Why You Should Consider a Sedona Micro Wedding

A Sedona micro wedding—or a micro wedding held in any location—is an intimate ceremony where there aren’t many guests in attendance. Also, while there may be more than a handful of attendees, the guest list typically includes only immediate family members and very close friends. 

These intimate wedding ceremonies aren’t necessarily reduced in every way, of course. They can still involve time-honored traditions but on a much smaller scale and generally at a lower cost. The bride and groom might choose to spend most of their budget on smaller details which would be difficult to replicate for a large number of guests. For example, some couples might choose to pay for transportation or even host hotel rooms or other accommodations for guests in Sedona—something that may not be affordable for a bigger wedding.

While a micro wedding can be similar to an elopement, elopements have traditionally been more secretive and spur of the moment. Recently, the two concepts have started being merged by adventurous couples. While a Sedona elopement is always a breathtaking experience for partners and their guests, many are going the extra mile to make it personalized, creating elopement experiences that are micro weddings with a twist. 

Of course, the town of Sedona itself is a location on the list of favorite places for plenty of engaged couples. Not only is it a magical place with absolutely stunning scenery, but many note it has an energy that has been known to produce life-changing experiences. That might be at least in part due to the mystical Sedona vortexes that are said to intensify all aspects of a wedding ceremony.

On the fence about whether a Sedona micro wedding is right for you? Read on to find out why this type of wedding might just be perfect for your big day.

Saving Money on Your Wedding Day

As mentioned, cost is a big factor for couples in most cases. One of the main reasons micro weddings are having a moment and continue to increase in popularity is because they’re much cheaper than a big, full-size wedding. According to NerdWallet, the average price tag for a traditional wedding in 2022 was over $29,000. Just imagine how many trips to amazing places could you take together for that amount of money!

Micro weddings can also help you save big as there’s no need to rent a large venue. You can have an intimate setting with stunning views that are perfect for nature-inspired weddings. Sedona boasts numerous spectacular spots where you’ll be immersed among the red rocks while saying your vows in front of family and friends who matter the most. 

And the price tag for renting that magnificent natural venue? Usually nothing, or no more than the fee to park at a trailhead. Plus, there aren’t as many people to feed, and an outdoor wedding ceremony means that nature can provide the perfect decor. That’s what micro weddings are all about: spending less on producing an event and more on creating an experience. 

This is an ideal opportunity to put money into what matters to you two the most. If you love horses or want an Old West feel for an Arizona micro wedding, you’ll be able to put your dollars toward renting horses, cowboy/cowgirl attire, and adding accessories. Foodies might splurge on higher-quality meals for their guests. Instead of spending $10,000 for 100 people to have a boring chicken plate, you could spend a fifth of that amount or even less on an amazing steak dinner for 20. A fashionista bride who doesn’t mind skipping the big wedding but still wants that dream gown might choose to buy a more elaborate dress. 

And who could forget travel? Why not spend more on a ceremony where you want instead of accommodating the people you’re obligated to invite? There are a ton of thrilling activities to enjoy right in Sedona, including helicopter and hot-air balloon rides over the beautiful landscape.

Micro Weddings Ease Stress

Have you ever been to a wedding where the stress makes it feel like more of a soul-crushing experience than a joyful, romantic one? Getting lost in the chaos of the big day—sometimes to the point of tears—is probably not what you imagine for your perfect wedding. The planning process alone can be enough to make you want to pull your hair out—but it doesn’t have to be this way! A Sedona micro wedding arranged with Arizona Elopement Collective means that everything will be taken care of for you without the stress, providing the ultimate love story. 

Our Sedona Elopement Packages further help to ease stress as everything you need to get married is covered. Plus, with local connections, you’ll get the vendors that are best suited to your particular style. That includes your photographer, an officiant, the bouquet, a gorgeous outdoor wedding ceremony, the planning, and more. 

