Does the idea of a 200-person guest list make you want to elope, but the thought of saying "I do" without your closest friends and family feels incomplete? You're not alone. More and more couples are trading in big crowds for meaningful, intimate moments. Whether you're drawn to the idea of a quiet garden ceremony or a sunset dinner with your nearest and dearest, micro weddings are all about creating beautiful, heartfelt experiences on a smaller scale.

If you're exploring micro wedding ideas, this intimate Santa Barbara celebration is a picture-perfect example. Here are five micro wedding ideas that Lindsay and Mitchell embraced to create a wedding day that was both personal and trendy.

Small Wedding vs. Micro Wedding

Small, intimate, micro, we’ve all heard the terms, but is there a difference? While both prioritize intimacy over guest count, a micro wedding typically hosts fewer than 30 guests and leans into elevated, bespoke experiences. A small wedding, by contrast, may include up to 50 guests and often balances a traditional wedding format with a more curated feel.

The Benefits of a Micro Wedding—And Is It Right for You?

Opting for a micro wedding isn’t just about scaling back your guest list—it’s about amplifying intimacy, experience, and design. Here are some compelling benefits:

Deeper Connections: With fewer guests, you can spend meaningful time with each person, creating cherished memories without feeling rushed.
Budget Reallocation: Spend less on quantity and more on quality—think elevated florals, a custom cocktail or dinner menu, or even a dreamy honeymoon.
Personalized Experience: From handwritten notes to customized favors, smaller weddings allow for deeply personal touches.
Less Stress: Fewer guests mean simplified logistics and reduced planning fatigue.
Flexible Venue Options: Host your day at a boutique restaurant, a scenic inn, or even your backyard—spaces that may not suit large crowds but are perfect for an intimate affair.

However, a small wedding may not be for everyone. If your vision includes a big dance party, a full extended family celebration, or a robust list of traditions and guests, a more traditional wedding may be the better fit. Ultimately, the right choice reflects your priorities, your personalities, and how you want your day to feel.

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Micro Wedding Ideas to Steal from Lindsay & Mitchell

Choose an Inspiring Setting

Select a venue that fits your needs! Sometimes venues have guest count minimums, so it’s important to research or ask about this if you are planning a micro wedding.

Curate Your Guest List

Keep it meaningful. With fewer guests, every moment becomes richer and more memorable.

Invest in Florals

Let your floral designer create an atmosphere that tells your love story visually.

Select a Culinary Experience

Whether it’s inventive fare at Convivo or a local chef’s tasting menu, let the food be part of the story.

Prioritize Photography

Prioritize a photographer who specializes in capturing the feeling of the moment—not just the events and allocate ample time for couple and family portraits. These moments are the heartbeat of a small wedding album.

An Elevated Start at Santa Barbara Inn

Lindsay and Mitchell’s wedding weekend began at the iconic Santa Barbara Inn, a Mediterranean-style hotel known for its relaxed luxury and ocean views. This scenic haven became the hub for both accommodations and capturing those first-glimpse portraits with family and the couple.

The bride glowed in a soft, ethereal gown, perfectly in sync with the creamy coastal tones surrounding her. The groom’s classic attire set a grounded contrast, mirroring the muted elegance of the venue. Family portraits in the garden, beneath palms and sun-soaked stucco, set a serene tone for what was to come.

Thoughtful Floral Design by Brooke of Burlap & Bordeaux

Brooke of Burlap & Bordeaux brought the day to life with florals that whispered romance. The arrangements were sculptural yet organic, with soft neutrals and gentle greenery weaving through bouquets, boutonnieres, and reception tablescapes. Think ivory roses, blush ranunculus, and delicate anemones nestled among textured foliage—a visual love letter to nature’s grace.

True to Burlap & Bordeaux's brand, the floral execution was flawless, with every bloom placed intentionally to tell the story of the day. This wedding was a masterclass in how micro wedding ideas can still make a grand visual statement.

A Coastal Reception at Convivo

The reception took place at Convivo, a culinary gem known for its inventive, seasonal New American cuisine and chic ambiance. Nestled within a stylish hotel setting, Convivo offers patio dining with a panoramic ocean view—a dream setting for a micro wedding.

Under a canopy of fairy lights and the California sky, guests dined on curated menus that echoed the couple’s refined taste. Intimate tablescapes featured taupe linens, golden flatware, and minimalist candles—balancing opulence with simplicity in true Burlap & Bordeaux fashion.

Why an Intimate Wedding Works

Opting for a small intimate wedding allowed Lindsay and Mitchell to prioritize what mattered most: each other, their families, and the details that made their love story shine. Without the logistics of a massive guest list, they invested in luxury florals, gourmet food, and a serene environment that felt truly their own

Final Thoughts

Lindsay and Mitchell’s wedding is proof that micro wedding ideas can lead to extraordinary experiences. Every element—from the serene ambiance to the bespoke florals—felt intentional, elevated, and most importantly, personal. This is what modern love looks like: grounded, beautiful, and full of heart.

So, what is considered a micro wedding? It’s not just a number; it’s a choice to focus on the love, the people, and the moments that matter most.

Stay tuned as we continue to share more inspiration for your own small intimate wedding. And if Lindsay and Mitchell’s day stole your heart, let Burlap & Bordeaux help bring your own dream day to life.

Credit

Lindsay + Mitchell

5 Micro Wedding Ideas Inspired by a Dreamy Santa Barbara Celebration