Planning your wedding is so exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. One of the very first decisions you’ll make is the type of wedding you want. Will it be a large, traditional celebration? An intimate micro wedding? Or maybe a courthouse ceremony right in Downtown Vancouver? There’s a lot to consider before deciding.
Your choice will impact everything from your budget to your guest list size. Since this is such an important decision, you want to make sure it’s the right one for you. That’s where I come in. As an experienced wedding photographer, it’s my goal to help couples plan a wedding that feels authentic to them.
So, to help you figure out which one you should choose, here’s a breakdown of the most common wedding types.
Traditional Weddings
Ah, the classic wedding! A traditional wedding usually includes a full ceremony and reception, a large guest list, and all the familiar wedding traditions—think wedding dress, vows, cake cutting, and dancing. These weddings can be held at a church, a banquet hall, or really any venue that fits your vision.
Traditional weddings are perfect for couples who want a big celebration with family and friends, complete with all the “wedding must-haves.” If you have a large traditional family, this type of wedding will probably catch your attention.
Destination Weddings
If you’ve always dreamed of saying “I do” somewhere special, a destination wedding might be right for you. These weddings often double as a mini-vacation for you and your closest loved ones.
The pros? You get stunning locations, intimate celebrations, and memories that feel like an adventure. The cons? You then have to worry about travel logistics, higher costs for guests, and planning from afar. But with the right team of vendors and some careful coordination, destination weddings can be absolutely magical.
Pro tip: Hiring a local photographer or planner in your destination ensures your day is captured beautifully and stress-free. For those planning a destination wedding in Vancouver, I’m your girl!
Micro Weddings
Micro weddings are all about intimacy. These are celebrations that are capped at 50 guests or fewer, focusing on meaningful moments rather than big productions. With a smaller guestlist, it allows couples to spend more time (and money!) on thoughtful details.
Large weddings aren’t for everyone, and this is a good reminder that small weddings are just as special. Choosing a micro wedding is perfect for couples who want a meaningful celebration without the chaos of a traditional wedding. As a photographer, I love these weddings because I get the chance to really focus on capturing the emotional connections and candid moments.
Elopements
Elopements used to mean running off to get married in secret, but now they’ve become a trendy, intentional choice for couples who want to focus purely on their love. You can elope anywhere—on a mountaintop, in a forest, or even on a rooftop in the city. This is your chance to get creative, planning a full experience that you’ll both remember long beyond the wedding day.
Elopements are great for couples who want to skip the stress of planning a big event but still want beautiful memories and photos. Bonus: because it’s just the two of you (and maybe a photographer or officiant), your day is entirely personalized and on your time.
Courthouse Weddings
Courthouse weddings are simple, straightforward, and often very budget-friendly. Perfect for couples who want to keep things low-key, these weddings focus on the legal ceremony itself rather than a full celebration. But that doesn’t mean they are boring!
Even a courthouse wedding can be meaningful and special—especially when paired with a private photo session afterward. You can still invite family and friends, and even have a wedding party! There are no rules.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the right type of wedding comes down to your priorities, budget, and vision. Do you want a big celebration with everyone you love, or a small, intimate day focused on just the two of you? Are you dreaming of a local wedding or one in a faraway destination? No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that your wedding reflects you and your love.
If you’re still searching for a photographer with the experience, skills, and care to make your micro-wedding unforgettable, let’s chat. Send over your wedding details, and we can set up a free consultation. I can’t wait to work with you and create memories that last a lifetime!