When couples come to tour Hazelwood Weddings, one of the most common questions I hear is: “Should we do a micro wedding or a full-day wedding?” The answer depends less on your guest count and more on the kind of experience you want to have—from the moment you start getting ready to the final song of the night. Hazelwood Weddings is a Pennsylvania micro wedding venue offering dynamic, seasonal packages for couples looking for events of any size!

Let’s break down what each type of wedding offers so you can decide what fits best for your celebration.

What Is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding at Hazelwood includes all the same amenities and access to our beautiful property as a full-day wedding—just with a smaller guest count and a shorter rental window. Click here to view an intimate spring celebration at the Hazelwood micro wedding venue.

Hazelwood Micro Wedding Venue Fast Facts:

• Available Sunday–Thursday

• 7-hour rental (anywhere between 9:00 am to 11:00 pm)

• Up to 50 guests

• Exclusive access to the entire 18-acre property

• All indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception locations included

• Same level of support, amenities, and beauty as a full-day rental

So… Do You Want a Micro Wedding?

Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:

• Do you picture getting ready on-site with your wedding party all morning?

→ You’ll love a full-day wedding.

• Do you want to dance the night away until 10:00 pm?

→ Go full-day.

• Is your vision centered around an intimate ceremony and a relaxed dinner with your guests?

→ That could work beautifully with either option.

• Is your focus on connection, conversation, and enjoying the setting more than a dance party?

→ Micro wedding might be a great fit.

Sample Micro Wedding Timeline (7-Hour Rental)

To give you a clear sense of the flow, here’s what a micro wedding timeline might look like:

• 2.5 Hours Before Ceremony: Vendor setup and arrival. You arrive at the venue and get dressed on-site (hair and makeup are done off-site). Your photographer captures details and pre-ceremony portraits.

• 30 Minutes: Ceremony

• 3 Hours: Reception with dinner (buffet, stations, or seated), cocktails, special dances, toasts, and plenty of time to relax and mingle in Hazelwood’s indoor and outdoor spaces.

• 1 Hour: Vendor tear-down and cleanup. No help needed from you or your family—just enjoy the send-off!

How Does That Compare to a Full Day?

Full-day weddings at Hazelwood include 14 hours of venue access, which can make a big difference in how the day feels. Here’s how:

• Morning + Afternoon: You spend the first 6–7 hours getting ready in our private suites, sipping mimosas with your wedding party, enjoying breakfast and lunch, and taking your time with portraits on-site.

• Evening: Your ceremony and reception unfold with plenty of time for all your traditions, a packed dance floor, and a send-off under the stars.

Full-Day Wedding, Intimate Guest Count: The Best of Both Worlds

One of the most popular options we’re seeing? Booking a full-day wedding and inviting 50 guests or fewer. You get all the benefits of a full-day rental—14 hours of access, on-site getting ready, a full evening of celebration—with the intimate feel of a micro wedding.

This format is perfect for couples who want a relaxed, unhurried day with plenty of time to connect with their guests, explore the venue, and savor each moment without the pace or logistics of a large guest list.

Why couples love this approach:

• All-day access to enjoy the getting ready process, first looks, and extended photo time

• More space per guest, which creates a luxurious, comfortable feel

• A deeper focus on connection—more intentional time with each guest

• Same full celebration flow: ceremony, full cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, and dancing

You don’t have to fill every seat to make a full-day wedding feel meaningful. In fact, many couples say that a smaller guest list enhanced the experience—they had more time, more memories, and less stress.

Elopements: The Intimate Alternative

Still considering an even smaller option? Our elopement packages are designed for up to 10 guests and include:

• 1-hour venue rental (with options to add more time or more guests)

• Exclusive access to all indoor and outdoor ceremony locations

• Included ceremony coordination

• The same breathtaking scenery and personal support

Elopements are perfect for couples who want to focus on the moment, the vows, and the beauty of nature—without planning a full-scale event. Want to see an elopement gallery? Click here to view an intimate November elopement at Hazelwood!

The Bottom Line

The biggest difference between a micro wedding and a full-day wedding is time and flow. If you imagine a full wedding experience—getting ready on-site, portraits all afternoon, and a full evening of celebration—then a full-day wedding is your best fit.

But if you’re focused on a meaningful ceremony, quality time with guests, and a streamlined, stylish event, a micro wedding might be the perfect answer.

At Hazelwood, you don’t have to compromise beauty, support, or experience—no matter which you choose.

Still deciding? We’re happy to walk through your vision and help you find the best fit. Whatever you’re picturing, Hazelwood offers flexible options for your unique day. You can book your tour or shoot us an inquiry with any questions!

Photos: Spring micro wedding photos by Haseok Chung Studio.