When couples first hear “micro wedding”, the assumption is often that it means budget wedding. While a smaller guest list can reduce costs in some areas, the reality is that a micro wedding is more about intentionality and experience than just the price tag.

At Marigold Micro Weddings, we’re committed to transparency. So let’s break down what couples in California can realistically expect when planning a micro wedding, and why it’s not just about saving money but also about creating more value for what you spend.

What is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding typically has 10-50 guests and blends the intimacy of an elopement with the structure and celebration of a traditional wedding. You still enjoy meaningful moments like a ceremony, dinner, and dancing but just on a smaller, more intentional scale.

Average Cost of a Micro Wedding in California

California is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world, which makes it one of the priciest. Traditional weddings, with 100-200 guests, often cost $35,000 - $55,000.

Micro weddings, on the other hand, tend to all in the range of $15,000 - $30,000 depending on:

Guest Count (feeding 30 guests vs. 60 guests makes a big difference)
Venue Type (private estate, Airbnb, restaurant, park, etc.)
Level of Customization (DIY vs. full-service vendor team)

At Marigold, our couples typically spend between $15,000 - $25,000 for a full-service micro wedding package that includes not only planning but also florals, bar, rentals, and more.

Why Micro Doesn’t Always Mean “Cheap”

Here’s the key: cutting your guest list reduces cost on food, drinks, rentals, and invitations. But most core wedding expenses (planning, photography, attire, entertainment, catering, etc.) are still present.

The difference? With a micro wedding, your budget is redistributed into the things that matter most to you, rather than stretched thin across 200 guests. For example:

Instead of spending $12,000 on catering for 150 guests, you might spend $4,000 on a curated multi-course meal for 30 guests.
Instead of cutting corners on florals, you can invest in lush statement pieces without going over budget.
Instead of skipping a bar, you can have a custom cocktail menu created by our in-house team

It’s not always about spending less, it’s about spending better.

What’s Included in a Marigold Micro Wedding Package

We designed our packages to maximize value while minimizing stress. Our inclusive offering covers:

Full-service wedding planning & coordination
In-house floral design
Rentals (tables, chairs, decor)
Customized bar service (cocktail + mocktails)
Styling & design support

When couples book with us, they’re not juggling five different vendors. We bring it all together under one roof, which not only streamlines the process but also saves money in the long run.

Is a Micro Wedding Right for You?

A micro wedding is ideal if you want to:

Spend intentionally instead of endlessly

Focused on experiences over guest counts
Have a celebration that reflects your values and style
Avoid the overwhelm of planning a huge production

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a micro wedding cost in California? The honest answer: it depends, but couples can expect to spend $15,000 - $30,000 for a meaningful, stylish, and stress-free event.

If you’re curious about how to stretch your budget further (without sacrificing style), we’d love to chat and show you our inclusive packages make planning easy and cost effective.

Learn more

How Much Does a Micro Wedding Cost in California?