What Vendors Do You Need for Your Micro Wedding or Elopement?
If you’re reading this, you’re likely contemplating a micro wedding or elopement to celebrate this milestone in your love story. Congratulations! There’s something incredibly special about mindful and intentional wedding days. As you embark on planning your intimate celebration, you might find yourself pondering, ‘What wedding vendors do I need for my micro wedding or elopement?‘ Rest assured; you’ve landed in the right place.
The main thing to remember is that intimate wedding days are entirely unique, and couples will choose to hire or not hire various vendors based on their specific wedding day priorities. Prioritization is key! As I often emphasize, not every Pinterest trend and extra detail truly enhances your wedding experience. It’s your wedding day, so make sure you prioritize what holds the most importance to you and your partner.
There are no strict rules about which vendors you MUST hire! However, to offer guidance and help you navigate, let’s delve into some top tips. In this blog, I’ll provide insights into some of the most common vendors for micro weddings and elopements, booking timeline recommendations, and share some of my favorite Colorado wedding vendors. Along the way, I’ll also provide valuable insights on what to look for when hiring a wedding vendor to ensure a stress-free experience.
Tips for Choosing Your Micro Wedding+Elopement Vendors
Tips for Choosing Your Micro Wedding+Elopement Vendors
When choosing vendors for your micro wedding or elopement, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. While it’s crucial that your vendors understand and align with your vision, this is only the beginning. To ensure a smooth process and make informed decisions, here are some useful tips, including factors to consider, questions to ask, and qualities to look for when hiring your vendors.
Seek Advice From Wedding Pros
When in doubt, ask your photographer or coordinator (if you’ve enlisted one) for vendor recommendations. With ample experience working with couples to plan their wedding days, we have insights into top professionals who consistently deliver exceptional client experiences. We know which vendors leave us (and the happy couple) in awe and which ones have caused unnecessary wedding day stress. Leverage this expertise as a valuable resource when it comes to choosing your other vendors.
Look for a Proven Track Record
When it comes to hiring vendors, prioritize those with a proven track record within the wedding industry. Wedding days come with their own unique logistics, and choosing a vendor without substantial wedding experience may lead to added stress.
For more insights on planning your stress-free micro wedding (or elopement), check out my comprehensive guide
Check That Your Vendors Are Registered and Insured
Make sure that your vendors are insured and have a registered business with the state. While I don’t want to scare you, unexpected situations can arise. Whether it’s makeup stains at an Airbnb or a vendor’s failure to operate in accordance with their contract, having vendors with proper insurance and registration provides you with recourse, if needed. I’ve heard horror stories, and we certainly want to avoid any part of that.
Find Your Perfect Match
It’s essential to find a wedding vendor team that resonates with your unique flair and vision for your micro wedding or elopement. Ask to review samples of their previous work, ensuring their style and approach align with your preferences and priorities. Your vendors play a crucial role in bringing your vision to life, so take the time to assess their portfolio and confirm that it’s a perfect match for the intimate celebration you have in mind.
When to Secure Your Vendors
The common question of ‘how far in advance should I book my wedding vendors?’ has a varied answer, differing for each specific vendor and the season. While I’ll delve into common timelines shortly, the general advice is to secure your vendors as early as possible. This holds particularly true if your wedding falls within the high season (June-October in Colorado), when competition for vendors peaks. Additionally, if you’re planning a Saturday wedding or elopement, it’s also wise to book them as soon as your plans take shape to ensure you secure the best professionals for your special day.
Wedding Vendors for Micro Weddings and Elopements:
As mentioned earlier, the decision of which vendors, if any, to include on your wedding day is entirely yours. It’s essential to prioritize what truly matters to you and will have the most positive impact on your special day. But, to get those creative juices flowing, some of the most common vendors for micro weddings and elopements include:
Wedding Photographer
A wedding photographer is undoubtedly the most common vendor hired, especially for micro weddings and elopements. It’s worth noting that wedding photographers often account for a significant portion of a couple’s elopement or micro wedding vendor budget. However, the value of having a stunning gallery from your wedding is truly immeasurable. It allows you to revisit your special day, reliving the emotions and moments over and over. And, not only can your photographer provide you with these memories frozen and time, but your photographer may also be your planning partner when it comes to preparing for your big day. If you want extra help ahead of your wedding day, look for a photographer who specializes in micro weddings and elopements and offers planning services.
Approximate booking timeline: 12-15 months in advance
Hair & Makeup Artist
Wedding day hair and makeup artists are dedicated to ensuring you feel your best on your special day. These wedding vendors know the tips, tricks, and skills to help your hair and makeup stay in place come sun, rain, or snow! Additionally, professional hair and makeup offers a fun opportunity to sit back, relax, and indulge in a bit of pampering as the excitement builds.
Because hair and makeup can be a common source of wedding day delays, it’s particularly important to hire a professional with experience in the wedding industry.
Additionally, choosing a traveling wedding day hair and makeup artist can be incredibly convenient, especially if you are planning an Airbnb/VRBO micro wedding or elopement. There’s no denying the relaxation of having your hair and makeup done in such a homey environment! Click the button below to see what an Airbnb micro wedding looks like!
