ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VENUES

The green phase has brought back some sense of normalcy, but large gatherings are still on hold. Instead of canceling, many are continuing their nuptials with a micro wedding —  a ceremony with 50 people or less as defined by The Knot. A reduced number of guests is great for your budget, but that doesn’t mean you have to reduce the details. These eye-catching venues can provide the perfect foundation for your bridal style. 

Heaven Sent Farms
Heaven Sent Farms, a 6th generation, all-natural Washington County beef farm run by the Liggett family, is known for its large, red barn that hosts country-chic weddings. When the pandemic upended couples’ original plans, event planner Tara Liggett introduced a micro wedding package that includes up to 25 guests, a whimsical archway, chairs and free rein over the fields to take pictures ($500). “Pictures are what last, and you just get gorgeous pictures out here,” she says. All you need to bring is an officiant, photographer and a bouquet. The package is flexible to fit the needs and wants of couples’ dreams.

Slate Studios
As event planners, Shayla Hawkins and Alexis Maddox listened to their clients’ desire for a neutral, versatile venue. Three years ago, they opened Slate Studio, a Strip District venue that can accommodate up to 125 guests. With high, beamed ceilings, wood floors and brick walls, the space is left to the imaginations of the couple. “It truly is a blank slate in terms of aesthetics,” Maddox says. There are no restrictions when it comes to vendors and decor, and they even provide classic chairs and tables that are included in the 10-hour rental ($5,500). From set-up to break-down, Slate Studio is staffed to assist with the in-house speaker system, clean-up and anything else to ensure a seamless event.

Point Breezeway
“People have been gathering here for a very long time,” says Lauren McMillan, the owner of Point Breezeway. Built in 1880 as a utility barn, the structure now brings an urban-cottage vibe to the Point Breeze neighborhood. Point Breezeway is perfect for laid back couples who still want a nice, intimate wedding for up to 60 guests. Couples can choose between two packages: The all-inclusive Little Wedding package ($6,500-$15,500, depending on guest count) is a joint effort between Point Breezeway and Devoted to You Events to provide a low-fuss event by hand-selecting vendors that work well in the space. The Loved Wedding package allows couples to hire their vendors ($3,500-$5,000, depending on the day of the week).

Blue Ribbon Farms
Blue Ribbon Farms raises horses, but owner Christine McLaughlin also plans elopements ($1,000) and small weddings (starting at $2,000) for couples looking for a rustic country setting. The plan is simple: show up and McLaughlin works with your style to do the rest. She sets up decorations, chairs, linens and the officiant. She hand-picks flowers from her garden to incorporate into the bouquet and table arrangements. While catering is up to the couple, McLaughlin is able to whip up a home-cooked meal for a guest list of 20-35 people.

Roost
Located in Market Square, Roost provides urban sophistication with the city as its backdrop. “There’s nothing like seeing it in person,” says Director of Sales Alison Kwiatkowski. Although the venue does big traditional weddings, it created four packages in reaction to pandemic restrictions. Package 1 ($950) and package 2 ($1,200) are elopement-style ceremonies where up to 20 guests can witness an officiant wed the couple with a champagne toast at the end. Package 2 includes a mini cake by Bethel Bakery. Packages 3 ($3,300) and 4 ($6,500) include everything in package 2, but allow for up to 45 guests. Package 3 includes a cocktail-hour with access to the bar and a cheese and mezze selection. Package 4 includes a reception with a three-course meal. All of these options can be modified to fit the couple’s requests.