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Shauna Karver 1/30/25 Shauna Karver 1/30/25

Why Microweddings Are the Perfect Choice for Your Oregon Wedding: Intimate Weddings in Portland, Bend, Oregon's Wine Country, Hood River & Oregon Coast

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Why Smaller Weddings Are the New Big Thing: The Magic of Microweddings for 40 Guests or Less

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences in life. But what if we told you that you don’t have to throw a huge party to create an unforgettable day? More couples are turning toward microweddings, where the guest list stays small—typically 40 people or less—while the experience remains nothing short of extraordinary. As a Portland wedding planner, we’ve seen firsthand how intimate weddings create an atmosphere of connection, meaning, and genuine celebration.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of microweddings and why smaller weddings in Oregon Wine Country, Bend, Hood River, and along the stunning Oregon Coast are the perfect way to tell your love story. Whether you're planning a local wedding or a destination wedding in Oregon, we’ll show you how you can have it all—style, sophistication, amazing food, and a celebration that feels truly you.

What is a Microwedding?

A microwedding is just what it sounds like: a wedding with fewer guests, typically no more than 40. This isn’t about cutting corners; it's about making every detail count. You’ll have more time to focus on what matters most: the people who mean the most to you and the overall experience of the day.

Often, couples choose microweddings because they want a more intimate experience—whether that means saying "I do" surrounded by close family or a carefully curated guest list that only includes their absolute favorite people.

As an Oregon wedding planner , we love microweddings because they allow us to create a unique, personalized experience that puts your love story front and center. And we predict that, given current trends and economic shifts, microweddings are going to become even more popular in the coming years. Couples are prioritizing experiences that feel deeply personal and meaningful—and fewer guests often translates to more moments that truly matter.

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The Pros of a Microwedding

1. A More Personal and Memorable Experience

When you host a smaller wedding, you get to truly focus on your guests and create an experience that’s personal to them. With fewer people, it’s easier to craft meaningful moments, tell your story, and engage in intimate conversations. Every guest feels included, and you'll have more time to enjoy them rather than rushing through the evening.

You can build deeper connections by tailoring the ceremony, vows, and reception experience to reflect your relationship. Whether it’s sharing your journey through a heartfelt speech or having a quiet moment for everyone to appreciate the ceremony, the smaller guest list amplifies the emotional resonance of your day.

Microweddings don’t just feel intimate; they feel authentic, and they allow you to genuinely celebrate your love story with the people who matter most.

2. Budget Flexibility

One of the major advantages of a microwedding is that you can allocate your budget to the things that matter most to you—whether that's hiring an expert wedding planner, curating a gourmet dining experience, or opting for a stunning venue in Oregon Wine Country, Bend, Hood River, or even along the Oregon Coast. Without the pressure of accommodating a large number of guests, you can invest more into each detail, from top-notch food and beverage options to designer florals and breathtaking décor.

In Portland, Bend, or any of Oregon’s other stunning locales, the quality of your wedding experience doesn’t have to take a backseat to a larger guest list. You can still have high-end food, fine wine, and luxurious décor that leave a lasting impression on everyone.

3. Focus on Guest Experience

In a large wedding, it can sometimes feel like you're hosting a party for the sake of being "the host." With a smaller wedding, the guest experience can be far more intentional. You can offer unique touches, like custom welcome gifts, personalized seating arrangements, or even a private wine tasting experience if you're getting married in Oregon Wine Country or Hood River.

Your guests will remember the time they spent with you—not just the ceremony, but also the moments they shared with you. Whether it’s chatting over cocktails or dancing under the stars in a vineyard or a private venue by the Oregon Coast, your day will feel like a true celebration of both love and relationships.

4. Less Stress and More Flexibility

With fewer guests, your wedding timeline becomes more relaxed. There's less to manage, meaning you can truly enjoy the moments without the constant rush of a big event. Many couples opting for microweddings also take advantage of the relaxed vibe by choosing non-traditional venues—maybe a gorgeous private estate in Bend, a stunning vineyard in Oregon Wine Country, or a scenic location by the Oregon Coast. You have the flexibility to design a wedding day that reflects your vision, whether it’s intimate and romantic or trendy and unique.

5. More Time with Your Guests

In a smaller wedding, you have the luxury of spending quality time with each of your guests. Instead of saying hello to hundreds of people in passing, you’ll have the opportunity to sit, chat, laugh, and bond with your nearest and dearest. This creates lasting memories for both you and your guests—a far cry from the whirlwind of a larger wedding where you may not get to enjoy the day as much.

The Cons of a Microwedding

1. Limited Guest List

This might seem obvious, but with fewer guests, some family members and friends might not make the cut. It’s important to have realistic expectations around your guest list and remember that, at the end of the day, this is your day—your love story. While you may not be able to invite everyone you know, you’ll create a more meaningful experience for the people who are closest to you.

