Different Types of Weddings

In the last number of years, so many different types of weddings have begun emerging in the wedding industry. But what are the differences between them? Does it really matter what kind of wedding you have? Are they not all the same thing?

If you find yourself asking yourself any of those questions, this post is for you. All of these kinds of weddings serve the same purpose, but there are different subtleties and reasons for each.

Let’s break down each type of wedding here, as well as offer some pros/cons for each of them, and provide some questions to help you determine which is best suited for your needs.

Traditional Wedding vs Intimate Wedding vs Elopement

First, we’re going to break down the general types of weddings.

Traditional Weddings

These weddings are the ones you are probably most familiar with. Traditional weddings don’t necessarily mean you’re having a religious wedding or getting married in a church – it just refers what a typical wedding would be in your culture or region.

Typically, traditional weddings have a large guest count and end the day with a big party. A traditional wedding is likely for you if you want to spend your money on making a very memorable experience for your guests and are wanting to have that party at the end of the night.

Intimate Weddings (aka micro wedding)

Next, you have intimate weddings. Intimate weddings are a combination of a traditional wedding and elopement. These weddings typically look similar to traditional weddings, but on a smaller scale and allow you the flexibility of an elopement while still having your loved ones there to celebrate with you.

The guest count at intimate weddings is usually around 30. Intimate weddings are perfect if you are a bit shy, don’t want to have courtesy invites at your wedding, or if you value quality time with your family and friends.

Elopements

Finally, elopements are the smallest of these weddings – they usually just include you and your partner. They are super flexible wedding days, where you can quite literally do whatever you want. Couples often use their elopement as a chance to travel somewhere epic, get photos in a crazy destination, or to check something off their bucket list.

Elopements are the most personalized type of wedding, and are for the couples who want to privately celebrate their marriage without any witnesses.

Types of Weddings: Elopements

When it comes to elopements, there are a few different versions. Whichever one you decide will be personal to you depending on the nature of your relationship, what kind of day you want to have, and your budget.

Just Us Elopement

This is exactly what is sounds like – an elopement that is just you and your partner. The only people who will be there are your officiant and your photographer, who can double as a witness during the ceremony.

Adventure Elopement

This is an elopement where you go off the beaten track and explore out in nature. You may choose to hike, go on a helicopter ride, rock climb, rent a jeep, or fill in the blank. This is for couples who love nature and want to be outside, who want to do something memorable and unique, or who want to cross something off their bucket list on their wedding day.

Destination Elopement

Again, this is exactly how it sounds – an elopement at a destination. It can be anywhere from a few hours drive from you, or all the way across the world. Many couples who opt to do this will turn their elopement in an elopement/honeymoon combination. This can be done as luxury or as budget friendly as you want.

Multi-Day Elopement

A multi-day elopements occurs over multiple days. This is great for couples who want to do a little bit of everything and can’t fit it all in a singular day. Maybe you want to spend one day outside exploring, and the other day celebrating with your friends and family. Or perhaps you want a elopement/traditional wedding combo, where you spend one day “just us” and the other day hosting a big party.

How do I know which of the 3 types of weddings are for me?

Determining the ideal wedding type for you can be tricky. These questions will guide you in finding the perfect way to say ‘I do’:

What do you want your overall wedding day experience to feel like?

What are you most looking forward to about your wedding?

What’s a non-negotiable on your wedding day? Or something you’ve dreamed about forever?

Is it important to you to be surrounded by loved ones, or is it most important to just be there with your partner?

Do you want to have a big party, or keep it lowkey?

What’s your budget?

Do you want to do something epic and memorable on your wedding day, or are you happy sticking to the traditional wedding activities?

What’s your reason for getting married (besides, of course, getting married)?

Next steps…

Are you ready to get the ball rolling on your own wedding? You might find my blog about the 5 steps to planning your elopement helpful.