Ditching the big wedding might be the best decision you make. Not just because it’s less stressful, but because it lets you focus on what matters most: each other. I know a couple who hiked up a mountain, read their vows in hiking boots, ate cold pizza under a pine tree, and said it was perfect.

If Pinterest has you planning a circus instead of a ceremony, it might be time to burn the binder. Whether you’re planning an elopement or an intimate micro-wedding in PA, here’s your permission slip to strip it all back.

The Difference Between Elopement and Micro-Wedding

Short answer? It’s mostly about the guest list.

An elopement is typically just the two of you (plus your photographer, maybe an officiant, and possibly your dog). It’s intimate, quiet, and stripped down to the essentials. You’re not hosting, you’re just being.

A micro-wedding includes a small crew, usually under 30 people. Think: your inner circle, a cozy dinner, and time to actually talk to everyone there. It still skips the fuss of a big wedding but adds in a few of the traditional touches, just scaled way down.

Both are ideal if you’re looking for an intimate wedding experience in Pennsylvania without the guest list (or stress) of a traditional event.

Best Elopement and Micro-Wedding Locations in Pennsylvania

Mountains, forests, city rooftops, storybook farms — need I say more?

If you’re considering an elopement or micro-wedding in PA, these are some of the most dreamy, photogenic (and personal!) spots:

• The Poconos: Moody woods, misty views, and trails that lead to the best kind of quiet. Perfect if you want to hike in your wedding attire and say your vows with pine trees as your witnesses.

• Philly: For couples who want grit, glam, and skyline photos. Think rooftop ceremonies, historic buildings, and a just-right mix of edge and elegance.

• Lancaster + Central PA: Vineyards, farms, and rolling hills that look straight out of a romance novel. It’s peaceful, pretty, and full of charm without trying too hard.

• Backyard weddings: Don’t sleep on this one. Your parents’ hydrangeas? That old tree you climbed as a kid? That’s your backdrop, and it’s more personal than anything you’ll find on a venue tour.
  

Venue Vibes – How to Pick the Right One

Before you start doom-scrolling wedding venues at midnight, ask yourself:

• What’s your vibe? Romantic and woodsy? Industrial and cool?
• How many humans are coming? Tiny crew or small-ish party?
• What’s the lighting like? Because dreamy golden hour beats squinting under parking lot floodlights every time.
  

Some standout spots to get you started:

• Promise Ridge – Intimate mountaintop magic.
• The French Manor – Old-world charm with a view.
• Terrain at Devon Yard – Greenhouse meets garden party.
• Vaux Studio – Downtown Philly elegance in a tiny, modern space.

Still feeling stuck? I wrote a whole blog on how to choose the perfect intimate wedding venue for your Pennsylvania elopement packed with tips, questions to ask, and venue inspo.

The Timeline That Won’t Ruin Your Day

Look, “winging it” sounds romantic until you’re eating soggy cake at 10:30 p.m. in your Spanx, wondering what happened to golden hour.

Here’s a better plan:

→ Slow morning (coffee, deep breaths, maybe a dance party)

→ Ceremony around golden hour

→ Drinks + snacks + dreamy sunset photos

→ Cozy dinner with your favorite people under string lights or stars

First look or nah?

A first look might feel like a “big wedding” thing, but it can be incredibly special for elopements and micro-weddings too. It’s a quiet, intentional way to ground yourselves before the ceremony, especially if the day includes a hike, a drive, or a bit of adventure.

Doing one early means we can capture some portraits while you’re fresh (and maybe before you start climbing that mountain). But if you’d rather wait to see each other at the ceremony? That’s just as beautiful. We’ll simply plan the timeline around that so everything flows with ease

Give Yourself Space to Breathe

One of the best parts of planning an elopement or micro-wedding? You’re not locked into a packed schedule. But that doesn’t mean you should skip planning altogether.

Build in space between each part of your day. Not because you have to, but because it gives you room to be present. Time to soak it in. Time to pivot if the trail takes longer or you want to stop and grab a cider on the way.

And when it comes to portraits? Let golden hour guide you. In PA, the light shifts quickly, and the right timing can turn simple photos into magic.

Need more help? Here’s my full guide to creating a wedding timeline with tips, examples, and a free template to get you started.

What You Actually Need for a Micro-Wedding in PA

Let’s keep it real. You don’t need everything. You need the right things.

Non-negotiables:

• A rain plan – Because PA weather is moody and unpredictable.
• A photographer who gets your vibe – Not someone who’ll pose you like cardboard cutouts.
• An officiant – Whether it’s a pro, a friend with a one-day license, or no officiant at all (yes, Pennsylvania allows “Self-Uniting” ceremonies — just you, your partner, and the moment).
• A ceremony that feels like you – Cry-laughs, personal vows, weird inside jokes included.

Things you don’t need:

• Four kinds of salad.
• Chair sashes.
• A swan made out of napkins.
• A DJ who still thinks it’s the 80s..
  

This is your wedding, not a corporate retreat. Keep the stuff that matters. Ditch the rest.

What You’ll Wish You Did (or Didn’t) from Real Couples

Let’s skip the hindsight and give you a little foresight.

These are real takeaways from couples I’ve worked with, simple things that made a huge difference:

“We did all the photos before and actually got to go to our cocktail hour.”

“We padded our day with chill time and it was an actual dream.”

Common regrets?

• Rushing the day – It goes fast. Build in space to breathe.
• Not eating – You paid for that charcuterie board. Eat it.
• Wearing the wrong shoes – If your feet hate you by hour two, it’s game over.
  

Little decisions = big impact. Plan with intention and future-you will thank you.

Your Elopement, Your Rules

Whether you say “I do” on a mountaintop with your dog or in your parents’ backyard over barbecue and beers, the only rule is this: it should feel like you.

Big or small, fancy or barefoot, planned to the minute or full of surprises — your wedding should reflect your relationship, not a Pinterest board.

If you’re dreaming of a day that’s full of heart and completely your own, and you want photos that actually feel like you — I’d be honored to be part of it. Let’s chat about what you’re dreaming up. Reach out here and tell me all about your vision, and I’ll bring the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elopements + Micro-Weddings in PA

Do we need a marriage license to elope in Pennsylvania?

Yes! You’ll need to apply in person at a county courthouse and wait three days before you can legally tie the knot. Pennsylvania also allows self-uniting licenses, meaning you can marry without an officiant if you want a more private ceremony.

Q: What’s the best time of year to elope in Pennsylvania?

PA brings all four seasons in full force, so it depends on your vibe. Fall brings golden leaves and crisp air (prime photo weather). Spring is lush and romantic. Winter? Cozy and magical if you’re down for snow. Summer is beautiful, but beware the humidity!

Can we bring our dog to our elopement?

Please do. I’ve photographed pups as ring bearers, witnesses, and flower “dogs.” Just double check with your venue (or hiking trail) for pet-friendly policies.

How far in advance should we plan?

Elopements can happen in a few weeks, while micro-weddings typically need a few months (especially if you’re booking vendors or venues). 

Finally, here are some images of a recent Micro-wedding in PA we had the pleasure of shooting. Please feel free to check out our wedding photography packages.