Top 15 Breathtaking US Destinations for Your Micro Wedding

There are countless micro wedding destinations across the US that deliver bewitching backdrops and alluring adventures for couples who want to create a memorable wedding day. But as you plan your destination micro wedding, you might struggle to narrow down the best small wedding venue contenders.

Fortunately, we’re here to help you cross off items on your micro wedding checklist including one of the most important ones – determining the destination.

Below, we’re breaking down fifteen of the best micro wedding venues for today’s couples. Whether you and your intended are looking for an intimate celebration on a breezy beachfront or a secluded mountainside ceremony, there’s a destination on this list you’re sure to love.

Picturesque National and State Parks

Let’s start with micro wedding destinations in the great outdoors: venues with stunning natural scenery in National and State Parks.

#1 Yosemite National Park

There’s so much to love about getting married in Yosemite:

• Location options – Yosemite offers a ceremony site for every taste: cliffside, lakefront, meadow, and more. Plus, there’s beautiful scenery on offer at Yosemite year-round.
• Price – While you’ll certainly have other expenses, you’ll only need $150 for a Yosemite wedding permit—talk about an affordable micro wedding venue.
• That adventurous feeling – There’s just something magical about getting married in a pristine, natural setting, and Yosemite delivers that magic every time.

Whether you’re an adventurous couple looking to hike to your ceremony site or a more laid-back duo looking for a peaceful, lakeside ceremony, consider Yosemite’s wealth of natural beauty for your destination micro wedding. Explore our Yosemite micro wedding packages to learn more about how you can make this dream intimate wedding location a reality on your wedding day.

#2 Rocky Mountain National Park

For snowy winter intimate weddings, verdant summer ceremonies, and everything in between, look no further than Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding area. Rocky Mountain National Park (and its “base camp” in Estes Park, Colorado) offers nearly as many potential ceremony sites as Yosemite. Some highlights include:

• 3M Curve
• Sprague Lake
• Lily Lake
• Bear Lake
• Upper Beaver Meadows
• Hidden Valley
• Lake Isabelle
• Silver Dollar Lake

Some of the lakes above (like Bear Lake) even freeze over in the winter, creating a truly stunning backdrop for wedding day photos. Check out our Colorado micro wedding packages and find out how you can bring your wedding day vision to life in this stunning location

#3 Bahia Honda State Park

Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Parks are perfect for couples looking for mountainside vistas on their special days. But, if seaside nuptials are more your speed, consider Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys for your destination wedding.

Despite its close proximity to Key West (a charming, historical town packed with potential activities), Bahia Honda State Park feels secluded and remote. And it has everything you’re looking for in a beach wedding venue:

• Crystal clear water
• Vibrant sunsets
• Palm-lined, peaceful beaches

Explore our Key West micro wedding packages and uncover how you can transform this idyllic destination into the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Idyllic Beaches

Speaking of beaches, let’s explore three picturesque beach venues that make perfect ceremony sites for destination micro weddings. If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of beachfront wedding options throughout the country during your wedding planning, this is the definitive shortlist.

#4 Sandy Beach, Oahu

Sandy Beach in Oahu, Hawaii is the perfect choice for beach bums and all-around nature lovers—it has so much more to offer than white sand and crashing waves:

• Lush greenery
• Black lava rock features
• Proximity to other outdoor activities

Sandy Beach is right next door to the Koko Crater Botanical Garden, Halona Blowhole Lookout, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and Kuli’ou’ou Forest Preserve. Adventuring couples will love Sandy Beach’s stunning views and proximity to pre- and post-wedding outdoor activities.

Ready for something extraordinary? Explore our Oahu micro wedding packages and envision how this vibrant island can set the stage for an unforgettable wedding day.

#5 Big Sur, California

For couples looking to disconnect from reality and reconnect with the natural world during their micro weddings, Big Sur has everything you need for a remote, secluded and intimate wedding ceremony.

There are numerous venues in Big Sur offering beachside views:

• Carmel River State Beach
• Wedding Rock
• Middle Beach
• Garrapata Overlook

But couples can also take advantage of unparalleled forest scenery among Big Sur’s towering redwoods at venues like Glen Oaks Big Sur and Big Sur Lodge.

Take a closer look at our Big Sur micro wedding packages and start picturing how the breathtaking beauty of this coastal haven can provide the backdrop for a truly remarkable wedding day.

