Why more couples are choosing less
Over the last few years, small weddings have become more than a backup plan—they’ve become a preference. Whether it’s about skipping the guest list politics, reducing stress, or simply staying closer to what matters, couples are rethinking what a wedding has to be.
That shift is where minimonies come in.
In this guide, you’ll learn what makes minimonies so powerful—why they’re growing in popularity, how to plan one that reflects your relationship, and what details turn small-scale into unforgettable. From ceremony ideas to venue considerations, this is your roadmap to a celebration built on connection, not complication.
A minimony—a blend of “mini” and “matrimony”—is a small-scale wedding celebration that falls between an elopement and a traditional ceremony. Unlike an elopement, which is often private and spontaneous, it involves a thoughtfully planned gathering with a small group of close friends and family. Rather than replicating the scale and formality of a large wedding, this intimate format emphasizes quality time and shared moments.
Couples are gravitating toward smaller, more intentional weddings that prioritize connection over spectacle. Minimonies speak to this shift—favoring intimacy, sustainability, and a celebration that feels personal rather than performative.
Did You Know?
According to Global Dating Insights, searches for “small weddings” and “micro-weddings” have surged by over 335% in the past two decades. This increase highlights a growing preference for personal and eco-conscious celebrations, making intimate gatherings more popular than ever.
Minimonies: A Modern Take on Weddings
Minimonies highlight the beauty of close-knit gatherings through thoughtful, personalized details. One couple shared vows in their backyard, including their dog as the ring bearer and serving a dinner inspired by their travels. Another created a playlist that marked key milestones in their relationship, like songs from their first date and engagement. These choices make each celebration special and reflective of the couple’s shared story.
For couples with a shorter planning timeline, consider our insights on quick-turn weddings.
Further reading: Quick-Turn Weddings: Magical Moments at Zion Springs
How to Make Your Minimony Wedding Magical
Minimonies offer significant benefits, making them a popular choice for today’s couples:
- Intimacy: A smaller guest list fosters a warm, engaging atmosphere. Enjoy deep conversations and shared laughter in a more relaxed setting. A communal dinner setup encourages a sense of togetherness among guests.
- Budget-Friendly: Fewer guests translate to reduced catering, seating, and entertainment expenses. You can allocate savings to a dream honeymoon or invest in high-quality photography to capture every moment.
- Eco-Conscious: Minimonies naturally reduce the carbon footprint with fewer guests and less travel. Opt for locally sourced cuisine and sustainable décor to lessen waste and emphasize eco-friendly practices.
- Plenty of creative options exist for couples looking to incorporate green initiatives into their wedding, from sustainable décor to zero-waste invitations. Brides highlights several inspiring ideas to make your celebration more eco-conscious.
- Simplified Planning: Avoid the complexities of larger weddings, like seating charts and transportation arrangements. Planning becomes more straightforward, though narrowing down the guest list may present a challenge for some.
For even more creative ideas, check out what couples share on Reddit: Minimony Ideas. The microwedding community offers fantastic inspiration, from ceremony elements to personalized reception touches.
Your Complete Wedding Planning Guide
While a minimony simplifies many aspects of planning, understanding the basics is still crucial. For a detailed approach, our guide on How to Plan a Wedding covers everything from budgeting and venue selection to creating a memorable experience for your guests.
How to Personalize Your Minimony for Maximum Impact
Big isn’t better—it’s just bigger. What makes a minimony powerful is how much space it leaves for authenticity, beauty, and the people who matter most.
Here are three ways to personalize your minimony in ways that wouldn’t be possible at a full-scale wedding:
The magic of a minimony lies in its ability to bring heartfelt connections to the forefront. With a smaller gathering, you can create memorable experiences that are impossible with a large crowd. Here’s how to infuse your minimony with those meaningful details:
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Design a Ceremony Space That Doesn’t Need a Venue
With fewer guests, your ceremony location can be almost anywhere: a lakeside dock, a family orchard, the balcony of your favorite B&B. Rather than renting a traditional venue, design a space from scratch with meaningful surroundings, minimalist décor, and total flexibility.
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Give Your People a Role—Not Just a Seat
When the guest list is this small, no one should be just an observer. Let your best friend kick things off with a toast, ask your grandmother to share a family recipe during dinner, or have your niece hand you the rings. It’s less stage, more living room energy—and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
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Make the Table Do the Talking
At a minimony, the table isn’t just where you eat—it’s the heart of the room. Scribble inside each place card. Pour your favorite wine. Serve the pasta you made on your third date or the dish your dad cooks every Sunday. This isn’t catering. This is comfort, history, and a little chaos—just the way it should be.
Further reading: How To Plan a Wedding in 7 Steps
Frequently Asked Questions About Minimony Weddings
What’s the typical guest list for a minimony, and how does it differ from an elopement?
A minimony generally includes up to 100 guests, focusing on close family and friends for an intimate setting. In contrast, elopements are usually private, with few or no guests.
Can the charm of minimonies rival grand weddings?
Absolutely! With personal touches and a focus on meaningful moments, minimonies capture intimacy and connection in a way that larger weddings often can’t.
What are some creative themes for a minimony?
Popular themes include vintage gardens, rustic barns, or cozy backyard settings. Think of ideas that reflect your story—such as your favorite season, a travel-inspired theme, or a shared hobby.
How do you keep a minimony fun and memorable for guests?
Make the day engaging with thoughtful activities and shared experiences:
- Set up a photo booth with fun props.
- Create a DIY cocktail station or personalized playlist.
- Invite guests to contribute to a memory book or share a toast.
Why Zion Springs Is the Perfect Venue for Your Minimony Wedding
Most venues expect you to fit into their process. At Zion Springs, the experience is designed around you. Set in Northern Virginia’s countryside, our all-in-one venue is built to simplify planning, eliminate stress, and create space for connection—whether you’re hosting 20 guests or 150.
What makes it different?
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A Setting That Scales Beautifully
From our barn-style ballroom to our scenic ceremony terrace, the layout supports cozy conversations, natural flow, and that “just right” feeling that large venues often miss. -
Private, Comfortable Spaces
Get ready in calm, light-filled dressing rooms. Host the ceremony and reception in one place. Let your day unfold without rushing between venues. -
An All-In-One Experience
Our full-service team handles the logistics, timeline, and vendor coordination—so you can focus on your people, not your to-do list.
Zion Springs couples often describe their wedding as “seamless,” “peaceful,” and “exactly what we needed.” If that’s the kind of experience you’re looking for, we’d love to show you around.
Zion Springs Pro Tip: Consider live-streaming your ceremony for loved ones who can’t attend in person, creating a sense of connection no matter the distance.
Couples rave about the seamless experience at Zion Springs. Susan and Charles, who recently married here, said: ‘If we got married 1,000 more times, we would choose Zion Springs every single time. If you want to take the stress out of researching and interviewing dozens of vendors, Zion Springs is your one-stop destination with best-in-class wedding professionals.’
Your Minimony Wedding Made Simple
Planning an intimate, meaningful wedding can be simple and enjoyable. This minimony wedding guide has provided practical tips on venues, budget-friendly strategies, and thoughtful ways to create genuine connections with your guests.
At Zion Springs, we use our expertise to guide couples toward memorable celebrations, driven by our passion for making wedding planning accessible and enjoyable. Explore how Zion Springs simplifies planning with our all-in-one venue for your minimony.
For more wedding inspiration and guidance, explore our Answers and Advice page for helpful articles.
All photos in this article are courtesy of Zion Springs’ in-house photographer
