My Guide To Small Wedding Photography
Small or Micro Weddings – Are They Right For You?
A more intimate wedding trend has been growing incredibly quickly, even before the social distancing of Covid-19 – and it’s much more than just saving money.
The idea of having small weddings in Manchester, Cheshire or Lancashire are on the rise; even before Covid-19, small or micro weddings were becoming increasingly popular, so if you’re looking for a wedding with a focus on guest experience, it could be an interesting idea for you.
What is a Small or Micro Wedding?
A small or micro wedding is a wedding with less than 20-30 guests in attendance. Being smaller in size, it’s usually cheaper to plan, more relaxed and shorter in length than a traditional wedding day.
It differs from both an elopement as this is usually done in secret and will only be attended by the couple marrying and their two witnesses, whereas a micro wedding is a full wedding day, just on a much smaller scale.
The advantage of a micro wedding is that it doesn’t have to include things like the cake cutting or first dance. However, for many couples, traditions like the speeches and the first dance are still great parts of the day and they may choose to plan for them anyway.
A micro wedding will always have a ceremony and a reception, but that can take any form that the couple likes, for example, an outdoor ceremony followed by a BBQ, or renting out the private room of a restaurant for a meal to then include speeches and dancing.
Why Have a Small or Micro Wedding?
Some of the popular (non-Covid-19) reasons for having a micro wedding include:
- It’s more relaxed, you could even wear whatever you like.
- It’s easier to personalize with self-made decor and favors.
- You can save money for an amazing honeymoon or suchlike.
- You can spend more time with the people that you love and who really matter to you.
- You’ll be less in the center of everyone’s attention.
- You aren’t restricted by a ‘traditional wedding’ schedule.
Are there any disadvantages?
The biggest disadvantage is that you may encounter is disappointment from friends or family. Guests who aren’t invited could feel hurt by your decision to have fewer people at your wedding. You have to be sure that this is the right decision for you, otherwise, you may feel guilt about the people who are upset by your decision. It’s not something that should stop you from having a smaller wedding but it is something that you should think about carefully beforehand.
You can mitigate any disappointment at not being invited by explaining the situation. Also sharing your photos, videos or live streaming parts of the wedding like your ceremony and speeches will allow people to join in.
Do you cover Small or Micro Weddings?
Absolutely, in these times any business has to adapt to demand and circumstance. I offer a bespoke Micro Wedding Collection Package from £600.
This includes –
- Custom wedding day coverage. This allows you to choose the amount of time I join you for.
- Priced at £150 per hour with a 4-hour minimum. I can cover preparations, ceremony, post-ceremony family group photos and portraits within this time.
- Includes everything from the Late Night Collection Package. Full editing, a private online gallery and a personalised slideshow to share.
- Wedding day travel within an hour of South Manchester. Further travel is available, please ask for a custom quote.
Choosing a Venue
Larger venues saying that they are happy to conduct smaller weddings may not be ideal for you. You do not want to feel lost in a venue that feels too big and highlights a small number of guests. You need somewhere that has plenty of space for everyone to relax but with the right proportions for an intimate atmosphere.
Choosing a wedding venue that specializes in small or micro weddings means the team there will really understand your ideal vision of your day. Visit the venue, meet the co-ordinators and imagine how you want your day to flow. For small or micro wedding venues in Manchester, Cheshire or Lancashire, you’re very spoilt for choice.
Micro Weddings Venue Ideas In Manchester
King Street Town House
King Street Town House markets itself as a baby grand hotel and it is easy to see why. It has all the features of a large luxurious hotel chain, packed into a small but perfectly formed venue. The King Street townhouse is located in a gorgeous Italian Renaissance building that has stood in the city since 1872. Historically beautiful on the outside, the King Street townhouse offers thoroughly modern hospitality inside. As a wedding photographer in Manchester, I adore the opportunity to include both the opulent exterior and lavish interior into a portfolio of wedding photographs. The King Street Town House is recognised as one of the best hotels in the world by Conde Nast and I’m inclined to agree.
Address – 10 Booth St, Manchester, M2 4AW. Tel – 0161 667 0707. Website – www.eclectichotels.co.uk
Manchester Hall
A relatively new venue on the wedding scene, the refurbished Freemasons Hall is a truly stunning venue for your big day. The grandeur of the room creates the perfect backdrop for wedding photography in Manchester. Period features combine with modern twists to include oak panelling, gloriously high ceilings and a floating staircase which is just begging to be photographed. Imagine gliding down there with your new spouse!
Address – Manchester Hall, 36 Bridge St, Manchester, M3 3BT Tel – 0161 832 6256. Website – www.manchesterhall.co.uk
Oddfellows on the Park
Oddfellows on the Park is a 5-star hotel set in the glorious Bruntwood Park, with beautiful natural wedding photography opportunities aplenty. Recently renovated, Oddfellows is a fresh and exciting venue that offers the very latest contemporary luxury combined with beautiful period features.
Address -Bruntwood Park, Bruntwood Ln, Cheadle SK8 1HX Tel – 0161 697 3066 Website – www.oddfellowsonthepark.com
Chetham’s School of Music
Now a prestigious music school, Chetham’s has hundreds of years of fascinating history to discover. Founded in the 15th century, many famous historical faces have spent time in Chetham’s library, including Marx and Engels who worked on the Communist Manifesto in its very rooms. An atmospheric and completely unique venue, Chetham’s school of music is a wonderful place for a wedding. The Baronial Hall is one of the best examples of a 15th-century medieval hall that exists today. That’s a pretty special claim to be able to make on your wedding day, and with a great wedding photographer in Manchester, you’ll be able to look back on your day with all the spectacular detail captured forever.
