Five Reasons to Have a Micro Wedding (Pandemic or Not!)

It’s a COVID-19 world, and I’m blogging on Sunday! After spending another would-be wedding weekend at home, I decided to write an ode to “Micro” weddings.

Understandably, many couples have decided to postpone their big wedding plans for brighter days ahead. Others, however, are opting to keep their original dates… with a few minor tweaks! Due to regulations for group gatherings (not to mention health and safety concerns), Micro Weddings are on the rise.

What exactly is a “Micro Wedding,” you ask? I’m referring to intimate ceremonies, elopements, or any small event where two people become married. This may include a handful of guests or just the couple and officiant (and/or witnesses if required).

Five Reasons to Have a Micro Wedding:

  1. A relaxed wedding day. Honestly, this could be reason enough! Without a timeline to keep up with or 100+ people to coordinate, you’ll have a chance to really focus on each other. Enjoy your wedding day doing the things you love together… and take your time! This could mean waking up early to watch the sun rise or an impromptu ice cream break – just because.
  2. Flexibility. Similarly, without a large group to accommodate, you’ll have more flexibility in terms of where you can get married. Meaning, instead of a trip to Marriage Court, you could tie the knot some place picturesque or meaningful. Ever think of getting married on your front porch? The place you first met? Locations pictured below include Montrose Harbor, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and New York City’s High Line.
  3. Getting ready together. Okay, okay – you could do this with a big wedding, too. In my experience, however, it’s much more common with smaller, intimate ceremonies. I always LOVE when couples choose to do this! Besides, who else is going to zip your dress or pin your bouttonière if it’s just the two of you?
  4. A personal guest experience. If you’re planning to have a handful of guests attend your wedding, this gives you the opportunity to really personalize their experience. At larger weddings, it’s not uncommon for newlyweds to miss greeting a guest or two – much less spend quality time with each and every one.
  5. You can still celebrate BIG TIME later! It’s true! No matter what your reasons for downsizing the wedding day guest list, you can still throw the party of a lifetime months later. Once regulations loosen up and group gatherings are safe again, your guests will be MORE than eager to celebrate with you. Pinky swear.

Hope this has been helpful! Of course, a Micro Wedding isn’t for every couple, but if you’re considering it: know that your wedding day will be just as memorable. Just make sure you have a photographer there to capture it for you 🙂

Don’t believe me? See for yourself! Here’s a few favorites from Micro Weddings and Elopements I’ve had the pleasure to capture over the years. Links to full weddings and Additional Resources below!

Happy bride and groom jump with joy after their downtown Chicago elopement

Want to see more from these weddings? Check them out on the Blog!

Chris & Anne’s Stan’s Donuts Elopement
Katelyn & Corbin’s Cultural Center Civil Ceremony
Liz & Jen’s Lincoln Park Elopement
Kathia & Todd’s Metropolitan Brewing Wedding
Anj & Bo’s NYC Elopement
Katy & Justin’s Surprise Wedding
Alice & Harry Elope to Chicago

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About

Chicago wedding photographer Emma Mullins Photography in her studio with film camera

Hellooo, world!

I’m Emma (She/Her): Beer nerd, cat-whisperer, Chicago wedding photographer shooting digital and film. A true Millennial, I still own a VHS box set of Titanic and remember when people used to ask “Tupac or Biggie?” (gotta go Pac). I’ve been helping couples relive their wedding memories since 2014, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Over the years I have found this job to be unexpectedly rewarding; the role we ultimately play in a couple’s family history is not something I take for granted.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I currently reside in Chicago with my designer-turned-handyman partner and our two spunky felines. When I’m not photographing couples in love, I’m either hanging with these three, managing our West Town studio space, or traveling someplace new!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
  • Black coffee
  • Buttercream frosting
  • Road trips
  • Watching the sun rise
  • Pretending I sound like Mariah Carey
  • Moira Rose’s wig collection
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam: Jeremy, Vince and Miike (Mee-kay)
  • Halloween! My favorite costume of all time was Dana Scully from The X-Files (Jeremy was the cutest Mulder).
About You

You want stunning, true-to-life wedding photos that look and feel like YOU. You don’t want to feel stiff or look too “posed.” Naturally, you love the look of film and value the art of photography. Future You wants to look back on photos from your wedding day and remember what it felt like to actually be there. And most importantly, you want to ENJOY your wedding day while we capture the good stuff.

