How to host the perfect micro-wedding near Austin, Texas

A micro wedding is a full wedding experience with a small guest list: think 20 to 40 people. You still get the dress, the vows, the photos and the party. You trade quantity for quality so every moment lands deeper and feels like you. If you want a beautiful backdrop with incredible wellness amenities & luxury cabins, we host intimate wedding weekends at Serana! Learn more at the link here.

Why micro works right now

• deeper connection — you can actually talk with everyone.

• design that matters — fewer tables means you can invest in better florals, rentals and food.

• less stress — fewer moving parts, tighter timeline, easier logistics.

• budget control — spend intentionally where it shows rather than everywhere at once.

• better amenities — locations like Serana offer a beautiful alternative with an amenity rich venue. Including a salt water pool, sauna, day lodge, and wellness gym for your attendees to enjoy between festivities!

Micro wedding vs elopement vs intimate wedding

• micro wedding — ceremony and reception with under 40 guests, don't necessarily need full vendor team, curated design.

• elopement — typically 2 to 10 people and often no reception. Think outdoors, simple permits, maybe dinner after.

• intimate wedding — 50 to 80 guests. Same flow as a traditional wedding, just scaled down. Need full vendor team & costs accelerate.

Guest count and the ripple effect

Pick your number first. Everything flows from it

• 20 to 30 guests — one or two long dinner tables, one bartender, acoustic music, chef driven menu.

• 31 to 40 guests — two to four tables. add lounge seating, maybe a live band and a small dance floor.

Tip: when hosting an intimate wedding like this don't be afraid to leave personalized notes & touches that make each guest feel "special"!

Budget snapshot

Every market is different. Here is a simple allocation that works for micro weddings. Adjust to your city and

your taste.

• venue and lodging 30 to 45 percent

• food and beverage 25 to 35 percent

• planning and coordination 10 to 15 percent

• photo and video 10 to 15 percent

• florals and decor 8 to 12 percent

• attire, beauty and paper 5 to 10 percent

• music and extras 5 to 10 percent

Spend extra where feels right for you: ceremony florals, a great photographer, dinner experience and lighting.

Venue checklist for a micro wedding

Look for a space that already feels designed & ready to go. Then confirm the details.

• total capacity sweet spot 20 to 40 guests

• rain plan that seats everyone indoors

• on site getting‑ready spaces

• natural light for photos

• parking available

• beautiful landscape for the ceremony and photos

• furniture inventory you actually want to use

• kitchen access for caterers

• on site lodging to make it a weekend

Sample 2 day micro wedding itinerary

Plan it at Serana!  Book a tour and walk the spaces in person.

Day One, arrival and welcome

• 2 pm — check in, settle in, light bites

• 4 pm — portraits and a short rehearsal

• 6 pm — welcome dinner with immediate family and wedding party

• 8 pm — sauna, pool or fireside hang, lights out by 11

Day Two, wedding day

• 8 am — slow morning, coffee, stretch or yoga

• 11 am — hair and makeup begins

• 1 pm — design team sets ceremony and dinner

• 3 pm — first look and private vows

• 4 pm — ceremony

• 4 30 pm — champagne and photos

• 5 30 pm — plated dinner or abundant family style

• 7 pm — toasts, cake, first dance

• 8 pm — fireside or stargazing moment, night swim if venue allows

• 10 pm — last song, graceful exit

Vendor team that fits a micro wedding

• planner or month of coordinator

• photographer with strong candid work

• optional videographer if story is a priority

• private chef or boutique caterer

• lowkey florist who is not over the top

• bartender who can craft a simple signature cocktail

• acoustic duo or small band. maybe a friend can DJ later

• hair and makeup for a relaxed, editorial look

Alignment question to ask every vendor: what do you do differently for micro weddings compared to large events?

Design and decor that reads intentional

• one long table in a courtyard for 20 to 30 guests creates an effortless statement

• candlelight at mixed heights will always win

• limit your palette to two main hues plus a neutral foundation

• choose one hero material — stone, wood, linen, ceramic — then repeat it

• if outdoors, invest in lighting

Food & beverage

• pass a single beautiful canapé and go heavy on the seated meal

• family style works well with 30 guests or fewer

• offer water, wine and one signature cocktail rather than a full open bar

• consider a simple late night sweet. keep it elegant and easy to serve

Photography moments you will want

• private vows or a letter exchange

• partner one seeing partner two fully ready

• a wide ceremony shot that shows place and scale

• a close table scene with hands, glassware and candlelight

• night shot by water or fire

Create a short shot list with no more than ten must haves and trust your photographer for the rest.

Etiquette for a smaller guest list

• state the format clearly on your site and your invite

• no plus ones unless you truly have the room

• kids are welcome only if you plan for it — but also feel free to ask them to stay at home if that feels better for you!

Micro wedding checklist

12 to 6 months out

• choose your guest count and non-negotiables

• secure venue and date

• book planner or month of

• book photographer and caterer or chef

• reserve on site lodging

5 to 3 months out

• lock menu and bar approach

• design ceremony and table with florist

• select rentals and lighting

• build simple website and share travel info

8 to 4 weeks out

• confirm timeline and shot list

• finalize seating and place cards

• create a rain plan that you actually like

• write vows and keep them short and honest

Week of

• pack details box for photographer — invite, rings, perfume, heirlooms

• steam attire and break in shoes

• check the weather once then let it go

• have fun!