Address – Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB Tel – 0161 834 7961 Website – www.chethams.com
Micro Weddings Venue Ideas In Cheshire
Didsbury House Hotel
This luxury Victorian townhouse is a statement in individual design, bringing influences from around the world to the fashionable suburb of Didsbury. The hotel features 27 bedrooms with residents bar and lounges all reflecting the hotels eclectic design and providing a chic urban retreat for leisure guests wishing to enjoy a relaxed stay in Manchester. Didsbury House is a popular exclusive wedding venue giving you the opportunity to hire the entire house to accommodate all your friends and family for a celebration to remember.
Address – Didsbury Park, Didsbury, Manchester M20 5LJ. Tel – 0161 448 2200. Website – www.didsburyhouse.co.uk
Hyde Bank Farm
As a wedding venue, Hyde Bank Farm has been developed by the Blackhurst family and they’re really proud of the fantastic environment they’ve lovingly created for your special day. Set within the beautiful Cheshire countryside, the farm provides the perfect setting for a spectacular wedding. They treat every wedding individually and their family-run business gives personal attention to all requests and requirements.
Address – Oakwood Rd, Romiley, Stockport SK6 4DX. Tel – 0161 430 3582. Website – www.hydebankfarm.co.uk
Oak Tree Of Peover
The Oak Tree of Peover is one of the most beautiful barn wedding venues in the country. The 165-acre estate in the heart of Cheshire provides you and your guests complete tranquillity in glorious parkland. Surrounded by picturesque countryside the natural beauty of The Oak Tree of Peover is enhanced by the venue’s thoughtful landscaping. Both their Acorn Lounge and Ladybird Room are licensed for civil ceremonies. As guests start to take their seats, the stunning floor to ceiling windows flood the room with natural light while the high ceilings draw your eyes up to the exposed oak beams. In the warmer months, the Outdoor Pavilion also offers the perfect outdoor ceremony location. Guests will be seated on handmade wooden benches surrounded by beautiful surroundings.
Address – Back Ln, Lower Peover, Knutsford WA16 9SG. Tel – 01565 723337. Website – www.oaktreeofpeover.co.uk
The Stannylands Hotel
At The Stanneylands, they are passionate about bringing your next event to life. They are located in the quiet countryside and are surrounded by four acres of enchanting woodland and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it the perfect backdrop for your next occasion. With bespoke menus, a dedicated Events team and a great Wilmslow location we think we’re the perfect package!
Address – Stanneylands Rd, Wilmslow SK9 4EY. Tel – 01625 525225. Website – www.stanneylands.co.uk
Micro Weddings Venue Ideas In Lancashire
Holmes Mill
Holmes Mill is based in the heart of Clitheroe and offers a fusion of northern food, drink and entertainment. This quirky venue is a former textiles Mill and offers an eclectic mix of hotel and bistro, bar & grill, beer hall, party room, ticket office and food hall, cafe, gym, pool and spa! All these facilities and experiences make for truly unique and memorable wedding photography too and with a mixture of modern and industrial architecture bathed in natural light – you really couldn’t choose a more unique wedding venue and unique backdrop for your pictures.
Address – Greenacre St, Clitheroe. BB7 1EB. Tel – 01200 407 120. Website – www.holmesmill.co.uk
Inn at Whitewell
The Inn at Whitewell is the ideal venue for those who don’t want “airs and graces” but a relaxed and friendly service while still offering a touch of pizzazz to your wedding day. The beauty of this venue is in its individually-styled interior; an eclectic mix of old furniture, great fabrics and arresting prints mean that a photographer can really play around with the style of your pictures – the only limit is your imagination! Some of the 23 bedrooms even offer open fires and restored Victorian cabinet baths to add true historical glamour to your beauty preparations that we can capture on film while preserving your modesty of course!
Address – Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, Clitheroe. BB7 3AT. Tel – 01200 448 222. Website – www.innatwhitewell.com
Eaves Hall
The romantic grandeur of this Georgian mansion set in 13 acres of gardens and grounds is booked for your EXCLUSIVE use with staff at your disposal to cater for every wedding whim and fancy. Its stunning facade provides the ultimate in country house glamour for your wedding photography no matter the season. Whether shots are being taken outside on a sunny day or on a winter’s evening as you swirl around the decadent, chandelier-lit ballroom; this venue has to be one of the most exclusive in Lancashire.
Address – Moor Ln, West Bradford, Clitheroe. BB7 3JG. Tel – 0120 042 5271. Website – www.eaveshall.co.uk
Stanley House
Stanley House Hotel & Spa is a stylish venue set in 54 acres of Lancashire countryside and this 17th Century manor house mixes historical charm with modern, opulent facilities to make your wedding day a thing of luxury.
Wedding photography in Lancashire comes into its own when you can capture the happy couple and their guests milling on the manicured lawns and then taking a stroll along the woodland walk (wellies may be needed depending on the season!).
Address – Further Ln, Mellor. BB2 7NP. Tel – 01254 769 200. Website – www.stanleyhouse.co.uk
Thanks For Reading!
If you’re planning, rescheduling or replanning your wedding into a small, micro or more intimate event, i’d love to arrange a chat about what I can do for you. Request my Micro Wedding Brochure to view more details and use my Contact Page to get in touch!