A Family-Only micro wedding at Home with a Sand Ceremony, a cake cutting and a Champagne Toast
You don't need a grand venue for a wedding to feel monumental. E+B proved it this fall with a DC micro wedding in their own backyard, with only their children by their side. No ballroom, no rentals, no long guest list. Just a family, a beautiful autumn day and a ceremony full of meaning. It was simple, joyful and exactly right for them.
A Ceremony Backdrop Built Together as a Family
E+B didn't rent a venue. They made one. Together as a family, they turned a corner of their tree-lined backyard into a fall ceremony space, using outdoor furniture they already owned and decor that felt like the season: pumpkins and gourds, hay bales, potted mums in gold and burgundy, and a burlap aisle runner leading to a wooden arch draped in burnt orange.
It wasn't styled by a team of designers, and that's what made it special. Every piece was chosen and set up by the people who mattered most to them.
A Sand Ceremony Joining Two Families
The heart of the day was a sand ceremony. Each family member poured a small jar of colored sand into one larger jar, layering their colors together. The finished jar symbolizes two families becoming one, and it's a keepsake they can display at home for years.
The ceremony had other personal touches too. Their oldest children gave readings, their youngest held onto the rings and one of their middle daughters sang a song. With no audience beyond the family, those moments felt even more intimate.
Personal Florals for the Whole Family
We designed the family's personal florals in warm, autumn-inspired tones. E and the girls each carried a bouquet of peach and blush roses, carnations, snapdragons, rust amaranthus and copper beech leaves. B and the boys wore matching boutonnieres of white roses with a pop of orange.
It was a sweet way to tie everyone together and make each child feel like a special part of the wedding party.
a boat ride on the potomac and a private dinner at del mar
After the ceremony, the family moved to a sunny patio table to cut a simple white cake and share a toast with pink bubbly. A small sign on the table read "This is our happy ever after," which sums up the day perfectly.
Later, the family boarded a private boat for a ride up and down the Potomac, ending with a private dinner for just the family at Del Mar on the Wharf.
We planned this part of the day for the couple but they chose to keep this portion of the date photo-free so you’ll just have to use your imagination here! ;)
Why Simple Can Be Just as Meaningful
E+B's wedding is a great reminder that a micro wedding is about who is standing by your side, not where it is or how much money you spent on the details. They skipped the venue search and the vendor shuffle and focused on what mattered: their kids, their vows and traditions that brought their family together.
Because they booked our all-inclusive package, everything they needed came through one team, from the officiant and photographer to the personal florals and cake. That left them free to spend the day with their family.
OTHER AT HOME MICRO WEDDINGS WE’VE PLANNED
If you're dreaming of something small, personal and meaningful, your backyard might be the perfect venue. Here are a few other samples for you to peruse:
A Coastal Italian Inspired Backyard Wedding with a Private Chef
An Intimate Waterfront Ceremony in Annapolis
WASHINGTON DC BACKYARD MICRO WEDDING FAQ
Can you have a micro wedding in your backyard in Washington DC? Yes. A backyard is one of the simplest and most personal places to have a DC micro wedding. E+B married in their own backyard with only their children present, using outdoor furniture they already owned.
Do you need a permit for a backyard wedding in DC? Usually not for a small, private gathering on your own property. Check with your neighborhood or HOA, and read up on any noise restrictions or curfews.
What if it rains? We can’t predict or control the weather (believe us, we’ve tried!), so it’s important to have a plan B in the case of inclement weather. We recommend making plans to secure a weather-proof tent from one of our recommended rental companies or ensuring there’s enough space indoors for all of your guests to fit comfortably.
We also recommend that our couples get some clear umbrellas in case it’s raining during their portraits. They’re much nicer looking than the standard black ones, and the clear plastic makes for a natural light diffuser, which will be super flattering for your skin!
How can we best prepare for guest’s comfort? Outdoor settings often come with uneven terrain or grassy areas, and a little preparation will help your guests feel comfortable throughout the day. If your ceremony is on grass, let guests know ahead of time that block heels or flats are the way to go. A simple note on your website or invitation prevents surprises and twisted ankles. For especially uneven ground, bringing in temporary flooring or a small platform can make dining, dancing, or standing more comfortable and safe. It also elevates the entire look of your event.
Does time of year matter? Seasonality plays a big role in outdoor micro weddings, and being intentional about timing ensures your guests stay comfortable and happy.
Cold weather? Stock up on cozy blankets, hand warmers, and portable heaters to keep your guests comfortable during the ceremony. Hot weather? Offer cold beverages, shade, parasols, and personal fans. A little comfort goes a long way when celebrating outdoors.
Summer evenings and wooded areas can bring out the pests, and nothing kills the mood like mosquito swatting during vows. Add bug spray to a welcome table or create a small “comfort station” with repellant wipes.
What does Tiny Wedding Collective's all-inclusive package include? Our all-inclusive package includes planning support, day-of coordination, a legal ceremony with an officiant, a professional photographer, two personal floral designs and a small celebration cake. Packages start at $4,875 Monday through Thursday and $5,090 Friday through Sunday.
Planning a Small, Meaningful DC Micro Wedding?
Whether it's your backyard, a park or your favorite restaurant, we'll help you plan a day that feels like you. No fancy venue required.