Like so many industries that have been flipped upside down, the business of weddings has certainly felt the financial impact. Friends who have gotten engaged in the past few months have struggled to figure out how to navigate their nuptials safely. Some who were engaged pre-COVID had to alter their plans and even lose deposits. One couple even got married in my parent's backyard with only immediate family members present. Couples are scrambling and feeling the pressure.

Micro-weddings or “micromonies” are nothing new to people that have preferred intimate gatherings that are less costly; but now everyone getting hitched in 2020 into 2021 are revising their plan and most likely feeling like their “dream wedding” has been stolen from them.

Local wedding photographer Hannah Glogower was able to capture the first ever micro-wedding at the East End Market recently.  

Regarding this necessary shift to smaller ceremonies, Hannah, who has been a professional photographer in Orlando for over six years with a degree in photography from UCF had this to say:

“This Covidian era relies on us getting creative in all parts of life, including weddings. An intimate wedding with fewer moving parts allows for a lot of space in the day, making it more memorable because you’re able to be present. You can have a meaningful conversation with every person in attendance AND spend more time with your new spouse. It’s a win win.”

I personally love this shift to more intimate and private ceremonies. When weddings get so large and chaotic, not only does it become the cost of a downpayment on a house, but you can quickly feel rushed through the whole day and rely on photos to find out what took place.  

Some Orlando event venues have pivoted and now offer packages that specifically embrace smaller ceremonies that still feel special. I looked at several wedding venue websites and many did not have updated packages for small micro ceremonies. If you have a specific venue in mind, I'd reach out to them and inquire if they are accommodating micro weddings with smaller packages. 

Additionally, if you are looking for a photographer to capture your special day, I highly recommend Hannah Glo Photo and Fox + Film. 

Event Venues with Micro-wedding packages

Luxmore Grande Estate + Cypress Grove Estate

The Luxmore Grande Estate and Cypress Grove Estate are both beautiful properties run by a local family, and they’ve pivoted to focusing on “minimonies”. Both event spaces, although large, can still feel warm and intimate with up to 24 guests. Their packages are all-inclusive, and you cannot beat either of these locations for stunning indoor and outdoor portraits. They are bonafide wedding experts, and your ceremony will be in great hands here.

EO INN

Located in Downtown Orlando, the newly refurbished boutique hotel is bright, colorful, and quirky, perfect for a couple that enjoys a whimsical aesthetic. The beautifully restored, 1920’s-era building has many areas for pictures, not to mention it’s right across from Lake Eola. Inquire about their packages through their website. Visit their Instagram to get a feel for the space and book a tour!  Photographer: Kate McLean

LEU GARDENS

Getting married in beautiful gardens is always an excellent option for a fall Florida wedding, and Leu Gardens as always rents out their gardens for groups of up to 26 guests. Their small wedding rate allows you to choose a space for one hour for a fee of $250. You get to choose between the Woods Gazebo or the Trellis and Idea Garden Gazebo. The ceremony times are 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., or 3:30 p.m. Find more details here.

THE ACRE

The Acre hides in plain sight off Edgewater Drive creating an intimate space beloved for its rustic charm. Getting great photos here is never an issue. For smaller ceremonies, they've created a Garden Party package for up to 20 guests. Everything is included, from cake to the ceremony officiant. The rate starts at $1600.  Photographer: Fox + Film

ORLANDO DRIVE-THRU WEDDINGS

PS I love you Productions is offering quickie weddings in Orlando with a drive-thru wedding option. Based at Paradise Cove, you can get a 10-minute ceremony at their boho wedding trailer. Extra charges will apply if you want to accommodate up to 24 guests. For more information on their drive-thru or other intimate options, visit their website. Drive-thru weddings start at $495 Monday - Thursday and $695 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Photographer: Crickets Photo and Cinema

KRAFT AZALEA GARDEN

Kraft Azalea has been a popular area to get engagement pictures, but why not just stay here have a full ceremony. You can reserve this park for your private wedding with up to 20 guests. The lakefront location is secluded and offers stunning sunsets and beautiful cypress trees. Call 407-599-3334 for more information.

Orlando Celebration Gardens

Celebration Gardens is an intimate outdoor wedding venue in Winter Park that offers a sweet outdoor setting perfect for a fall wedding. Their gardens are full of lush foliage and flowers, leaving nature to do the heavy lifting when it comes to decor. While their venue can hold larger parties, they now have packages to accommodate small groups for faster ceremonies like the Cala Lilly, Sweet Pea, and Sunflower. Visit their site for more details.

Elope to Orlando

Elopement might sound easy, but even that needs a plan. Locals Mya + Hector own Elope to Orlando. They plan your elopement, all while being officiants and photographers. They offer different packages based on locations like botanical gardens, small chapels, and other popular wedding venues in Orlando, like the Maitland Art Center and Paradise Cove. The elopement won’t happen at peak times, but the cost starts as low as $1,499.

Other venues with micro-wedding packages:

Alfond Inn - Ceremony Fee $1000 Ideal for up to 10 guests

Bella Collina - Ceremony of under 50 guests Monday - Thursdays

Bramble Tree Estate - Monday - Thursday up to 25 guests $1995

Winter Park Rose Garden - $200 for 2 hours of groups less than 20

Mead Gardens Amphitheater - $400 for 3 hours weekday and $500 for 3 hours on the weekend

Trellis 925 - Intimate package for 3 hours (must inquire for pricing)

The Garden Villa - Intimate Garden Villa Package starts at $995 for 5 hours

Bok Tower - Weekday Moongate Ceremony - Monday through Thursday garden weddings for under 20 guests.

While this information is meant to be a resource to locals, please do not copy this information into your own local websites.