There were only 17 people—and it was absolutely perfect.

Not every wedding needs chandeliers and hundreds of guests to feel meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is three crumbling walls, a little sun filtering through the trees, and a handful of the people who mean the most to you.

That’s exactly what this couple chose—a micro wedding held in the ruins of a historic 1700s church at Brunswick Town Fort Anderson near Wilmington, NC. With just 17 guests total, including the two of them, the day felt deeply personal, calm, and incredibly beautiful in its simplicity.

bride and groom wedding ceremony in church ruins wilmington nc

🌿 The Beauty of Choosing a Place with Soul

This location wasn’t just scenic—it was sacred in its own quiet way. The open-air church, with its exposed brick and overgrown beauty, created a ceremony space that felt grounded and timeless.

There was no ceiling. No decor. Just sky, history, and the kind of love that doesn’t need much to be seen.

If you’re drawn to places that carry energy and meaning, you don’t need a traditional venue. All you really need is a space that feels like yours.

church ruins wilmington nc micro wedding elopement bride and groom with small ceremony

💛 Small Guest List, Big Emotion

With only 17 people present, every guest was more than just an observer—they were part of the day. The couple didn’t need microphones or a tight timeline. They moved slowly. Spoke softly. Held space for the people they love.

It was the kind of wedding where everyone gets a front-row seat to the vows. Where hugs last longer. Where moments matter more.

wedding bouquet rests against wall in church ruins with no ceiling wilmington nc

📸 Photographing a Day Like This

These are my favorite kinds of weddings to photograph—the ones where nothing feels rushed or performative. With no rigid timeline or distractions, we had time to wander, explore the ruins, and take portraits that felt effortless and emotionally honest.

We leaned into the natural light, the textures of the ruins, and the softness of the surrounding greenery. And because there were so few people, we could be fully present for every single moment.

wedding photo of bride and groom after elopement in front of big tree in the carolina lowlands wilminton nc

Black and white photo of bride and groom eloping in the low country of wilmington nc

bridal portrait in church ruins wilmington nc

🕊️ Is a Micro Wedding Like This Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels more like an experience than a production...
If you care more about presence than perfection...
If you want to be surrounded by a small group of people who truly love and support you...

Then yes, this might be the kind of wedding that’s right for you.

Because there’s nothing small about a micro wedding when the love is this big.