INVESTING IN INTIMACY - BREAKING DOWN THE COST OF YOUR MICRO WEDDING AT THE ELYSIAN RETREAT

When it comes to planning your dream wedding, there's a common myth that bigger is better. But for many modern couples, intimate feels more meaningful. A smaller guest list allows you to be fully present, soak in the moment, and prioritize connection over production.

At The Elysian Retreat, we believe your wedding should reflect that same intention.

If you're considering hosting your micro wedding with us, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that creating a heartfelt, elevated experience doesn’t have to come with an overwhelming price tag. Our Elysian Signature Package—priced at $5,555 for up to 16 guests—offers a stunning canvas to bring your vision to life.

To help you plan ahead, we’ve broken down what a typical wedding might cost when you book the Elysian Signature Package. Keep in mind that every couple is different, and your final investment may vary depending on your personal preferences and priorities.

Here’s a general breakdown of what you might spend—from the biggest expenses to the smallest:

The Venue Reception

The Elysian Signature Package offers an intimate, picturesque setting for your micro wedding, crafted with intention and beauty. Priced at $5,555 for up to 16 guests, this package gives you exclusive access to our retreat space and the freedom to focus on what matters most—your love and the people who mean the most to you.

Need a few more seats at the table? You’re welcome to expand your guest list. For each additional guest beyond 16, there’s a nominal fee of $100 per person, with a maximum guest count of 30. This gives you the flexibility to include more of your nearest and dearest—without stretching beyond your budget.

Our venue reception package includes: On-site Day of Coordinator, Wedding Rentals; Tables, Chairs, Silverware, Plates, Linens, Glassware, Patio Heaters, Wireless Speakers, Reception Venue (Includes Reception Setup and Tear Down and Event Cleaning Fee) Tablescape Decor and Design, Printed Menus for all Guests (click here to learn more)

Accommodations in Sedona

For those looking to extend the celebration into a weekend getaway, The Elysian Retreat offers luxurious accommodation options. Our nightly stay ranges from $700 to $900 per night, (depending on the season) with an additional cleaning fee of $290. With our stunning accommodations, you and your guests can relax and unwind in style before/after the festivities.

Dining

No wedding is complete without a delicious meal to tantalize the taste buds. At The Elysian Retreat, you have the option of hiring a private chef to create a bespoke culinary experience for your guests. Chef costs vary depending on factors such as the number of courses and the quality of proteins selected, ranging from $50 to $250 per person. Lower range cost (for instance $50 per head would more likely be a buffet style versus a plated meal)

Photography/Videography

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and capturing those precious moments is essential. The cost of hiring a photographer at The Elysian Retreat ranges from $2500 to $7500 depending on the numbers of hours and packages offered. For couples who want both photography and videography services, the price increases to between $7200 and $12000. Investing in professional photography ensures that you'll have stunning images to cherish for years to come.

The following are smaller expenses:

Officiant Services

Whether you choose to have a religious or secular ceremony, the officiant plays a crucial role in your wedding day. The cost of hiring an officiant at The Elysian Retreat ranges from $250 to $500. Alternatively, you can opt to have a family member or friend officiate your ceremony for free, adding a personal touch to your special day.

Hair & Make Up

For a micro-wedding, the cost of hair and makeup for the bride typically ranges from $300 to $500. This price includes professional styling and application, ensuring the bride looks her best for the intimate celebration.

Floral

We offer once of our signature tablescape designs included in our reception package which means that most couples don’t need to add floral to their table. However, if you'd like to add floral, we will recommend our couples to a local florist. Most couples will opt for a boutonniere and bouquet which will cost between $50 to $200.

Alcohol

Most of our couples bring their own alcohol and guests self- serve during cocktail hour so the expense depends on how much your party drinks & types of alcohol but usually no more than $200.

Additional Expenses

While the above costs cover the essentials, there are additional expenses to consider when planning your micro wedding. Floral arrangements, alcohol and drinks for guests, transportation (including airfare/car rental if traveling from out of state or country), cake, and hair and makeup services all contribute to the overall cost.

The total cost can range from $10,245 to $29,745, depending on your preferences and budget, however...

The Average Cost

After surveying our past couples' weddings, we found that the average cost of hosting a micro wedding for 16 guests at The Elysian Retreat—including all expenses—is approximately $20,000.

Investing in intimacy doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when you choose to host your micro wedding at The Elysian Retreat. With our intentional venue rental, luxurious accommodations, and customizable options, you now have a clearer idea of what it might cost to create the intimate wedding of your dreams.

And if the idea of planning it all yourself feels a little overwhelming, you may want to explore our all-inclusive Wedding Retreat option. It includes everything—from ceremony to meals to guest accommodations—designed to take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on what really matters: presence, connection, and celebration. For just a little more, it offers so much more ease.

[Learn more about our Wedding Retreat experience →]

Not sure which path is right for you?

If you’re craving a fully supported, stress-free experience where everything is thoughtfully handled for you, explore our all-inclusive Wedding Retreat—a little more in price, but worlds more ease.

Prefer to stay hands-on and curate each detail yourself? Our Elysian Signature Package is the perfect foundation for your dream micro wedding.

👉 Explore the Wedding Retreat Experience
📩 Or connect with us to book the Elysian Signature Package

Either way, we’re here to help you create something unforgettable.

xx,

Kristen
The Elysian Retreat