Micro-Wedding at Emerson Fields Wedding Venue in Missouri
If you are considering an intimate Micro-Wedding—Emerson Fields is the Perfect Place!
Planning a micro-wedding involves the same steps as planning for a traditional wedding but on a more intimate scale. Typically, this means inviting less than 75 immediate family members and close friends. At Emerson Fields, a modern white wedding venue north of Columbia, Missouri, we have hosted celebrations of all sizes—from 300 guests to cozy gatherings with as few as 10 attendees.
Our lovely couple Megan and Jason, formerly of Columbia, Missouri, shared why they chose Emerson Fields for their micro-wedding: “We could do everything there! The venue rental was for the whole weekend. We could do our rehearsal without having to worry about another wedding happening the day before ours, and we were able to have our rehearsal dinner there as well. This all made it nice for our wedding party who were traveling.” Megan and Jason had around 50 guests, including their family and wedding party. It was intentional and lovely! Every guest felt special.
Micro-weddings stand out because of their intentionality. They focus on the meaningful aspects of a wedding day—the connection between the couple, their closest relationships, and the details that matter most. With a shorter planning timeline, typically just four to six months, micro-weddings often come together more quickly than traditional weddings. At Emerson Fields, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, whether you’re planning an indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony. Designed to feel cozy and intimate, our venue is the perfect fit for smaller guest counts, offering both casual and formal options. Here are 6 things to consider when deciding if a micro-wedding is right for you.
What does your dream micro-wedding look like?
Start by discussing your big-picture ideas with your partner. What does your dream day look like? What are your “non-negotiables” and what are you okay with skipping? Make a list of your top priorities—whether it’s a specific season, a favorite food, or a unique décor style. “It’s really about the couple deciding what’s most important to them—and how they want to spend their money,” says Amelia, owner of Emerson Fields.
At Megan and Jason’s initial tour appointment, we sat down to discuss their ideal wedding weekend: a full weekend rental, an outdoor ceremony location, connections to top wedding vendors, and a laid-back atmosphere were at the top of their list. Both had busy professional careers and limited time for wedding planning, so they opted to work with a full wedding planning team to streamline the process and reduce stress. Emerson Fields also offers a convenient Vendor Package that bundles key wedding vendors together for an unforgettable and smooth planning experience.
Micro-weddings are unique because they’re a blank canvas. You can embrace tradition or step away from it entirely. You can go big with something like a statement floral installation or you can carry a simple nosegay bouquet and skip the hype. If you’re steering the wedding towards a more formal affair, it may be within your reach to offer a lovely plated dinner instead of a buffet, but the choice is yours. Whichever route you choose, focus on meaningful experiences and personal touches that reflect your story.
Questions to consider:
Do you want an indoor or outdoor setting?
Will you include a meal, and if so, what style (cocktail hour, sit-down dinner)?
How formal or casual do you want the vibe to be?
Would you consider on-site lodging for your wedding party or family members? (Emerson Suites would be the perfect place!)
How many guests should you invite to your micro-wedding, and how do you budget for it?
With a smaller guest list (typically 50-75 people), micro-weddings allow for more personalization and flexibility in your budget. Decide on your guest list early, as it will shape decisions from venue size to catering needs.
Megan and Jason were intentional with their guest list. They wanted a celebration that felt intimate and welcoming. With about 50 guests, we set up the ceremony area near the dock for an intimate feel and left plenty of space on the back patio for a luxe, rich-toned lounge provided by one of our top-notch rental vendors. [Pretty Little Things from Boonville, MO]
A smaller guest list also gives you room to splurge on key details. You might choose a higher-end caterer, custom décor, or a curated cocktail hour with signature drinks. Alternatively, you could use the savings for something special, like a honeymoon or a post-wedding brunch with close family and friends.
Tip: With fewer guests, your wedding day timeline may be shorter as well. Work with your wedding planner or coordinator on what’s important to include and what you’d rather skip! It’s your day so plan it your way!
Where is the best place to host a micro-wedding?