#6 St. Augustine, Florida

The beaches of Florida’s east coast offer year-round blue water, temperate winter weather, and nearby amenities—and St. Augustine has even more on the menu for waterfront explorers.

With venues like Washington Oaks Garden State Park, Villa Zorayda Museum, and Ocean Hammock Park, couples can experience both the seaside charm and fascinating history of Florida’s oldest city. Between white sand beaches and landmarks with rich history, Augustine is full of hidden gems perfect for an intimate ceremony and built-in event space.

Discover our St. Augustine micro wedding packages and begin to imagine how the historic charm and coastal allure of this town can make your wedding day absolutely unforgettable.

Mountainside Magic

Let’s zoom out from coastal vistas into more rugged terrain: mountainscapes that make for a perfect micro wedding getaway. All three of the destinations below are ideal for a small wedding ceremony or an adventurous elopement.

#7 Sun Valley, Idaho

If you’re looking for rocky cliff faces, Sun Valley, Idaho is the quintessential destination for mountainscapes and more.

While Sun Valley is a ski resort town, its lively arts community and bevy of remote areas make it an excellent choice for adventurous couples looking for their perfect venue or unique reception space. Enjoy sweeping views of the Sawtooth Mountains, lakeside scenery, and magnificent meadow backdrops.

Plus, Sun Valley is full to the brim with hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities—and, if you’re planning a winter wedding, don’t forget about skiing and snowshoeing.

Get set for an unforgettable journey. Check out our Sun Valley micro wedding packages and imagine your special day infused with the one-of-a-kind charm and natural beauty of this mountain oasis.

#8 Lake Tahoe, California

Like Sun Valley, Lake Tahoe offers something for every couple:

• Dazzling waterfront views
• Wooded mountainscapes
• Outdoor activities galore

A tip from the pros: don’t sleep on fall in Lake Tahoe. While Lake Tahoe is simply gorgeous when covered with green trees or snowdrifts, autumn foliage is simply unforgettable in California’s singular lakeside destination.

Whether you opt for a ceremony beside a turquoise bay, a mountain overlook surrounded by tall peaks, or a lakefront cliff, prepare to be floored by the sheer beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Explore our Lake Tahoe micro wedding packages and start imagining how the unmatched combination of pristine waters and breathtaking scenery can make your wedding day absolutely exceptional.

#9 Asheville, North Carolina

For couples interested in mountain views paired with a vibrant cityscape, Asheville has everything you’re looking for.

Asheville is the perfect locale for couples who want to stay busy before and after their ceremonies, offering:

• Copious breweries and a dynamic local food scene
• Mountain trails and scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Proximity to kayaking, white water rafting, and other aquatic sports
• Opportunities to explore the rich history of Appalachia

The Appalachian mountains of Asheville are older than the dinosaurs—they symbolize endurance and timelessness.¹ What better place to celebrate the past, present, and future of your love?

Get ready for something truly enchanting. Dive into our Asheville micro wedding packages and envision how the artistic vibe and picturesque landscapes of this vibrant city can weave their magic into your wedding day, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Elegant Cityscapes

While the mountainscapes, beach scenes, and parks above are perfect for couples with a penchant for remote exploration, there are certainly exquisite views to be had in cityscapes around the US. Let’s dive into a few favorites (including one dark horse) for urban elopements and micro weddings.

#10 New York City, New York

Simply put, opportunities for a destination micro wedding in New York are limitless. Couples who can’t get enough of the electric, sleepless atmosphere of the Big Apple love venues like:

• Wagner Cove
• Bow Bridge
• The High Line
• The Pool
• Cop Cot
• Coney Island

While you might not associate New York City with solitude, peaceful pockets are hidden throughout the city—especially in Central Park. Plus, if you’re planning on inviting a few guests, New York’s assemblage of airports makes the city super accessible for travelers.

Experience the pulsating energy of our New York City micro wedding packages, where the iconic skyline and diverse urban tapestry come together to frame the perfect backdrop for your special day.

#11 Cincinnati, Ohio

If you’re looking for an urban landscape with a rich history, consider Cincinnati, Ohio. While it certainly doesn’t get the same exposure as New York, this is simply part of Cincinnati’s charm: it’s less crowded, more affordable, and just as packed with elopement potential.

Venues like Mojave East, Cincinnati Parks Garden, and The Factory Events offer city scenery with something exciting and singular bubbling just beneath the surface; the combination of 19th Century architecture and art deco sensibilities make for magical metropolitan moments.

