations:

• Downtown Hood River Charm: Wander local shops, sip craft beer, and enjoy the waterfront.
  
• Columbia River Gorge Adventures: Hike to waterfalls, ride the historic trolley, or go windsurfing.
  
• Live Local Culture: Enjoy jazz nights in the lobby or outdoor concerts in summer.
  
• Local Eats & Drinks: Indulge in farm-to-table dining and world-class breweries.

4. Wind Mountain Ranch – Stevenson, WA

For couples who dream of exchanging vows against a dramatic natural backdrop, Wind Mountain Ranch delivers. With open meadows, a serene pond, and mountain vistas in every direction, it’s a place where nature becomes part of your love story. Cozy on-site cabins make it perfect for an entire wedding weekend.

Nearby Activities & Recommendations:

• Scenic Sunset Views: Pond, mountain, and river lookouts perfect for golden-hour portraits.
  
• Explore the Gorge: Visit Multnomah Falls, hike river-side trails, and soak in the region’s beauty.
  
• Downtown Hood River & Stevenson: Enjoy local breweries, boutique shops, and waterfront strolls.
  
• Overnight Comfort: Stay in the ranch’s cabins or nearby hotels and spas.

For couples wanting something even more unique, we can look at places like Timberline Lodge, Marys Peak, Lost Lake Resort, or the Oregon Dunes. Click here to download my micro wedding location guide for more locations.

How to Choose the Right Micro Wedding Package for You

When you’re deciding on a package, think about:

• Guest Count — The more guests you have, the more moments you’ll want captured.
• Timeline — Do you want just the ceremony covered, or the entire day?
• Location Changes — If we’re traveling between locations, more coverage might be ideal.
• Video vs. Photo Only — A highlight film can bring your memories to life in a way photos alone can’t.
• Extras — Would you like coverage of the rehearsal dinner, getting ready moments, or a post-wedding adventure session?

Why My Couples Choose These Packages

Many of my couples tell me they chose my micro wedding packages because they wanted:

• A balance of coverage and flexibility
• A photographer who knows Oregon’s landscapes intimately
• A calm, supportive presence on their wedding day
• Planning help beyond just showing up with a camera

The feedback I hear most often? “My fiance and I kept forgetting we were taking pictures and it just felt like a date night with Emily there taking pictures of us.” – Emilie & Keegan

“I really leaned on Emily with questions about Timeline, aesthetic and kinds of photos among other various questions” – Marielle & Aryk

Let’s Create Your Micro Wedding Story

Whether your dream day unfolds on a misty cliff, in a hidden forest clearing, or by the glow of candlelight at a mountainside lodge, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

My micro wedding packages are built to tell the whole story — not just the posed moments, but the real ones: the way your partner looks at you when you don’t notice, the quiet laugh you share after the ceremony, the feeling of your hands intertwined as the sun sets.

If you’re ready to start planning, reach out here so we can dream it up together. Let’s create something beautiful.