Micro Wedding Packages in NC: How to Create an Intentional, Intimate Celebration That Feels True to You

In recent years, more and more couples in North Carolina (& the world) have been embracing micro weddings. There’s something truly special about couples who choose a slower, more intentional way to celebrate. Whether you’re planning your day at a cozy Raleigh venue, a courthouse ceremony with a few close family members, or a mountaintop dinner, these intimate gatherings are so sweet!

Micro weddings aren’t about doing “less.” In fact, they often allow for more… more connection, more presence, more time to soak in what matters most. And as a North Carolina elopement and micro wedding photographer, I love documenting celebrations that truly feel like you.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through what makes micro weddings so meaningful, how my micro wedding packages in NC are built to reflect your priorities, and a few tips to help you plan a celebration that tells your full story.

What Is A Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding typically includes 10–30 guests and blends the emotional intimacy of an elopement with a bit more structure. It’s still a wedding, just on a smaller scale, and with way more flexibility to craft your day the way you want.

Some couples choose a micro wedding because they want more time with loved ones. Others prefer the freedom it gives them, like the ability to pick a meaningful location, host a dinner instead of a big reception, or build in slow, quiet moments that might otherwise get lost in a full-day timeline. Oftentimes, micro-wedding packages are also more affordable.

If there is one thing you should know, that a smaller guest count doesn’t make your day any less meaningful. If anything, it opens the door to more intention.

The Freedom and Flexibility of Micro Weddings

One of the most beautiful parts of planning a micro wedding is that you’re in charge. There’s no strict rulebook, no timeline you have to follow. You can…

• Get ready together in the morning, or still get ready separately and share a first look in your living room or backyard
  
• Host your ceremony in a park, backyard, or historic home that means something to you
  
• Take a break for portraits, then rejoin your guests for dinner and toasts
  
• Keep things relaxed, spontaneous, and personal—because there’s time for that

Whatever you choose to do, North Carolina has a way of turning small weddings into unforgettable experiences.

My Approach to Photographing Micro Weddings

Over the years, I’ve photographed courthouse elopements, backyard vow exchanges, and intimate weddings at restaurants. What I’ve noticed is that the couples choosing these kinds of celebrations often share a few things in common:

• They’re intentional—choosing what matters to them and letting go of the rest
  
• They prioritize presence—they want to actually enjoy the time with their guests
  
• They value honest documentation over a day full of posed photos

No matter how many guests there are, my approach always centers on helping you feel relaxed and fully present. During portraits, I love to work in short bursts, meaning we’ll take a few photos, then let you mingle, laugh, and enjoy the moment with your people before we step away again for another little round.

That rhythm keeps the day flowing naturally and helps you soak it all in without feeling like you’re stuck in front of the camera for hours. My goal is to capture the real emotions and honest moments — the belly laughs, quiet glances, and joy that unfold naturally throughout your day.

Raleigh Micro Wedding Locations to Love

If you’re dreaming of a micro wedding in Raleigh, there are so many beautiful places to consider for your day. A few of my favorites are:

JC Raulston Arboretum

This garden, tucked away near NC State, is full of color and peaceful corners. From tree-lined paths to seasonal blooms, it’s a lovely spot for couples who want a nature-forward ceremony with a quiet, romantic feel. You can exchange vows surrounded by greenery, then stroll through the gardens for portraits without ever needing to leave the property.

Heights House Hotel

A beautifully restored 19th-century mansion located in historic Boylan Heights. This boutique hotel offers a stunning blend of old-world charm and modern minimalism. Think tall windows, original hardwood floors, curated interiors, and a warm, intimate setting for getting ready, a small ceremony, or an after-party dinner. It’s perfect for couples who want something elevated yet still relaxed and deeply personal.

Dorothea Dix Park

Just minutes from downtown Raleigh, this gorgeous park offers wide open fields, dreamy wildflower meadows in spring, and skyline views that catch the golden light perfectly at sunset. It’s ideal for couples who want a laid-back outdoor celebration that still feels cinematic.

Courthouse + Local Restaurant Celebration

For couples drawn to a quiet, meaningful ceremony with just a few loved ones present, the Wake County Courthouse in downtown Raleigh is a wonderful option. The process is simple, the setting is surprisingly sweet, and the surrounding downtown streets offer great backdrops for portraits after the ceremony.

If you’re planning to celebrate your day with an intimate dinner with your loved ones, the restaurant scene here has many amazing options, perfect for any vibe and any taste. 

And if you’re open to venturing a bit beyond Raleigh, North Carolina’s coast and mountains are just a few hours away! You could have an oceanside ceremony at sunrise on the Outer Banks or say your vows in the Blue Ridge Mountains with sweeping views behind you. These destinations offer the same intimacy and flexibility but with the added adventure of turning your wedding into a weekend getaway.

Introducing My Micro Wedding Packages in NC

My 2-hour coverage option is perfect for short-and-sweet courthouse elopements. It allows time for the ceremony, a handful of family photos, and a relaxed couple’s portrait session at a nearby park.

But for couples planning something a little larger, like an intimate micro wedding with 10-30 guests, the two hours didn’t always tell the whole story. Sometimes, couples would plan a cozy dinner or meaningful morning together, and I’d find myself wishing we had more time to capture those beautiful in-between moments.

That’s why this year, I’ve created a micro wedding package with a bit more coverage — the perfect middle ground between a quick courthouse ceremony and a full-day wedding.

This package is ideal if you’re planning to:

• Get ready together in a quiet, intentional way — maybe writing vows or sharing coffee before the day begins.
  
• Exchange vows at a small ceremony surrounded by your closest loved ones.
  
• Celebrate afterward with an intimate dinner, champagne toasts, or cake cutting at a favorite local spot.

Whether you’re exchanging vows in a Raleigh garden or hosting a cozy dinner at a local restaurant, this package allows for intentional storytelling without the pressure of an all-day timeline.

Ready to Plan Your North Carolina Micro Wedding?

Whether you’re drawn to a full-day wedding celebration or a quiet micro wedding with your favorite people, the most important thing is that it feels true to you.

Micro weddings offer the space to slow down, breathe, and celebrate in a way that feels deeply personal. And as your photographer, I’m here to honor that pace, document the little moments, and help create a relaxed experience from start to finish.

If you’re planning a micro wedding in Raleigh or anywhere in North Carolina, I’d love to chat about your vision and how I can support you along the way.

Inquire here to learn more about my Raleigh micro wedding packages and how we can build a photography experience that feels true to you.

And if you’re looking for more intimate wedding ideas in Raleigh, NC, you may also enjoy this blog!