Whether you thrive in the spotlight or cringe at the thought of being photographed, we’ll be there to capture your memories. And let’s be honest: your wedding day is going to be AWESOME. No matter what goes according to plan or how many things surprise you, at the end of the day you’ll be married to Your Person. And, spoiler alert: that’s what this is all about!

My Approach

My relaxed, documentary approach allows couples to feel totally comfortable in front of the camera (it’s the number one thing mentioned in my Reviews!). Expect a mix of candid moments and contemporary portraiture, with the occasional embarrassing (aka HILARIOUS) dance floor photo. I will be your hype girl during portrait time (seriously!) – and just might convince you stop in the middle of downtown traffic for an epic portrait on film. We’ll get to know each other throughout the process, and it doesn’t stop on wedding day! I want to show up with hugs and handshakes – not as just another vendor.

Sound like what you’re looking for in a Chicago wedding photographer? Inquire about your wedding HERE!

Emma Mullins Photography embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are LGBTQIA+ friendly and honored to serve humans of every background, gender and identity. 

Your business helps us support the following organizations:

The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame winner Emma Mullins Photography
2024 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2022 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2021 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2022 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
Best of Zola 2025 winner Emma Mullins Photography
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2024
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2023
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2022
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2021
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2020
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2019
Emma Mullins Photography named on of Chicago's top wedding photographers by Party Slate
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Pricing

Wedding Photography services are customized for each couple based on the unique details of their day. All photography collections include a professionally edited digital download gallery and online print shop, where you can download, share, print, and gift your images.

Couples invest an average of $7500 in our photography services.

Wedding Day coverage with Emma starts at $5000, including one complimentary roll of film. Full and partial coverage options available.

Associate Collections start at $4500, including two photographers and an engagement session. Full and partial coverage options available.

For detailed Wedding Photography pricing and availability:

Wedding Album pricing starts at $1100. Special rate available at booking.

Videography services start at $3000.

Film Photography starts at $500 per roll. Full and partial coverage options available.

Engagement sessions start at $900. Special rate available to Wedding Clients.

Surprise Proposal coverage starts at $1000.

Microwedding coverage starts at $3600.

Elopement coverage starts at $2750.

City Hall Elopements start at $1800.

Other sessions offered include Lifestyle, Maternity, Content + Branding and other life events! Contact me for rates and availability.

My current Wish List includes photographing a Las Vegas elopement and a surprise wedding! If you are planning either I would LOVE to chat!!!

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Travel

Traveling is my thing.

I don’t know what I would do with myself if I couldn’t explore new places. After a three-year hiatus, my free time is constantly filled with travel dates! Not only does traveling fuel my creativity, it encourages me to learn and grow as a citizen of this planet.

So far I have photographed weddings throughout the Midwest, Mexico, Hawaii, Italy, Utah, San Francisco, New York City, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But don’t worry: the list is growing! If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, get in touch ASAP. Destination wedding coverage begins at $9500 including two photographers, travel and accommodations.

Bucket List locations include New Zealand, Italy (take me back!), Iceland, Portugal, and South Africa. Custom pricing available for Bucket List locations. Just ask!

Inquire about your destination wedding HERE!

Silhouette of palm trees at Venice Beach, California with colorful sunset

Keep an eye on upcoming travel dates to book your destination wedding or session!!

Upcoming Travel Dates:

2025

January-February
Mexico City

March
SF Bay Area

April
Paris

May
St. Joseph, MI

June
Milwaukee, WI

August
Mexico City

October
New Orleans, LA

December
St. Lucia

2026

March
London

April
United Kingdom
Ireland

May
Northern Ireland