SoCal Style: We Don't Offer Packages, We Offer Customized Elopements & Micro Weddings
In the ever-evolving world of weddings, couples are increasingly choosing to scale down the size while scaling up the meaning. Elopements and micro weddings have transformed from budget-necessity options to intentional, deeply personal celebrations that prioritize what truly matters. At Modernday Event Design, we believe that going intimate allows you to go extraordinary in all the ways that count.
Why One-Size-Fits-All Packages Miss the Mark
Traditional wedding packages often force couples into cookie-cutter celebrations that don't authentically represent their relationship. When you choose an intimate ceremony with us, you're not selecting from pre-determined packages—you're starting with a blank canvas that we'll help you fill with experiences that reflect who you are as a couple.
The wedding industry has long operated on the premise that couples must follow a standard formula: ceremony venue + reception hall + catering package + DJ + florist = wedding day. But your love story is uniquely yours—why shouldn't your celebration be too? At Modernday Event Design, we believe that true luxury isn't about checking boxes on a pre-made list; it's about crafting moments that feel authentically aligned with your relationship.
When couples choose customization over packages, they often discover elements of their celebration they never would have considered otherwise. Perhaps it's an intimate ceremony in the exact mountain meadow where you first said "I love you," or incorporating your grandmother's heirloom brooch into a bespoke table setting for your celebration dinner. These personal touches create the kind of memories that standard packages simply cannot deliver.
The Intimate Wedding Renaissance: Elopements & Micro Weddings Reimagined
Today's elopements and micro weddings (typically with under 20 guests) aren't about cutting corners—they're about cutting through the noise to create a celebration that feels genuinely you. By going small, you gain the freedom to craft every element of your day with intention.
The evolution of elopements has been remarkable. Once viewed as hasty, secretive affairs, modern elopements are thoughtfully planned celebrations that prioritize experience over exhibition. These intimate ceremonies allow couples to be fully present with each other and their closest loved ones, creating a day where every moment feels meaningful.
Micro weddings, meanwhile, offer the perfect middle ground between traditional weddings and elopements. With their limited guest list (typically 5-20 people), micro weddings maintain the ceremonial elements couples cherish while eliminating the overwhelming logistics and expense of larger celebrations. They provide the structure and shared joy of a wedding while preserving the intimacy and personalization that make the day feel special.
The Freedom of Going Small
When you embrace an intimate celebration, you can:
Focus on personalized details that would be financially impossible with a large guest count
Create meaningful moments with each person present, rather than brief interactions with hundreds
Choose spectacular, unique venues that couldn't accommodate larger groups
Preserve the ceremonial magic while eliminating traditions that don't resonate with you
Allocate your budget to what truly matters to you both
Customization: The Heart of Your Celebration
Your relationship isn't like anyone else's—why should your wedding be? Our approach centers on learning what matters most to you and building your day around those priorities.
Keeping What Matters, Leaving What Doesn't
Modern couples are embracing the freedom to honor meaningful traditions while skipping those that feel outdated or impersonal. No more obligatory bouquet tosses, garter removals, or receiving lines unless they genuinely bring you joy. Instead, you might choose to:
Exchange private vows at sunrise before your ceremony
Include cultural or family traditions that connect you to your heritage
Create new rituals that represent your unique journey together
Incorporate your beloved pets in ways impossible at traditional venues
Design a ceremony that honors nature, spirituality, or whatever else holds meaning for you
Smart Splurging: Quality Over Quantity
One of the greatest advantages of intimate celebrations is the ability to elevate certain elements without breaking the bank. While cost savings can be substantial, many couples choose to reinvest in creating unforgettable experiences:
Destination celebrations become accessible when you're only bringing your closest circle
Luxury florals can transform an intimate space when you're not decorating for hundreds
Fine dining experiences with multi-course tasting menus or private chefs
Premium photography and videography to document every precious moment
Handcrafted details like custom vow books, artisanal favors, or bespoke attire
Reimagining Your Wedding Budget
The average traditional wedding in the US costs upwards of $35,000, yet many couples report feeling rushed through their own celebration. With a micro wedding or elopement, your investment goes directly toward creating meaningful experiences rather than meeting arbitrary expectations.
Consider this: the cost of hosting a single guest at a traditional wedding ranges from $150-$300 when you factor in catering, bar service, rentals, and venue space. A guest list of 150 people immediately commits you to $22,500-$45,000 before you've even considered photography, attire, or personal touches.
By contrast, intimate celebrations allow you to allocate your budget intentionally. That might mean:
Booking your dream photographer for a full day of coverage instead of rushing through abbreviated sessions
Securing a breathtaking venue that would be financially impossible with a larger guest count
Investing in an heirloom-quality wedding album that tells the complete story of your day
Creating a multi-day celebration with welcome dinners and farewell brunches
Upgrading accommodations to luxury suites or private villas
Including adventure elements like helicopter tours, sailing excursions, or guided explorations
Many Modernday Event Design couples discover that their intimate celebration costs 30-50% less than what they initially budgeted for a traditional wedding, even while including luxury elements they thought were out of reach.
