When Kelsey and Michael started planning their North Conway microwedding, they had one clear priority: minimal stress and maximum enjoyment. They wanted a day that felt meaningful and laid-back, surrounded by their closest people, and their beloved pup, Franklin. With just 12 guests, they crafted a wedding day in the White Mountains that was warm, intentional, and full of love.

Planning the Logistics of a North Conway Microwedding

One of the trickiest parts of planning a microwedding like Kelsey and Michael’s is finding the right place to host it. Many couples assume an Airbnb is the answer, but Airbnb’s terms of service technically don’t allow events, and that includes even small weddings. The good news? A lot of the same beautiful homes are listed on VRBO or have their own rental websites, and those owners are often more open to small celebrations. It’s worth digging a little deeper or reaching out directly to ask.

Once you’ve got a location, it’s time to think about your vendor team. The beauty of a smaller guest list is that you can really prioritize what feels worth it to you. For some couples, that means:

• A private chef to create a cozy, unforgettable meal (like Chef Anthony who made the most delicious dinner for Kelsey and Michael’s day)
• A florist to bring your vision to life (or keep it simple with foraged flowers or a small bouquet)
• A baker—unless your mom is an amazing baker like Michael’s mom, who made their cake!
• A photographer to document all the little moments you’ll want to remember
• An officiant, or even better—a close friend to make it extra personal

You don’t need a huge vendor team to have a beautiful wedding. You just need the right ones for you.

Make Time for Just the Two of You

It’s easy, even with a North Conway microwedding, to feel swept up in the schedule of the day. One of the best decisions Kelsey and Michael made was building in time for just the two of them. After family photos wrapped up, they took Franklin for a little adventure, frolicking in a field at the base of the mountains while we captured some truly magical portraits.

It was a moment to breathe. To be present. And to get some adorable photos with Franklin.

The Little Things That Make It Yours

With only a dozen guests, Kelsey and Michael were able to add thoughtful touches that wouldn’t be possible at a bigger wedding. They wrote handwritten notes to each guest, a gesture that made everyone feel incredibly loved and seen.

Kelsey carried a photo charm of her grandfather, who had recently passed, on her bouquet. On their table, they displayed photos of other loved ones who couldn’t be there, but were still a meaningful part of the day. These quiet, heartfelt details made the celebration feel personal and deeply grounded in connection.

A Celebration Without the Stress

A small wedding doesn’t mean a small experience. In fact, it can be exactly the opposite. When you strip away the pressure, the production, and the expectation, what’s left is time. Time to be with your favorite people. Time to eat a beautiful meal, take a walk with your dog, laugh, cry, and celebrate love in a way that actually feels like you.

Kelsey and Michael’s North Conway microwedding was a perfect reminder: you don’t need a crowd to have a full heart. Just a beautiful place, your most important people, and your dog.

I would love to help plan and capture your mountain microwedding!

Thinking you might want to skip the guest all together and get married just the two of you (and your dog)? Check out my blog post on how to elope in NH.