And if you’re looking for a micro wedding that involves a scenic hike or off-roading adventure, that can be included too. It’s all about a hand pick for each vendor and taking care of every little detail so you don’t have to spend hours, days, or even weeks searching, emailing, and making phone calls as you try to find a good fit.  

Your beautiful wedding day will be all about the people and connections involved for a meaningful experience that belongs to you. We can fill you in on our favorite places if you don’t already know where you want to say your vows. Plus, with a Sedona micro wedding or a Sedona elopement, you already know that the backdrop of red rocks is going to be amazing.

Have a Less Traditional, More Personal Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

If a traditional wedding is a church ceremony followed by a ballroom reception at a hotel, a Sedona micro wedding allows you to break that mold. You’ll have a long list of options available for a micro wedding simply because there’s no need for a space that holds hundreds of guests. Throw the rules out the window and do what you want to make it as personalized as possible.

Instead of your first dance in a ballroom, enjoy that first dance outdoors among the red rocks. Instead of traditionally catered dishes, serve dinner featuring Sedona’s famously delicious Southwestern cuisine. Of course, you can also enjoy authentic Mexican or even sushi when you’re staying in town. 

If you need some ideas for making your Sedona micro wedding more personalized, sit down and have a conversation with your spouse-to-be, asking questions that can inspire, such as:

• What were some of the thoughts you had about each other when you first met?
• What are some of the special or unique qualities within each other that drew you together?
• Does your philosophy of life and/or spirituality help to support you as a couple?
• What activities do you enjoy doing together that help to bring you inner peace?

The key is to remember you can do whatever you want. It’s your wedding day!

Fewer People to Please

With a big wedding comes big opinions. There are going to be a multitude of people to please which can make for some difficult decision making. That increases the odds of enduring some awkward situations on a day that should be about the joy that comes with becoming partners for life. With a smaller ceremony, you can let your imagination run wild while still considering the needs of your families and friends in a way that isn’t too overwhelming. 

Spending Quality Time With Your Guests 

Fewer guests also mean more quality time with each one. Something you might not think about until it’s too late is that those big weddings are often so busy that the bride and groom rarely get a chance to say more than a couple of words to anyone outside the wedding party. You’ve probably been to a wedding where all you could do was exchange a smile with the newlyweds across a crowd. But with a Sedona micro wedding, you can actually have conversations with your guests thanks to the nature of the intimate wedding setting. That can make for a much more meaningful way to celebrate your special day.

What to Expect for an Arizona Micro Wedding

While there are lots of pros that come with having a Sedona micro wedding, just like most things, there are some challenges to think about too. 

• A smaller guest list. Odds are you’ll need to leave out some people that you want to celebrate with, such as extended family or co-workers. Those you’re unable to invite might feel excluded, potentially causing some drama. Then again, all that chaos may be why you’re reading this blog!

• Trimming the traditions. When eloping or having a Sedona micro wedding, with such an intimate setting, some traditions might need to be eliminated or pared down. That’s OK though: some of the most memorable ideas come from having to be creative. 

• Lack of party excitement. With a traditional wedding that includes hundreds of excited guests, the celebration is usually quite lively. When there’s only a small group, the post-ceremony festivities may not be a blowout. Of course, with proper planning, you can ensure that the entertainment keeps everything upbeat and fun! 

Learn More About Sedona Micro Weddings

This blog article is an extension of our ultimate guide to a Sedona elopement. If you are looking for more information on how to plan your perfect Sedona elopement, give our guide a read.

Now, there’s no doubt that Sedona is a spectacular location for tying the knot with frequent sunny weather, jaw-dropping scenery, and loads of activities. While the benefits of a smaller event are many, whether to have a Sedona micro ceremony, an elopement, or a large and elaborate wedding is up to you. 

At Arizona Elopement Collective we want to help you create a special day that’s uniquely you without the worry or stress that comes with intensive planning. We take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying your Sedona elopement experience with the people you want to share it with. 

Check out our Sedona elopement packages to start creating your Sedona micro wedding or elopement with us today!