Your Vision, Our Expertise
At Modernday Event Design, we don't hand you a package and send you on your way. We collaborate closely to understand what matters most to you, connecting you with vendors who share our commitment to personalization. From secluded mountain vistas to intimate urban hideaways, we help you find the perfect backdrop for your story.
Picture-Perfect Locations for Intimate Celebrations
When you're not limited by the need to accommodate hundreds of guests, the world truly becomes your venue. Modernday Event Design specializes in creating remarkable celebrations in breathtaking settings:
Mountain Elopements
There's something magical about exchanging vows with majestic peaks as your backdrop. Mountain elopements offer unparalleled natural beauty, whether you're dreaming of:
Alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer
Snow-dusted peaks creating a winter wonderland
Dramatic overlooks capturing the grandeur of nature
Secluded forests providing intimate privacy
Beach & Coastal Micro Weddings
The rhythmic sounds of waves create a perfect soundtrack for intimate vows. Coastal celebrations can include:
Sunset ceremonies on golden-hour beaches
Cliffside vows with panoramic ocean views
Seaside dinners under star-filled skies
Yacht celebrations combining ceremony and reception on the water
Urban Escapes
City-loving couples find that intimate celebrations open doors to exclusive venues that couldn't accommodate traditional weddings:
Historic libraries and museums after hours
Rooftop gardens with skyline views
Boutique hotel penthouses for all-in-one celebrations
Renowned restaurants offering private dining experiences
SoCal Destination Celebrations
For couples dreaming of California's sun-kissed southern coast as their wedding destination, intimate celebrations open up the region's most spectacular venues and experiences:
Breathtaking coastlines from Malibu to La Jolla for oceanfront ceremonies
Wine country escapes in Temecula and Santa Barbara for vineyard celebrations
Desert luxury in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree with their iconic landscapes
Historic estates throughout the area offering exclusive access for small groups
Luxury beachfront resorts providing all-inclusive experiences with world-class amenities
The region's perfect year-round weather, diverse landscapes, and exceptional vendors make SoCal an ideal destination for couples seeking sunshine and sophistication for their intimate celebration. From the glamour of Los Angeles to the laid-back luxury of San Diego, we'll help you discover the perfect setting in this beautiful corner of California for your love story.
The Modernday Event Design Difference: Our Planning Process
Our approach to creating your perfect day is as personalized as the celebration itself. Here's how we bring your vision to life:
1. Discovery Consultation
We begin with an in-depth conversation about your relationship, values, and vision. What makes your love story unique? Which elements of a celebration matter most to you? What environments make you feel most connected? This foundation guides everything that follows.
2. Location & Experience Curation
Based on your preferences, we'll suggest perfectly matched locations and experiences. From secluded mountain vistas to exclusive urban hideaways, we help you find the ideal backdrop for your story.
3. Vendor Collaboration
We connect you with artisans and professionals who specialize in intimate celebrations and share our commitment to personalization. Each vendor is carefully selected to align with your vision and values.
4. Logistics Simplification
We handle the complex details so you can focus on what matters. From travel arrangements to legal requirements, we ensure every element is seamlessly coordinated.
5. Day-of Coordination
On your celebration day, we're there to ensure everything unfolds beautifully, allowing you to be fully present in every moment.
Is an Intimate Wedding Right for You?
Consider choosing an elopement or micro wedding if:
You value meaningful connection over social obligation
You dream of a wedding that truly reflects your relationship
You'd rather invest in experiences than meeting expectations
You want to minimize stress and maximize joy
You're drawn to locations that conventional weddings can't accommodate
You appreciate quality craftsmanship and personalized details
You want to be fully present for every moment of your celebration
Frequently Asked Questions About Elopements & Micro Weddings
Will our families feel excluded if we choose an intimate celebration?
Many couples find that their loved ones are surprisingly supportive when they understand the intention behind your decision. We can help you find meaningful ways to include important people, whether that's through live-streaming your ceremony, planning pre or post-wedding gatherings, or creating thoughtful announcement packages.
How far in advance should we plan our elopement or micro wedding?
While intimate celebrations require less lead time than traditional weddings, we recommend 6-12 months for optimal location and vendor availability, particularly for destination events. That said, we've created magical celebrations with as little as 8 weeks of planning for flexible couples.
Are elopements and micro weddings legally binding?
Absolutely! We guide you through the specific legal requirements for your chosen location, whether domestic or international. Some couples choose to complete the legal paperwork locally before traveling for their ceremonial celebration.
How do we announce our elopement to friends and family?
Many couples send thoughtful announcement cards featuring images from their day. Others host casual gatherings after returning home to share their experience through photos and stories. We can help you develop the perfect approach for your circle.
Begin Your Customized Journey
Ready to explore how an intimate celebration can bring your wedding vision to life? Let's start a conversation about creating a day that's unapologetically, authentically yours. No packages, no templates—just your love story, beautifully told.