Micro Wedding Planning Checklist & Action plan

Okay, so you read my last post about micro weddings in Iowa and thought “YES, this is exactly what we want!” I love that for you. Seriously. But now you’re probably sitting there like… cool, but where do I even start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. I’ve walked dozens of couples through this exact process, and I’m going to break it down for you like we’re just chatting over coffee.

Jamie Tobin Photography

---

Micro Wedding Planning Checklist the Mindset moment before we dive in

Okay here is the thing, this post is a little long, but I like communicating with my clients and I truly do love helping them have intentional micro weddings or adventure elopements.

Making sure you feel good about your plans, and doing it because it’s YOU and no one else lights me up. So take a breath, and know I have your back.

Step 1: Call Jamie Tobin Photography (Yeah, That’s Me!)

Look, I’m putting this first for a reason, and it’s not just because I want to book you (though I do). Here’s the thing – as your photographer, I’m going to be with you for basically your entire wedding day. I’ll see all the behind-the-scenes moments, the getting ready chaos, the happy tears, everything. So you want to make sure we vibe, right?

But here’s the real reason I suggest calling me early: I know Iowa venues like the back of my hand. I’ve shot at places you’ve probably never heard of that would be absolutely perfect for your vision. I can help you avoid venues that look gorgeous online but have terrible lighting, or that one place that seems perfect until you realize there’s literally nowhere for your guests to park.

Plus, good photographers book up fast, especially for those perfect Iowa fall dates. Just saying.

What to ask when you call:

• Are you available on our date?
• Can you show us some micro wedding galleries?
• What Iowa venues do you recommend for our vibe?
• How does your pricing work for smaller celebrations?

Honestly, half the time these calls turn into me just getting excited about your love story and throwing out a million ideas. That’s how you know we’re a good fit.

---

Step 2: Set Your Guest List (And Actually Stick to It)

This is where couples usually mess up. They’re like “We want a micro wedding with 25 people” and then start making their list and suddenly it’s 47 people and climbing. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen.

Here’s my advice: Start with your absolute must-haves. Like, if these people weren’t there, you’d be genuinely sad about it. Write those names down. That’s your core list.

Then ask yourself: “If we were getting married at the courthouse tomorrow, who would we call to come witness it?” Those people make the cut.

The reality check questions:

• Have you talked to this person in the last year?
• Would you be excited to have a long conversation with them at your wedding?
• Are you inviting them because you feel like you have to, or because you actually want them there?

Pro tip from someone who’s photographed a lot of weddings: The couples who are happiest on their wedding day are the ones surrounded by people who are genuinely excited to be there. Quality over quantity, always.

---

Step 3: Pick Your Date (But Be Smart About It)

Okay, so you probably have a dream date in mind. That’s great! But let’s talk strategy for a hot second.

If you’re flexible with your date, you can:

• Get better venue pricing (especially for Friday or Sunday celebrations)
• Have more vendor availability
• Actually get your first choice of venue instead of settling

My favorite Iowa micro wedding dates:

• Late September/early October (hello, fall colors!)
• May (before the crazy busy summer season)
• Sundays in summer (better pricing, same gorgeous light)

Dates to maybe avoid if you want vendor options:

• Any Saturday in June, September, or October (everyone’s booked)
• Major holiday weekends (vendors charge premiums)
• The week of RAGBRAI if you’re anywhere near the route (Iowa people will know what I mean)

---

Step 4: Venue Hunt (The Fun Part!)

This is where having a photographer who knows Iowa really pays off. I can tell you which venues photograph beautifully and which ones… well, let’s just say some places look better in person than in photos, and some look better in photos than in person.

Questions to ask venues:

• What’s included in your micro wedding package?
• Can we see the space set up for a smaller group?
• What’s your rain plan for outdoor ceremonies?
• Are there any restrictions on photography locations?
• What time can we access the space for getting ready photos?

Red flags:

• They seem annoyed that you’re not bringing 100+ people
• Their “micro wedding package” is just their regular package with less food
• They can’t show you examples of smaller celebrations they’ve hosted

I have a running list of venues that just “get it” when it comes to intimate celebrations. Definitely ask me about this when we chat.

---

Micro Wedding Planning Checklist half way let’s pause for a minute

Make sure to keep checking in with how each bullet point is making you feel, if you don’t vibe with it, you don’t have to do it!

Okay carry on!

Step 5: Budget Reality Check for Micro Wedding Planning

I know, I know. Nobody wants to talk about money. But let’s be real for a minute – even though micro weddings cost less overall, you want to spend your money smart.

