Micro/Wee Wedding Ideas

Copy updated Jan 6, 2023

The really great thing about the microweddings I’ve created with my couples is they can be pulled together easily in a fairly short time. What matters most is that you are together with the people you love the most, celebrating the love you have for each other and the love among you. And the magical things that unfold when everyone is right there with you and for you in a moment that will not pass by again.

While you can have a mini-version of your big event complete with all the fixin’s, you can also do something that is adventurous (but safe) and budget-friendly (words that are refreshingly welcome during pandemics, inflationary times, and recessions…:)

Check out some of these stories for inspiration.

Make a Day of It

C&D came from Ontario and made their wedding a family fun day. Starting in the morning with a little hike in to our version of Niagara Falls (!) where as well as getting married, their sons got to officially “adopt” each other. It was relaxed and real and awesomely captured by Laura at Coastline Living Photography. Then out for lunch and off for an afternoon of whale watching. All wearing “just married” shirts. ALL of them. They had a blast of a day.

The forest doesn’t cancel out on you…:)

After their wedding venue cancelled a few months before their wedding, M&F decided to do something totally different. They pared down the guest list and invited their closest people to run away to the Island with them. At a sunset ceremony in Cathedral Grove, amid trees with much history, they added one more layer…everyone helped to marry them: moms, dads and grandmas in partnership. After: a private dinner at Tigh-Na-Mara.

So much love in that space. Image by Rick and Cheryl from Love You Me Pictures.

Go to Your Happy Place

J+V were supposed to have the big Indian wedding, but Co-vid stepped in, and so did a baby! They could’t take 350 people to their happy place, J’s grandmother’s cabin on the water, but they sure could take the people who mattered the most for a little Island getaway.

beautifully captured by Meghan Hemstra Photography

Short Notice, with Kids

So much can happen in 60 days (as we’ve seen in the past few years). But it’s quite amazing what you can pull together on short notice, once you get clear on what matters most. P&P, after a long-term long-distance relationship, were ready to marry. And the chance when they and their kids would all be together was coming up shortly. So we gathered in the forest at Lazo Marsh and with a handful of the people they love, cemented their commitment to one another, their children and each other’s. Just as they are, it was open-hearted, genuine, caring and inclusive. An honour for everyone there to be part of. image by McKinnon Photography

Annual Weekend Getaway (+18)

C&N’s West Coast getaway every September is their most special-est weekend. When we were brainstorming, we asked “Why not invite the folks (and dogs) they love the most along on their favourite weekend? Share all their fav west coast rituals? Make it a relaxed getaway for everyone? And have a nice casual wedding ceremony in the middle of it all?” After the ceremony, an early dinner at Wolf in the Fog. Finally, bonfire on the beach as the sun went down. With s’mores and plaid shirts..:)

Tofino Wee Wedding with brides, guests and dogs on the beach

Image(and more images) by Kaitlin Shea Photography.

Surprise! Surprise!

I LOVE surprise weddings! They are so much fun to plan, and you don’t have to worry about seating arrangements, charger plates, invitations, and all the stuff that can cost a bundle. And the bonus is that everyone will remember your day, that being hoodwinked was actually pretty cool. Very cool, in fact.

Upon discovering that they are not here to attend the groom’s 30th birthday event…:)

The Nickersons

Head to the Vow Cabin

Kyle Joinson Photography

The Vow Cabin is the choice of adventurous couples who want to get married in a relaxed and comfortable way…in nature. Packages include extra options, but the venue, on the south coast, won’t disappoint. Nor will all the other goodies included. If you don’t have time to plan, check out the options here.

Adventure Wedding

V+C wanted to get married at a waterfall. So they travelled all over the Island, searching for the perfect place…an adventure in itself. They found it at Sombrio Beach near Port Renfrew. We created their ceremony to be an adventure too…starting at the base and marrying them in steps as we climbed (or scrambled) toward the top. And it turned out to be one of the most remarkable experiences ever for all of us (pretty sure I can say that for everyone.) Afterward: a picnic celebration on the beach.

Wonderful images by the ever nimble Chelsea Dawn Photography.

“Barbara supported us in creating the ceremony we weren’t able to find anywhere else. We spent a couple of years looking for what we wanted until we found Barbara. Her amazing open-mindedness, acceptance, and support really helped us along this whole process of figuring out what we truly wanted for each other and those included. She got our small group of people involved and made sure everyone felt important and that they weren’t just watching our marriage happen, they were truly a part of it.” —- Viennamay and Caleb

Modern Metaphysical Minister, Celebrant and Wedding Officiant, Vancouver Island. Including Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Courtenay, Comox Valley, and Campbell River.

