7 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Micro Wedding in New Jersey
In the whirlwind of love, laughter, and life-long commitments, the essence of weddings has always been about connection. Yet, in a world where extravagance often takes the spotlight, the beauty of simplicity can sometimes be overlooked. This is where the charm of a micro wedding in New Jersey comes into play, offering a heartfelt alternative to large traditional weddings.
As a NYC wedding and portrait photographer with a passion for small weddings, I am sharing seven reasons why you should consider a micro wedding in New Jersey!
1. Intimacy: The Heart of Connection
At its core, I believe that a wedding is a celebration of love between two people, and what could be more beautiful than sharing this moment with those who truly matter to you?
A micro wedding in New Jersey allows you to gather your nearest and dearest, creating an atmosphere of warmth and genuine connection. This intimacy amplifies the emotional resonance of your vows, making every glance, every touch, and every word deeply felt by each person present.
2. You Get Elegance Without the Extravagance
The second reason to consider a micro wedding in New Jersey is one that the wedding industry doesn’t like to talk about as much: your budget. Dreaming of a beautiful wedding day doesn't have to mean a nightmare for your finances. Micro weddings truly stand as a testament that less can be more.
With fewer guests, your budget stretches further, allowing for luxurious touches that might otherwise be out of reach. This financial freedom lets you invest in your future, whether it's a down payment on a home or a memorable honeymoon.
3. Smaller Weddings Can Increase Personalization
Every love story is unique, and I believe that your wedding day should be a reflection of that. A smaller guest list means every detail can be tailored to your tastes and personalities, whether that means gorgeous bespoke invitations, handpicked floral arrangements or installments, or a mouthwatering menu.
For more ideas on making your day truly your own, explore my blog post on How to Personalize Your Intimate Wedding Ceremony.
4. Micro Weddings Mean Less Stress
With fewer moving parts and a smaller scale, the planning process of a micro wedding in New Jersey becomes significantly less overwhelming. As a photographer who has photographed both small weddings and large weddings at some of the top wedding venues in New York and New Jersey, one of the reasons I love micro weddings so much is that there is so much less stress leading up to the wedding day, and on your wedding day you can really be present in the moment.
5. Quality over Quantity Matters
When you consider a micro wedding in New Jersey, you’re investing in quality over quantity. I don’t just mean your guest list either. I’ve already alluded to this above but the truth is, that with a smaller guest list, you can invest more in every guest’s experience.
Oftentimes, there is an idea that smaller weddings “have to” be simple, but that isn’t the case (especially in the last few years when micro weddings have exploded in popularity). You can invest in whatever matters to YOU.
Want more inspiration? Discover Micro Wedding Ideas to Make Your Day an Experience, Not Just an Event and start planning a celebration that feels beautifully personal.
6. You Will Have More Venue Flexibility
Another reason I love micro weddings in New Jersey is because of the incredible variety of venues that open up to you. With a smaller guest list, you’re free to think beyond the traditional and choose a space that truly reflects your story and style.
Here are just a few ideas to inspire you:
Private countryside estates and historic mansions
Elegant garden courtyards or arboretums
Charming boutique hotels or bed-and-breakfasts
Rooftop terraces with city skyline views
Art galleries, lofts and cozy industrial spaces
Waterfront venues and boathouses
Wineries and countryside retreats
Your favorite local restaurant or family home
This flexibility allows your venue to become a meaningful part of your celebration. It’s not just a setting, but a chapter in your love story.
Want to see more ideas? Explore my Ultimate Guide to Micro Wedding Venues in NJ & NYC for venue ideas, planning tips, and insider advice to help you find the perfect setting for your love story.
7. Environmental Impact is Smaller
Last but not least, smaller weddings naturally lend themselves to sustainable weddings. With fewer guests, you’ll likely use less in every area (from décor and catering to travel and printed materials) which helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of your celebration.
While no couple should ever feel guilty for choosing a larger event, it’s a wonderful added benefit for those planning an intimate or micro wedding to know that their day can be both meaningful and eco-conscious.
Why You Should Consider a Micro Wedding in New Jersey
It’s clear I’m a big fan of micro weddings in New Jersey and I hope this post can help you see why! If you’re planning a small wedding right now, I'd be absolutely thrilled to be considered as your wedding photographer!
Learn more about how we can work together here. Or you can view my wedding portfolio, here! And if you're feeling a flutter of excitement and ready to have a conversation, feel free to reach out to me here. I would love to connect and learn more about your wedding day vision!
Rachel Watkinson - Intimate Wedding & Portrait Photographer
Rachel Watkinson is a boutique wedding photographer specializing in intimate weddings, micro weddings, and elopements across Northern New Jersey and New York City. With a background in fine art photography from Pratt Institute, Rachel blends digital and film to create timeless, heartfelt imagery that celebrates love in its most authentic form.
She’s passionate about documenting life’s meaningful moments with a classic aesthetic and genuine care for every couple she works with. When she’s not behind the camera, you’ll likely find her creating something new (whether it’s through painting, ceramics, or home design). She’s always inspired by the beauty in connection and creativity.
Learn more about how Rachel can beautifully capture your wedding day and begin your photography experience here.