If you are considering the charm of this city, be sure to explore our Cincinnati micro wedding packages and envision how this city’s unique blend of historic beauty and modern flair can set the stage for your dream wedding day.

#12 Chicago, Illinois

At the intersection of natural beauty and urban activity lies Chicago, Illinois, a cultural center overflowing with micro wedding opportunities.

And, like New York, there are plenty of intimate, natural spaces situated around Chicago for couples looking for seclusion in an accessible locale, like:

• Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
• The Firehouse
• Morton Arboretum

The Windy City’s sprawling, lakeside skyline offers the perfect backdrop for couples who can’t resist the infectious energy of a big city.

Ready to make your dream wedding a reality in Chicago? Immerse yourself in the allure of our Chicago micro wedding packages and begin to envision your special day against the backdrop of this vibrant city.

Fairytale Gardens

If you’re looking to exchange your vows surrounded by lush greenery, blooming flowers, and wooded canopies, consider a garden wedding: a ceremony nestled in one of the country’s many peaceful, botanical getaways.

#13 Mayfield Cottage and Gardens

For vibrant gardens, tall palms, and the occasional peacock sighting, consider Mayfield Cottage and Gardens in Austin, Texas. Standing since the 1870s, Mayfield Cottage offers a glance into Austin’s rich history—and the surrounding gardens provide a perfect backdrop for romantic ceremonies and unforgettable photos.

The park also boasts plenty of activities for couples and their guests to enjoy before and after the wedding ceremony:

• Art installations
• Fish-filled ponds
• Walking trails
• Wildlife sightings

Plus, there’s so much to do in the surrounding area: Austin is a culturally rich, historic city perfect for a honeymoon or pre-wedding sightseeing excursion.

Are you ready to explore the possibilities for your perfect Austin wedding? Step into the dynamic world of our Austin micro wedding packages and picture your wedding day infused with the vibrant spirit and artistic vibes of this eclectic city – where modern trends and southern hospitality meet.

#14 Cypress Gardens

The South Carolina Lowcountry offers a truly unique natural experience for couples who seek an outdoor wedding venue—and where better to experience tupelo swamps and towing cypress trees than Charleston’s Cypress Gardens?

A nature preserve sprawling across 170 acres, Cypress Gardens features charming bridges over still water, seemingly never-ending tree canopies, and a wealth of botanical life. Plus, the outdoor venue offers indoor, uncovered outdoor, and covered outdoor sites, with perfect ceremony backdrops littered throughout the park.

For an exquisite blend of Southern charm and captivating waterfront beauty, consider Charleston as your micro wedding destination. Explore our Charleston micro wedding packages, where the historic allure and picturesque landscapes come together, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your special day. And for that perfect touch of nature’s elegance, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the lush gardens and untamed coastal beauty that Charleston has to offer.

#15 Cator Woolford Gardens

To round out our list of unforgettable micro wedding destinations, let’s turn to Cator Woolford Gardens in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta offers the perfect combination of deeply-rooted southern culture and big city lights, but its garden scene is simply unbeatable.

The Cator Woolford Gardens are one of the last remaining historic city estates in the US, and these 39 acres situated just a few miles outside of downtown Atlanta offer lush greenery, secluded ceremony spots, and picture-perfect pergolas and outdoor staircases.

The park also offers:

• Ample lamp lighting for evening photos
• A historic mansion (which is sometimes available for overnight stays)
• Both indoor and outdoor ceremony sites (and weather contingency options)

If you’re looking for the best in old-world charm, Cator Woolford should certainly earn a place on your shortlist when researching small wedding venues.

Ready to explore how Atlanta can make your dream wedding a reality? Experience the dynamic fusion of modern urbanity and Southern hospitality with our Atlanta micro wedding packages.

Simply Eloped: Planning Your Micro Wedding While You Enjoy the View

No matter where you choose to say “I do,” planning a destination micro wedding doesn’t have to be taxing. At Simply Eloped, we specialize in intimate ceremonies and elopements in rugged landscapes, beachfront venues, vibrant cities, and everywhere in between.

We’re here to make your elopement as easy and carefree as possible—all you have to do is choose a package, chat with your dedicated elopement or micro wedding planner, and get ready for forever.

If you’re looking for a dedicated, elopement-centric partner for your upcoming ceremony, explore our elopement destinations. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

 

Sources:

1. Britannica. Geology of the Appalachian Mountains. https://www.britannica.com/place/Appalachian-Mountains/Geology