Barbara Densmore Celebrant

Based on 71 Google reviews

Caitlin Barnes

2022-12-05

Barbara is so amazing to work with. She curates the most perfect re-telling of couple's love stories that have them laughing and crying - sometimes at the same time! Barbara has a presence that puts everyone at ease and immediately allows guests and couples to feel grounded to appreciate every moment. If you want a ceremony that tells your story and allows you to truly soak up every word - there is only one person :)

Jasmina Omri

2022-10-28

Barbara was excellent to work with. She helped us have a wonderful wedding ceremony by supporting both of us and by telling our love story so beautifully! Thank you again for making our day feel extra special! T&J

Jen C

2022-10-27

Barbara is amazing to work with! At first I didn't think much of the ceremony part, but having someone like Barbara put together a unique and personalized ceremony really makes the day even more special. So many of our guests said their favourite part of the wedding was the ceremony! So worth it.

Courtney Hutson

2022-10-21

There aren’t enough words to say how appreciative my husband (still so exciting to say!!) and I are for Barbara. Right from the moment we started working with her she was thorough, relaxed and made us feel so comfortable. She guides her couples, provides them with helpful tips and tools and made us feel incredibly supported. On the day of, she delivered a ceremony that felt like us. We are forever thankful for her and would recommend her to anyone looking for an officiant - especially for those who are less traditional and choose an adventurous elopement like we did! Thank you, thank you and thank you again Barbara!

Spence

2022-10-12

Having Barbara as our Wedding Officiant was absolutely incredible. She made us feel so comfortable with the process leading up to our special day, which made it easy and very straightforward. This reduced much stress couples experience preparing for their wedding. On our Wedding Day, the experience was magnificent. Barbara truly made our wedding day an amazing experience. Highly recommended - she'll make your wedding day incredible too.

Cherylann Nesbitt

2022-10-04

Barbara was AMAZING to work with. We couldn't be happier with the final outcome of our ceremony. Our guests were all very impressed. We kept hearing guests say how unique and special the ceremony was. And how it was a refreshing update from what they had seen at past weddings. Which was exactly what we had asked for when we first met Barbara! Barbara spent a good amount of time getting to know us and that allowed for a really personalized ceremony. She was organized and always one step ahead of us (which was super helpful with life being so busy). She was an excellent collaborator. She listened to what we wanted, and then gave us a few different options for each section. Shen helped with our vows and made sure we had everything we needed every step of the way. It was the perfect ceremony and we can't imagine having done it with any other officiant! -Cherylann & Luke

Jeramiah Morris

2022-10-03

Barbara was the celebrant at our wedding and she was absolutely wonderful! She worked closely with us ahead of time to create a ceremony that was specific and relevant to us - one that reflected who we are individually, as a couple, and in our lives together. The result was a ceremony that felt natural, comfortable, welcoming to our guests and family, and full of love and laughs. Her skilled ability to combine logistics know-how with holding the energy of the space had us relaxed and well taken care of. We were in the best hands with her. We laughed, we cried, laughed some more, and left with hearts full! Thank you Barbara!! Michael & Jeramiah

Heather Campbell

Barbara is a celebrant extraordinaire! Everything was perfect from start to finish, she truly brought our wedding ceremony alive and tailored made the most beautiful day for us. Throughout all the preparation and on the day she was encouraging, kind and supportive. Before the wedding we used Barbara's wonderful website and 'welcome package' to helps us layout our ceremony, choose our 'moments', and gleam inspiration for writing our own vows. It was truly a wonderful day and we're so happy to have had Barbara officiate over us.

Courtenay Lennox

2022-09-27

Barbara Married us and was so wonderful and helpful in what seemed a daunting process. Let me tell you she did all the hard work, had wonderful suggestions and I just cannot say enough about her service. She wrote us a sweet, funny and very memorable ceremony. My husband and I highly recommend her!! Thank you so much Barbara!

Celine Sauve

2022-09-26

Barbara was a dream to work with- I cannot say it enough! Prior to our wedding, she had me and my husband fill out a little questionnaire about each other and worked our secret responses into our ceremony. This was such a personal touch that brought many laughs and touching moments. We wanted sweet and simple and Barbara did that AND MORE. With little surprises along the way, I couldn't have asked for a better ceremony. Even our guests mentioned how wonderful and entertaining she was. A million thank-yous to Barbara!