Virginia Microwedding Photographer
You want to celebrate with the people you love — just not all the people, all day, at a venue that cost more than your car. A microwedding is the answer: everyone at the table knows your name, the venue fits your actual personality, and the day feels intentional rather than obligatory.
What exactly is a microwedding?
A microwedding is an intimate wedding with a small, curated guest list — typically 20 to 80 people. You still get the ceremony, the dinner, the dancing, and the celebration; you just skip the 200-person guest list, the marathon reception, and the spreadsheet of obligations.
Microweddings have exploded in popularity because couples realized something important: smaller doesn’t mean less meaningful — it means more meaningful. When you have 25 guests instead of 200, you can actually have a conversation with everyone there. The ceremony feels intimate rather than theatrical. The photos look like people celebrating, not managing logistics.
My approach to microwedding photography
Microweddings get the same documentary-first approach as elopements, with an eye for the real moments. The difference is that with a small guest list, there’s more to capture — the relationships between your guests, the group laughter, the toast that makes everyone cry, the dance floor when your favorite song comes on.
Availability is limited — don’t wait.
Microwedding venues in Virginia
Virginia is genuinely excellent for microwedding venues. A small guest count opens up spaces that can’t accommodate traditional weddings:
- Rolling vineyards in Charlottesville
- Historic estates and small manors
- State park pavilions with mountain or water views
- Shenandoah mountain inns and lodges
- Private backyard settings with the right lighting
Happy to share venue ideas based on your vision and location. There’s no shortage of beautiful spots in Virginia.
Microwedding coverage options
Coverage typically spans getting ready through the reception, built around your specific timeline — there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Availability is limited — don’t wait. Want to see coverage options first? View pricing.
Moments from Recent Virginia Microweddings
What couples say
From our first interaction, Alysa's communication was fast, thorough, and thoughtful, putting us at ease throughout the planning process. She was a calming presence, going with the flow and adapting seamlessly to the flow of events — and even coming up with backup plans that worked out beautifully when Plan A didn't work out! Alysa's work is truly delicate and tasteful, with a documentarian style that captured all the special moments we'll treasure forever. She was an absolute joy to work with.
From start to finish she put us at ease. There was 0 stress the morning of because she had provided such an amazing plan. Planning an elopement from a different state, 10 hours away, seems like such an overwhelming thought. Alysa made it a breeze! From recommending locations, to cultivating a timeline that included travel times, right down to dinner recommendations. Our day was nothing short of perfect. Alysa truly captured our love and her calming, laid back aura made it so natural for us to enjoy our day without overthinking any detail.
Alysa was so responsive from day one, and with her very knowledgeable input we figured out a foolproof, gorgeous location and the perfect time to get the exact sunset, mountaintop elopement photos I was picturing in my head — and on short notice! The photos came out AMAZING. Absolutely gorgeous, impeccable quality. I cried when I saw them, which made my husband cry. My mom cried. My sisters cried. These photos are now some of my most cherished possessions.
Alysa is the absolute best elopement photographer! We feel so lucky to have found her. From our first meeting, to getting photos back, she made us feel so comfortable and stress-free. When the weather took a change for the worse, she immediately adapted and our photos and experience were better than we could have ever imagined! She has such a great eye for creative photos and will ensure you are comfortable even if you tend to be camera shy like my husband is. We love looking back on our wedding day photos as they truly capture our love in the small, in-between moments. We recommend her to any couples who love the outdoors!
Alysa was amazing to work with on wedding photos! We had a day all planned out then the weather changed. She was quick to offer last minute adjustments. Oh my, was it worth it! Our photos turned out so beautiful! We were able to be in the moment and soak in the glorious sunrise as she snapped away by capturing memories that will last a lifetime. We would highly recommend her!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a microwedding and an elopement?
An elopement is typically just the two of you (maybe a couple of witnesses). A microwedding includes a small guest list — usually 20 to 80 people — in an intimate setting. It has the intentionality of an elopement with the community of a traditional wedding. Think: everyone at the dinner table actually knows your name.
How many guests can a microwedding have?
Microweddings typically range from 20 to 80 guests, though there's no hard rule. The spirit is intimacy — you're inviting the people who genuinely matter, not everyone you feel obligated to include.
What venues work well for Virginia microweddings?
So many options — intimate vineyards, historic estates, scenic state parks, Shenandoah mountain inns and lodges, and beautiful private backyard settings. The guest count opens up venue options that wouldn't work for a 200-person wedding.
Do you photograph microwedding ceremonies and receptions?
Yes. I offer coverage options that include the full day — getting ready, ceremony, portraits, reception dinner, first dances, and whatever else your evening holds. We'll build a coverage plan that matches your timeline.
What does microwedding photography cost?
Microwedding coverage varies based on hours, number of locations, and whether you add an engagement session. Visit the microwedding collections page for an overview, or reach out and we'll talk through what fits your day.