If you're considering a smaller, more intimate wedding ceremony this fall, micro weddings are the perfect way to celebrate your love. This popular ceremony type—typically with fewer than 50 guests—still features time-honored traditions, but on a much smaller scale and in a less formal setting. They focus on creating a more personalized experience for you and your guests and often include creative elements that make them truly one-of-a-kind experiences. These gatherings offer all the charm and intimacy of a traditional wedding, but with more focus on quality over quantity.

If you're looking for a unique and memorable way to tie the knot, Natural Retreats has some great autumn micro wedding ideas for you!

A beautiful celebration with loved ones.
Flowers at wedding

Choose an Intimate Setting

Choosing the right intimate setting for your micro wedding can help create a more meaningful connection between you and your guests. Whether it's a backyard with towering trees, a botanical garden with fragrant flowers, or a vineyard with sweeping views, you can create a micro wedding that is both unique and memorable.

What to Consider When Picking the Perfect Venue:

 

  • Think about the overall feel you want to create. Do you envision a rustic gathering with close family and friends or a more formal affair with an exclusive guest list? Once you've decided on the atmosphere you're going for, it will be easier to narrow down your venue options.
  • When selecting a venue, consider both the indoor and outdoor spaces. Indoor spaces can provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while outdoor areas can offer stunning views and ample opportunity for photographs.
  • Another critical factor to consider is your budget. Micro weddings tend to be more affordable than traditional weddings, but it's still important to set a budget and stick to it.
  • You may also want to consider the logistics of your micro-wedding. Will you need a place for your guests to stay overnight? Are there any special requirements for the ceremony? By taking all of these factors into consideration, you'll be able to find the best venue for your micro wedding.

 

Once you've narrowed down your list of potential venues, take the time to tour each one in person. This will give you a better sense of the space and allow you to envision your wedding day. Now, let's explore some of the best options for your intimate ceremony this fall.

 

Great Smoky Mountains | The Lodge at Brothers Cove

The Lodge at Brother's Cove is a storybook venue for couples seeking majestic scenery and fresh mountain air while also escaping the hustle and bustle of traditional weddings. Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, this hidden gem provides the ultimate backdrop for your autumn micro wedding, located on a secluded 450-acre resort in Pigeon Forge. You and your guests can enjoy the charming covered bridge that marks the resort's entrance along with the winding tree-lined roads that culminate at the Lodge—providing the perfect setting for an intimate mountain wedding.

Whether you opt to exchange vows under the ornamental gazebo in a peaceful outdoor setting or have your ceremony and reception in the Lodge itself with floor-to-ceiling windows—both locations offer 360-degree mountaintop views above the verdant forests and lush valleys with a sweeping autumn landscape below.

Pro-Tip: If you choose to have an outdoor fall wedding, scarves make for an impressive party favor that you can already have waiting for guests at their seats.

Choose from Two Great Options:

 

  • If you've been dreaming of your wedding since you were little and have all the details mapped out, consider the Venue Rental Only package. This gives you the flexibility to execute your wedding day exactly as you envision it—but remember, Event Specialists are available if you have questions or need guidance along the way.
  • If you simply want to show up and have the best day of your life without the hassle of planning, they offer Full Event Coordination. This provides you with everything you need including flowers, music, food, cakes, entertainment, officiants, linens, and more. Their specialists can help customize a memorable affair that your friends and family are sure to enjoy while you relax and celebrate your autumn nuptials.


So if you've been dreaming of a small autumnal outdoor wedding or prefer a cozy indoor gathering with resort-style amenities, The Lodge at Brothers Cove has you covered!

 

Incorporate Natural Elements into Your Decor

Incorporating elements of nature into your decor is not only environmentally friendly, but also a fantastic way to personalize your wedding with a unique aesthetic. Branches, leaves, berries, flowers, and other greenery can all be used to create stunning centerpieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres—and at a fraction of the cost of traditional decorations.

Moreover, using natural elements will add a touch of whimsy and charm to your wedding, setting it apart from more traditional events. So, if you want to add personality to your big day, consider using nature as your decorator. It's sure to be a decision you won't regret.

Serve Seasonal Food and Drink

Autumn weddings are all about celebrating the harvest season, so make sure to serve up plenty of seasonal goodies to get your guests into the spirit of things. Consider offering guests a warm drink like apple cider to warm their hands and hearts as they arrive, or serve a hearty fall soup with in-season vegetables for dinner to remind them of the harvest. And of course, no autumn wedding would be complete without mini pumpkin pies or baked apple crumble for dessert.

By incorporating seasonal flavors into your menu, you can give your guests a taste of the autumn harvest and create a truly memorable event.

Use Muted Colors

One way to create a cozy atmosphere at your autumn wedding is to use muted colors like gold, copper, and bronze. These colors will add a touch of luxury and warmth to your wedding without being too flashy or overwhelming. You can mix and match them throughout your centerpieces, bouquets, and even your wedding cake.

Another way to create a cozy atmosphere is to use autumn-themed decorations like pumpkins, gourds, and fall leaves in shades of orange, red, and yellow. This will help your guests feel like they are genuinely in the autumn spirit. With a bit of planning, you can create a fall wedding that is warm, inviting, and truly unforgettable.

Ask Friends and Family to Contribute

Consider asking friends and family to contribute readings, music, or prayers instead of traditional wedding gifts—as this is a beautiful way to personalize your ceremony and make it even more extraordinary. Plus, this can be an especially great option for those planning a micro wedding since it will help keep your costs down.

In addition, it's a fantastic way to involve loved ones in the wedding who cannot attend in person. For example, you can ask a close friend to record a reading or song that can be played during your ceremony or reception. This way, they can still be a part of your big day.

These simple touches not only make the day more personal and meaningful, but also helps to create lasting memories.

Send Simple Invitations

If you're planning a fall wedding, ensure your invitations reflect the season. Choose simple design elements like kraft paper, burlap, or twine with earthy colors like deep green, brown, and burgundy—even use fall-themed stamps with pumpkins or leaves for a more rustic aesthetic. For a more personalized approach, handwrite the invitation and add actual fall foliage inside. And most importantly, don't forget to include the date, time, and location of your "big" day!

With some careful planning, you can create fall wedding invitations that are both beautiful and practical. Just remember, keep it simple—after all, autumn is all about enjoying the beauty of nature.

Autumn is an irresistible time of year to get married, and with so many great options for intimate ceremonies from Natural Retreats, you're sure to have an unforgettable day. The customized elements you've included will stand out by keeping things simple and small, making the day feel even more delightful for you and your partner.

We hope these ideas have inspired you to start planning your "big" day—if you want more information on hosting your own fall micro wedding at one of our properties, please don't hesitate to contact our reservations team.