Planning a Micro Wedding in Vancouver, BC

Micro weddings became a big thing during the pandemic when celebrations were forced to scale down. But years later, micro weddings are still a popular choice.

At Young Hip & Married we officiate everything from elopements with just the couple and two witnesses to huge weddings with hundreds of guests. We’ve definitely noticed that smaller and more intimate celebrations are appealing to more and more couples.

If you’re getting married and considering a micro wedding in Vancouver, we’ve put together a guide to help you find out if a micro wedding is right for you, plus everything you need to know to plan one.

Then keep reading for examples of some of our favourite micro wedding venues in Vancouver!

What is a micro wedding?

A micro wedding is a smaller wedding, usually with no more than 50 guests. It has all the hallmarks of a regular wedding, but scaled down. The focus is usually on a more intimate and casual celebration.

Micro weddings can be any style you want: From a casual dinner party for 10 or a backyard BBQ for just your immediate family to an elegant banquet or rager of a dance party for 45 close friends.

The only thing all micro weddings have in common is their small size – besides that, you get to make it your own!

Who is a micro wedding for?

Micro weddings are perfect for couples who want to celebrate their love, but not with everyone they’ve ever met. They can be a good choice for a couple who wants a smaller party, more one on one time with guests, and less pomp and circumstance.

Many destination weddings or wedding weekends fit into a micro wedding definition, as usually these guest lists are more limited. Destination and weekend weddings are awesome ways to spend more time with your guests over a few days, rather than just having a single evening together.

Micro weddings are also a great way for couples to save money. While you can definitely go all out on your micro wedding, it will always be cheaper to have fewer guests than more guests.

Why have a micro wedding in Vancouver?

Vancouver is an excellent place to host your micro wedding because:

1. Vancouver is a natural paradise! From Stanley Park to Kits Beach and Grouse Mountain to Pitt Lake, there is no shortage of beautiful backdrops to get married in front of in Vancouver, BC.

You can make the most of Vancouver’s outdoor beauty with a smaller guest list. You’ll have a much easier time hosting a micro wedding for 15 in Stanley Park than trying to get 150 people to attend.

2. Vancouver has a ton of beautiful micro wedding venues. Both indoors and outdoors, many of Vancouver’s best venues are ideal for 50 or fewer guests.

Some of our favourite spots include the Loft at Earls, Hycroft Manor, Vandusen Garden, Queen Elizabeth Park, Brix & Mortar and Sea to Sky Gondola. Check out more amazing Vancouver wedding venues here.

3. Vancouver can be expensive. Unfortunately, Vancouver is quite a pricy city. If you’re hosting a big wedding here, that means paying a ton for venues, food, drinks, entertainment, decor, etc.

A Vancouver micro wedding will be a lot friendlier on your budget, leaving you room to splurge on what matters most or save your money for non-wedding expenses.

Examples of real micro weddings in Vancouver

Check out examples of real micro weddings in Vancouver at some of our favourite Vancouver micro wedding venues!

• Bloedel Conservatory
• Queen Elizabeth Park
• Vandusen Botanical Garden
• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
• Vancouver City Hall
• Pitt Lake
• Stanley Park
• Fairmont Vancouver Airport

Micro wedding checklist & timeline

A micro wedding is a lot like a larger wedding, but just on a smaller scale. Because micro weddings are often more casual and intimate, you can choose to forgo a lot of the frills of a larger wedding – but only if you want to!

Your micro wedding can be low-key and low-budget or it can be sophisticated and luxurious. It’s up to you! Most couples choose a micro wedding because they like the more laidback feel, but there’s no reason why you can’t go luxe for your smaller affair.

With all that being said, here is your basic micro wedding checklist and timeline:

Step 1: Agree that you want to have a micro wedding

Very importantly, the first step of planning a micro wedding is agreeing that you actually want to have one! Sit down with your partner and discuss what you both want out of a wedding. If you’re both happy with a smaller party, continue planning.

Step 2: Decide on your budget and guest list

Once you’re set on a micro wedding, it’s time for the all important tasks of setting a budget and coming up with your guest list. This can be more difficult with a micro wedding since your guest list – and likely your budget – will be smaller.

Check out our tips for how to cut a big guest list if you’re struggling to narrow things down!

Step 3: Find a micro wedding venue and set the date

With your budget and guest list in mind, you now know what kind of venue you’re looking for. Will you be hosting your micro wedding at a chic downtown loft, rural barn, local park or your own backyard? The options for wedding venues are endless!

Need some suggestions for a Vancouver micro wedding? Check out some of our favourite Vancouver venues.

Step 4: Hire your micro wedding vendors

Once you’ve booked your venue and have your date, you’re now ready to hire your vendors. Make sure your vendors are comfortable and experienced with micro weddings so they can help you execute your vision.

Photographers and wedding planners/coordinators are usually the first vendors you’ll want to hire, as they often book up early and can only accommodate one wedding each day. You may also want to hire a florist, videographer, hair and makeup artist, caterer, bartender, decorator, DJ, etc.

And of course, you can’t forget your micro wedding officiant! Good thing we know a few officiants who fit the bill.

Step 5: Plan your ceremony and reception details

With your vendors in place, you can now work together to plan out the timeline and details of your day. What food will you be serving? When will you be getting ready? What music will play during your first dance?

While it’s easy to get caught up in your reception details, don’t forget about your ceremony. Your ceremony is the most important part of the day – the part where you actually get married! Work with your officiant to plan a wedding ceremony that is creative, unique and true to you.

Step 6: Enjoy your micro wedding!

With all of the plans set, the only thing left to do is to enjoy your incredible micro wedding day!