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2. Less Flexibility for “Traditional” Wedding Elements

For some, a smaller wedding might feel like it’s missing certain traditional wedding elements, like a grand ballroom reception, a massive dance floor, or a multi-tier cake. While microweddings allow for more personalization, couples may need to rethink some of these traditional ideas. But the silver lining? This is an opportunity to get creative and embrace non-traditional options that align with your values and style.

3. Budget Considerations for Non-Local Guests

If you're planning a destination microwedding—say, in the stunning Oregon Wine Country, Bend, Hood River, or along the Oregon Coast—some guests may face travel or accommodation challenges. While a destination wedding can be incredibly intimate, you’ll want to think about your guests' ability to attend and how you can make it as easy and enjoyable for them as possible. Offering group accommodations or even a weekend itinerary can make the trip more inviting.

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Microweddings: A Celebration of Style, Intimacy, and Connection

Whether you're envisioning a chic and intimate ceremony at a vineyard in Oregon Wine Country, a stunning mountain backdrop in Bend, or a coastal escape on the Oregon Coast, a microwedding allows you to celebrate your love in a way that feels true to you—without compromising on style, food, or experience.

As a Portland, Bend, and Hood River wedding planner specializing in intimate weddings, we understand the importance of crafting an experience that reflects your unique love story. From customized décor to a curated guest experience, we’re here to help make your microwedding dreams a reality.

Given the current economic climate, we anticipate that microweddings will only continue to grow in popularity, as couples increasingly seek experiences that are both meaningful and memorable—without the financial burden of a large wedding. In fact, the simplicity and intimacy of a microwedding often make it the sweetest, most heartfelt celebration you can have.

If you're ready to create a wedding day that’s all about the people who matter most, get in touch with us to start planning your intimate celebration today. We can’t wait to help you make memories that will last a lifetime.

Photographers:

Images 1-2: Katy Weaver Photography

Image 3: Alyssa Gundling Photography

Image 4: Niki Rhodes Photography

Image 5: Sweetlife Photography

Shauna Karver 1/10/20 Shauna Karver 1/10/20

Elegant Black Tie Northern California Wedding | The Historic Benbow Inn

On a perfect fall October day, the clouds parted and the rain stopped, making way for a sunny and elegant wedding along the Eel River at The Historic Benbow Inn. Guests traveled to Northern California for a classic, yet modern, white on white affair to celebrate the marriage of Cortney and Michael.

Cortney and Michael. These two are the real deal. They met while attending Humboldt State University, and had an instant spark on their first date when they dined on artisan pizza and fine wine (as college students). They are deeply rooted in their faith, are extremely close to their family and friends, share a love of travel, and enjoy helping others and giving back. On paper they sound incredible but then you meet these super models, and feel their warmth; they are such good people with huge hearts - they far exceed anything on paper. It’s easy to see why so many people made the journey to the middle of NOWHERE for a weekend of fun in Northern California. It was our honor to help them bring their vision to life and to work alongside them and their lovely families on their special day.

Clad in dapper black tuxedos by The Black Tux, Michael and his FOURTEEN groomsmen (many were also former athletes at HSU) looked almost as good as Bronson, their bulldog. A true case of “who wore it better?”

Can you handle the cuteness? Bronson, you’re such a stud and you definitely set the bar high for all other wedding dogs.

“White on white on white.” This is how Cortney described her wedding vision last year when we first started chatting. The Benbow Inn provided the perfect backdrop for their stunning white on white color palette. Bridesmaids wore gorgeous Katie May off the shoulder floor length gowns while Cortney wore the most incredible Pronovias bridal gown. All white bouquets by Flora Organica Designs completed their elegant bridal look.

Before attending the wedding ceremony, guests were treated to a “pre-ceremony mingle” on the lawn adjacent to the ceremony. Escort cards affixed to each champagne glass directed guests to their seats for the wedding reception.

Flora Organica Designs built a subtle arc of pampas grass, white hydrangeas, white roses, and lush greens to frame the ceremony space and altar. The back of the aisle was flanked with similar pieces - all of these florals were later repurposed for the reception.

Have you ever seen a more beautiful couple? #NewlywedGoals

The James Zeller Trio band serenaded guests during cocktail hour with a variety of jazz and Americana tunes.

The Historic Benbow Inn has a spacious terrace overlooking the lawn and The Eel River. The white exterior and detailed Tudor design set the backdrop for their white on white wedding vision. Minimal and clean, the settings were refined, with a very modern table number that blended well with their overall style.

The most adorable sweetheart setup overlooking all of their guests with the sunset and river behind them. It was gorgeous.

After cutting their cake, guests transitioned indoors where we were all delighted to an endearing first dance by the newlyweds. Cortney’s glamorous gown was made for twirling; they looked like movie stars. Guests immediately got their dance game on and the party was hoppin’ thanks to the Accurate Productions team.

Before it got too late, guests joined Cortney and Michael along the rivers’ edge for their sparkler “send off.” Ken and Nicole of CKC Image captured the day perfectly but really flexed their muscles with these jaw dropping starry night shots.

Cortney and Michael’s wedding day was perfection on all levels. Cheers to you two! Thank you for letting us witness your love.