Here’s what I typically see Iowa micro wedding couples spending:

Total budget $19,000-35,000:

• Venue: $3,000-6,000
• Photography: $5,000-10,000 (that’s me!)
• Food & drinks: $4,000-8,000
• Attire: $1,000-3,000
• Flowers: $500-3,500
• Music/entertainment: $500-1,500
• Everything else: $2,000-3,000

The mistake I see: Couples try to DIY everything to save money, then get overwhelmed and stressed. Pick a few things to splurge on (photography, obvs) and a few things to keep simple.

---

Step 6: Vendor Dream Team Assembly

With a smaller celebration, every vendor matters more. You can’t hide a mediocre caterer behind 200 people having fun – everyone’s going to notice the food.

Your micro wedding vendor priority list:

1. Photographer (hi, it’s me)
2. Venue (sets the whole vibe)
3. Catering (hangry guests = bad photos)
4. Officiant (you need someone who gets the intimate vibe)
5. Music (even if it’s just a good playlist)

Questions for all vendors:

• Do you love working smaller celebrations?
• Can you show me examples of intimate weddings you’ve done?
• How do you adjust your service for micro weddings?

The vendors who light up when you say “micro wedding” are your people. The ones who seem disappointed about the smaller guest count? Keep looking.

---

Step 7: Plan the Timeline (But Keep It Chill)

One of the best parts about micro weddings? You don’t need a minute-by-minute timeline like larger weddings. But you still want some structure.

Sample Iowa micro wedding timeline:

• 2:00 PM – Getting ready (this is when I usually arrive)
• 4:00 PM – First look/couple photos
• 5:00 PM – Ceremony
• 5:30 PM – Cocktail hour/family photos
• 6:30 PM – Dinner
• 8:00 PM – Dancing/celebration
• 9:00 PM – Golden hour couple photos (if it’s summer)
• 10:00 PM – Send-off

The beauty of micro weddings? If dinner runs long because someone’s telling an amazing story, who cares? Roll with it. I’ll capture it all.

---

Step 8: Think About the Little Things That Make It Special

This is where micro weddings really shine. With fewer people, you can do personal touches that would be impossible with a big wedding.

Ideas I’ve loved photographing:

• Handwritten notes to each guest
• Family-style dinner where everyone can actually talk
• A signature cocktail with a story behind it
• Incorporating family heirlooms in meaningful ways
• A group activity (like everyone signing a vintage Iowa map)

Don’t stress about:

• Having a huge bridal party (or any bridal party)
• Multiple course plated dinners
• Elaborate centerpieces
• Traditional reception timeline if it doesn’t fit your vibe

---

Step 9: Communicate with Your People

The hardest part about micro weddings? Telling people they’re not invited. I’m not going to sugarcoat this – some people might have feelings about it.

What works: “We’ve decided to have a really small, intimate celebration with just immediate family and our closest friends. We hope you understand, and we’d love to celebrate with you in another way afterward.”

What doesn’t work: Making up budget excuses or acting like it just happened. Own your choice – you wanted an intimate celebration, and that’s beautiful.

---

Step 10: Enjoy the Micro Wedding Planning Process (Seriously)

Here’s what I want you to remember: You chose a micro wedding because you wanted something meaningful and personal. Don’t let wedding planning stress steal that joy from you.

The whole point is that this should feel like YOU. If something doesn’t feel right, change it. If a tradition doesn’t fit your vibe, skip it. This is your day, your way.

Things to remember:

• Your micro wedding is not a “less than” version of a big wedding
• The people who matter will be excited for you no matter what
• Some of the most beautiful weddings I’ve photographed had fewer than 30 people
• You’re going to look back on this day and be so glad you did it your way

---

Micro Wedding Planning Checklist ✅ Ready to Make This Happen?

Look, I could keep going with more steps and more details, but honestly? The most important thing is to start. Pick up the phone, send that email, book that venue tour.

And seriously, call me. Not just because I want to photograph your wedding (though I really do), but because I love talking couples through this process. I get genuinely excited about helping people create celebrations that feel authentically them.

Plus, I make a mean cup of coffee if you want to meet in person to chat about your vision. Just saying.

Ready to start planning your perfect Iowa micro wedding? Let’s talk! I can’t wait to hear your love story and help you figure out how to celebrate it in the most beautiful way possible.

---

Jamie Tobin Photography specializes in intimate celebrations and micro weddings throughout Iowa. With a laid-back approach and deep knowledge of the state’s most beautiful locations, Jamie helps couples create and capture celebrations that feel authentically them.

Jamie Tobin Photography Links:

Contact me below or through my contact form here!

Let’s chat in the DMs on insta: instagram.com/jamietobinphoto

Iowa Micro Wedding Blog: https://jamietobinphotography.com/micro-wedding-in-iowa-your-complete-guide-to-planning/

Micro Wedding Planning Checklist by Jamie Tobin Photography to help couples have micro weddings that feel like them // Iowa Wedding Photographer who loves mountains and intimate weddings