Weddings in a Recession

For the 2025-2026 wedding season, we are noticing shifts in the wedding industry. I am here to help guide couples through the changes. An overarching concern is hosting weddings in a recession. I do believe this is actually an opportunity for couples to find creative ways to celebrate in a more intimate setting, and I look forward to sharing these ideas with you. 

Many couples this year are making the shift to replace large-scale weddings with more intimate affairs. The rise of micro weddings surged during the pandemic. It is no longer a trend; it is an option that is here to stay. Whether a couple chooses a micro wedding for health reasons, boundary setting, recession planning, or a number of other reasons, there is merit to the change, which is why it will stay.

Now, there are initial associations with micro weddings or elopements being low-key and quick affairs. While they can be, that is not what we are focusing on. The goal is to have a luxury wedding while being strategic about the size. There are many creative ways to celebrate a wedding intimately, and many reasons to choose a micro wedding in a recession. 

What is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding can vary significantly in size. I resonate with Cocoon Spaces definition. “A macro-wedding involves a large number of guests, typically over 50, with a more traditional, grand setup. A micro-wedding is a smaller, more intimate event with up to 30 guests. Micro-weddings prioritize personalization and quality, whereas macro-weddings often focus on scale and spectacle.”

There are many creative ways to celebrate intimately, especially if you are concerned about weddings in a recession. Some of our favorite ways to celebrate include more venue options, increased personalization, and activities for the newlywed couples with their guests instead of for their guests. 

Weddings in a Recession: More Venue Options

The smaller the size of the wedding, the more out-of-the-box wedding venues you can find. Instead of being limited to venues specific for weddings, you can rent out space for private events. Think wine cellars, art galleries, penthouse suites overlooking rivers, or something personal to your unique love story!

A venue couples appreciate is the Carneros Resort in Napa. While they host large-scale weddings, their Gathering Table is the perfect micro wedding intimate option. It is within the resort’s culinary gardens and includes three 16-foot redwood tables for farm-to-table dining. Gathering Table guest capacity is 50. Having a micro wedding at a location that can accommodate larger weddings means you will have all the same perks as a larger wedding. At Carneros, you’ll have pool, spa, and vineyard access regardless of the size. We love that couples do not have to change their dream location for their guest list!

Top 5 Napa Valley Wedding Venues

Private residences are often overlooked, but they can be an incredibly impactful wedding venue, especially for a luxury micro wedding. While many homes may not accommodate large guest lists, they offer the perfect backdrop for an intimate, high-end celebration. With a private residence as your canvas, your creative vision can truly shine, transforming a familiar space into something redefined and remarkable. From hiring a private chef to designing every detail with intention, the possibilities are as personal as they are luxurious.

Once a popular wedding trend, private residences remain a favorite for good reason. They offer unique logistical perks: more flexibility with dates, complete control over your vision, and, in some cases, a meaningful and cost-effective location.

Plan a Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence

Another idea is to have your micro wedding ceremony at a location that would not be possible with a large group. In Northern California, an option for this is Big Sur. You can apply for an “Elopement” Special Event Permit at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This covers ten people and provides a backdrop like no other.  You can either keep your entire wedding day at a reduced size, or have a magical, intimate ceremony and a nearby reception with a larger guest list.

Curate a Wedding Weekend

In our recent blog, I shared some of our Favorite Things to do in Napa Valley – Wedding Weekend. 

When you have a micro wedding you can go above and beyond giving guests ideas for a wedding weekend, you can enjoy the entire weekend with them! Typically, during a large wedding, the couple has greater obligations. Beyond the reception, they may have a welcome party, a spa day, a brunch for out of towners and so forth. The married couple likely will spend more time playing host than enjoying activities with their guests.

Instead of sending guests out for a hot-air balloon ride while the couple tends to responsibilities, they can join in on the adventure. Other activity ideas include group horseback riding, a private cooking class, a special wine tasting, and more. A wedding weekend should be entertaining for the married couple, too.

Another idea is for the entire wedding to stay at one place. More intimate than a hotel, the couples and guests alike can stay in a large rental property with amenities like a tennis court, jacuzzi, pool table, and so forth. These pockets of time the couple can have with their favorite people are opportunities not extended to large-scale events. 

Weddings in a Recession Lead to Personalization

Long gone are the days when matchbooks with “The Perfect Match” and the couple’s names were the wedding favors. With the shift to luxury micro weddings, couples are more intentional about their favors. They become less like a token that you came to the wedding and more of an intentional gift the couple is giving the guest in thanks and support.

One phenomenal idea I saw was artisanal ceramic mugs. Each one was a bit different, and the wedding couple intentionally chose which mug resonated with each guest. It made the event feel more special than a table of souvenirs for attending. 

Another creative way to celebrate a wedding intimately is personalized place settings. With a smaller group, the wedded couple can write letters to each guest. Another option is to set a photo of the couple and their guest at the place setting. Couples are able to connect more deeply and spend more time with their guests when there are fewer people to connect with. 

Private Vows

Exchanging vows in front of guests can be a challenge in many ways. Some couples enjoy sharing their vows in front of an audience, and just as many do not feel comfortable speaking in front of large crowds. With a micro wedding, the small crowd is filled with family and close friends, so speaking tends to be more comfortable. 

Reduced Stress with a Wedding in a Recession

Wedding planning can be very stressful. When you choose a micro wedding, you reduce many of the stressors. Couples are often overwhelmed by their guests’ dietary restrictions, seating arrangements, and playing host. With a small group, not only are your chosen people more understanding, but there are fewer things to focus on.

There are also fewer logistics to consider when planning a micro wedding. You do not need to feed as many people or coordinate table settings in the same way. Typically, there are fewer floral arrangements with a smaller place to occupy. With fewer moving parts, timelines are easier to manage, communication with vendors becomes more straightforward, and the margin for error shrinks considerably.

The biggest takeaway is what recession means for weddings, and I am here to say it means planning differently. It does not mean the wedding industry is declining or that you need to give up on your dream. If anything, it shows how many different ways there are to have a wedding, your wedding. I am here to capture your unique and authentic wedding day!

If you are looking for a Napa Valley wedding photographer, check out our guide on What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer.

Contact Alicia Park

Alicia Parks has over a decade of experience. As a professional photographer, having great photos is an expectation. What you’ll find with Alicia is a partnership. Someone who knows the area can provide recommendations and make you feel like yourself on your wedding day.

Alicia has experience with weddings of all sizes and understands the luxury feel that couples are seeking. Memories of your wedding day are priceless. An experienced photographer will ensure both beautiful photos and a wonderful day. Choose someone who understands your vision and captures your love story flawlessly. Contact Alicia Parks to get started.