Accommodation Tips: Where to Stay for Your Elopement or Micro Wedding

Here are our tips on finding the perfect accommodations that not only suit your photo needs but also set the right vibe for you and your guests to enjoy!

Tips for Where to Stay

Pick a place that fits your vibe

You can find anything your heart desires, from high-end hotels and trendy airbnbs to beach bungalows and Airstream glamping. Remember, this location will be a key part of your story and your photo gallery, so it’s important to select one that reflects your personality, style, and vibe. Choose a place that you’ll love looking back on as you relive your special day in the years to come.

Opt for windows

Ahhh, there’s nothing like that ocean breeze! Not only can opting for a place with great windows help you enjoy the lovely coastal air, natural window light can make for some dreamy getting ready photos!

While you’re getting ready, lots of candid and detail photos are being taken to help tell the story of your day. Plus, this is the perfect time to take advantage of fresh hair, makeup, and outfits for stunning window light portraits.

It’s ok to go big

It’s your wedding day, you can go a little crazy! Just because a place has more bedrooms than you might need for a “just us” or small wedding day, doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect fit. Between set up for your hair + makeup team, room for photography, and needing to stay separate before your first look — I’m sure we’ll use that extra space.

Bottom line: If you find something that is all the right vibes, don’t hesitate to book it no matter the size!

Prioritize your locations

You’ll be utilizing several locations throughout your day: a getting-ready space, the ceremony location, portrait spots, and a casual reception venue. It can be helpful to prioritize which are the most important to you!

For example, if your ceremony site or portrait locations are your top priorities, consider booking your accommodations after securing these spots. This way, you can ensure your lodging is within reasonable distance.

Since micro weddings focus on togetherness and quality time with your nearest and dearest, why not enhance the experience by sharing a spacious house? Gathering your favorite people in one space for a long weekend (or an entire week) can be so much fun! Renting a large house for friends and family provides a private backyard or pool, more opportunities to create memories, and ample time to bond with each guest.

Stay awhile

Don’t hesitate to book a longer stay! Incorporating your special day into a larger vacation or honeymoon can lead to unforgettable memories. If you’re bringing along guests, spending an entire week together can be an amazing experience, allowing everyone to travel, bond, and explore the area as a group.

Plan for the beginning of your trip

Consider planning your wedding for a day or two after you check-in. This gives you ample time to settle in, pick up your marriage license, stock up on snacks, adjust to any time zone changes, and have a buffer in case travel hiccups arise.

Scheduling your day toward the beginning of the trip also helps avoid issues like sunburns or awkward tan lines impacting your photos. Once the big day is over, you can let loose, spending the rest of your trip throwing caution to the wind!

Utilize cool amenities for a fun experience

Many accommodations offer incredible amenities that can help create a fun and unique experience. Imagine taking a bubble bath together or winding down by a cozy fireplace at the end of your day.

For micro weddings, your guests can enjoy relaxing by the pool, taking advantage of an outdoor kitchen, playing games, or gathering around a fire pit for a memorable evening together.