Approximate booking timeline: 6-9 months in advance
Florist
Next to photographers, florists are among the most sought-after vendors for micro weddings and elopements. I’ve seen some couples DIY some seriously impressive bouquets, but there’s no denying the colorful and artful touch that a professional florist can provide, especially if you’re envisioning extra details like a flower crown or decor. Moreover, if you want to incorporate a specific color palette or aesthetic, working with a florist offers the perfect opportunity to infuse that desired flair!
Approximate booking timeline: 9-12 months in advance
Wedding Day Caterer/Private Chef
Much like every other aspect of your micro wedding, the decision to have a caterer or private chef depends entirely on your vision, even if you’re not opting for a traditional reception. You might picture a family-style table adorned with catered meals, creating an intimate atmosphere for your micro wedding. Alternatively, you could consider the dreamy scenario of a private chef crafting a locally-sourced multi-course meal for you and your partner, adding an extra special personalized touch to end the day. Whether you opt for an elaborate feast or a simple outing for milkshakes and pizza, the choice is yours—it’s all about bringing your unique vision to life.
Approximate booking timeline: 2-4 months
Officiant
Colorado is one of those states that doesn’t impose many restrictions on how you conduct your wedding day—no rules for witnesses or officiants, and your dog can even ‘sign’ your marriage license. Self-solemnization is an option in Colorado, meaning you don’t need an officiant to get legally married here. However, in some states, you will need an officiant to get legally married during your ceremony.
If you don’t envision having a hired officiant but still want someone guiding your ceremony, it’s a wonderful opportunity to add a personal touch to your wedding. Consider having a friend or loved one officiate for you. I recently photographed a micro wedding where a long-time friend was the officiant, and it was a beautiful experience. Hearing the personal anecdotes and memories he shared about the couple added a heartfelt touch to the ceremony.
Approximate booking timeline: 6-9 months in advance
Wedding Planner / Coordinator
While many elopement photographers, including myself, take on a significant role in planning—providing location and vendor recommendations, crafting timelines, and arranging logistics—some couples prefer to outsource this role to a designated wedding planner or coordinator. These vendors excel in streamlining your wedding day, ensuring every detail is seamless. If you want more in-depth information on planning your own Colorado adventure elopement, head over to my comprehensive guide!
Approximate booking timeline: 12-15 months in advance
Musician
For some, food is the way to the soul; for others, it’s music. If you can’t imagine getting married without the joy of live music, consider hiring a musician. An acoustic soloist or duet might be just the thing to set the mood during your wedding or elopement.
Approximate booking timeline: 6-9 months in advance
Videographer
Capturing even more memories of your wedding or elopement day becomes possible with a videographer, if it’s within your budget. Videography, especially of the ceremony, serves as a wonderful way to share your wedding experience with loved ones who couldn’t be present.
Approximate booking timeline: 9-12 months in advance
Wedding Day Content Creator
Although this service is relatively new, it’s quickly becoming a staple! While photos and videos provide a meaningful way to relive your wedding day, content creation offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective. Content creators capture memorable moments on mobile devices, allowing your loved ones to relax and fully enjoy an unplugged day. These creators film BTS (behind-the-scenes) moments for immediate delivery, creating a quick recap that’s perfect for your social media.
Approximate booking timeline: 2-4 months in advance. However, if you book with me as your photographer, I offer content creation with my photography packages.
Preferred Colorado Wedding Vendors:
Colorado offers a plethora of exceptionally talented wedding vendors and the list is extensive. However, here are a select few of my personal favorite vendors who have proven themselves trustworthy, reliable, and altogether fabulous:
Hair and Makeup Artists
Florists
Caterers/private chefs
Bakers
Videographers
Music
Officiants
Final Considerations for Seamless Wedding Planning
As you begin booking your wedding vendors, here are a few reminders to ensure a smooth planning journey. As mentioned above, the timeline for securing your vendors can significantly vary based on the season and day of the week of your celebration. Be mindful of this, especially if your wedding falls during peak season or on a weekend, and aim to book well in advance.
Some vendors, including florists, hair and makeup artists (HMUAs), and caterers, may have minimum purchase requirements, so engaging in discussions to understand these commitments is vital to ensure they align with your budget. With the increased popularity of elopements, however, many vendors are now offering elopement-specific packages, tailored to suit the intimate nature of smaller celebrations.
Additionally, be prepared for deposits, a standard requirement among most vendors to reserve your wedding date. These deposits enable vendors to turn away other work for your wedding date, initiate necessary preparations, purchase supplies, and acquire permits in advance. Keeping these factors in mind will contribute to a smoother and well-informed booking process.
Let’s Build Your Wedding Vendor Dream Team
Ultimately, the choice of whether to include specific vendors in your micro wedding or elopement is a reflection of you and your partner’s unique vision. If aligned with your dreams, these vendors can contribute immensely to the positive atmosphere of your special day. Armed with the tips, considerations, and recommendations shared here, you can now begin to explore and select wedding vendors that resonate with your vision. If you’re ready to start the journey of planning, I’m here to assist you in curating your rockstar vendor team and crafting the perfect micro wedding or elopement experience.
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