Micro-weddings can take place almost anywhere—a public park, a restaurant, or an intimate, inclusive venue like Emerson Fields. An ideal venue should align with your vision and have the capacity for your guest count but not feel empty if you’re paring down the guest list. With a mezzanine level and well-thought-out design, our venue will feel cozy and full for your micro wedding. Emerson Fields offers a variety of ceremony and reception options, from open-air spaces like our wedding pavilion to our elegant indoor venue. We’ve curated an estate that creates a cozy, memorable atmosphere for you and your guests.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Emerson Fields is the versatility. With both indoor and outdoor spaces available, couples can plan for any season or weather condition. This flexibility ensures your day goes smoothly, no matter what.
For Megan and Jason, a sunny September afternoon was perfect for their outdoor dockside wedding. Jason’s face lit up when he saw his bride walking down the aisle, making everyone tear up. The intimate ceremony felt thoughtful, romantic, and perfectly “them.” Afterward, family formals and wedding party photos took place in the pavilion, while guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio and around the bar inside the venue. This luxe vintage lounge pictured below was the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset.
Which vendors are essential for a micro-wedding, and when should you book them?
Even for micro-weddings, the right vendors make all the difference. After securing your date and location, prioritize booking your top-choice vendors (wedding planner, photographer, caterer, florist) as soon as possible. Consider hiring a wedding planner experienced in intimate events to ensure everything runs smoothly and reflects your style.
When you work with a full planning and styling team, your wedding day comes together seamlessly, covering every detail big and small. Megan and Jason shared, “Honestly, they made it so easy! They knew all the right questions to ask and had great suggestions when we were unsure about logistics or décor. Having vendors that enjoy working together made the day run so smoothly.” The couple was speaking of the Plan It Terra team from Jefferson City, Missouri. They are an experienced and multi-faceted team of pros!
At their reception, High Class DJs from St. Louis, Missouri got everyone on the dance floor, creating an unforgettable experience. With an intimate guest list, Megan and Jason were able to connect individually with every guest—and see them all dancing together throughout the night.
How can you add personal touches to make your micro-wedding unique?
Micro-weddings shine because of their intimate nature, allowing you to infuse the day with personal touches. Write personal wedding vows, create custom favors, or design a seating arrangement that encourages conversation. With fewer guests, you can focus on the little things that make the day special for everyone.
Megan and Jason wowed their guests with a decadent dessert bar featuring customized waffle cones filled with caramel apple crisp and peanut butter explosion flavors. Their two-tiered naked-style cake, with vanilla almond flavor and raspberry filling, was decorated with vibrant florals and 24-karat gold foil. Cakes by Kristina from central Missouri created these delicious sweets and the wedding cake that Megan and Jason loved. The gorgeous floral creations of Sugarberry Blooms out of Columbia, Missouri were a feast for the eyes and they infused floral scents that made the day so memorable.
Personalization doesn’t stop at aesthetics. Micro-weddings also allow couples to invest in experiences—like live music, interactive food stations, vintage getaway cars, or unique keepsakes for their guests. These details make your day one-of-a-kind.
What are the most important moments to prioritize during your micro-wedding?
The beauty of a micro-wedding is the ability to focus on what matters most to you. Whether that’s spending quality time with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment together after the ceremony, prioritize experiences that create lasting memories. You’ll be looking back on this wonderful day for decades to come!
Megan and Jason opted for both a sparkler exit and a getaway car. They rode off in style in a peachy-pink classic car, their smiles radiating pure joy. Surrounded by family, friends, and an incredible team of vendors, their wedding day was seamless and stress-free. This is our wish for every couple who books a wedding weekend at Emerson Fields!
Ready to Start Planning Your Micro-Wedding right here in Missouri?
A micro-wedding offers the best of both worlds: a meaningful celebration without the stress of a large-scale event. If you’re considering hosting your micro-wedding at Emerson Fields, we’d love to bring your vision to life. Our team specializes in creating seamless, stress-free wedding experiences for couples and their guests.
Want to learn more about how we can make your intimate wedding day unforgettable? Check out our website for pricing and information on why Emerson Fields is the perfect venue for your wedding. Then, reach out to schedule a tour—we’d love to guide you through the micro-wedding planning and host your small-scale celebration!
All of these lovely images were captured by Emily Broadbent Photography out of St. Louis, Missouri. Emily shares that it’s about more than hiring someone to hold a camera and snap a few pics. Wedding photography is about capturing the joyful, bright, authentic moments of your big day in a way that beautifully tells the story of your love. She obviously nailed it with this wedding gallery!