An Intimate Fall Wedding at The Chapel at New Richmond | Michigan Elopement & Small Wedding Photographer

Erica & Carlos’ Intimate Fall Wedding at The Chapel at New Richmond

A Cozy Day Full of Laughter, Love, and Intimacy

When Erica and Carlos began planning their wedding, they knew they didn’t want a large, overwhelming celebration. Carlos isn’t one for being the center of attention, and together they dreamed of a day that felt intimate, easygoing, and true to who they are as a couple. What they created was a cozy, love-filled gathering that beautifully reflected their personalities: laid-back, warm, and full of joy.

The Venue: A Dreamy Michigan Wedding Location

Nestled in Fennville, Michigan, The Chapel at New Richmond set the perfect tone for their small wedding. Originally built in 1889 and now renovated into a wedding venue, the chapel’s old wood floors and stained-glass windows glowed with history and charm. Surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, the space felt like stepping into a timeless dream.

For couples searching for small wedding ideas in Michigan, this venue is the perfect mix of historic charm and natural beauty. A clearing in the woods made room for the reception tent, while just up the road, a river and walking trail offered the perfect backdrop for portraits. On their sunlit October afternoon, everything shimmered with golden light — a magical reminder of the beauty of an intimate fall wedding in Michigan.

Details that Felt Like Them

With about 50 guests filling the chapel, the atmosphere was cozy without being crowded. Sage green and ivory burlap runners, eclectic glass vases, and vibrant fall florals — sunflowers, dahlias, mums, and eucalyptus — gave the day a rustic yet whimsical touch.

The couple’s personality showed up everywhere: from a taco bar for dinner, to card games at the tables (a nod to their favorite pastime with friends), to a custom playlist that set the mood for a relaxed evening. For portraits, Erica and Carlos slipped away to the riverside, sharing a joint together — a ritual that felt deeply “them” and highlighted how stress-free the day truly was.

Favorite Moments as a Michigan Elopement Photographer

As their photographer, I loved witnessing the joy that unfolded naturally throughout the day. The first look was one of the most intimate moments: Carlos waiting by the woods, Erica placing her hand gently on his shoulder, and the look on his face as he turned around — pure love, like a prince seeing his princess for the first time.

There were tender in-between moments, too: chatting with Carlos’ mother by the firepit before the ceremony, watching the flower girls giggle and snap Polaroids of guests during the reception, and seeing Erica’s eyes glisten with tears as she walked down the aisle surrounded by loved ones.

This is why I adore being a Michigan elopement and small wedding photographer — it’s about catching those fleeting, real moments that couples will treasure forever.

What Elopement Couples Can Learn from Their Day

Though this was a small wedding, so many elements mirrored the elopement experience:

The relaxed timeline and flexible spirit meant no rushing or stress.

Their choice to prioritize intimacy and meaningful traditions over spectacle made the day feel deeply personal.

By keeping the guest list smaller, they created space for laughter, connection, and a genuine celebration of their love.

For couples dreaming of an intimate wedding in Michigan, Erica and Carlos’ day is a reminder that scaling down doesn’t mean sacrificing joy — it means creating space for a wedding that feels like you.

Rooted in Michigan’s forests and freshwater, but forever chasing the horizon — I love capturing days like Erica & Carlos’, where intimacy and joy take center stage. If you’re dreaming of an elopement in Michigan or a destination wedding abroad, I’d love to tell your story

I'm ready to start planning my elopement with you.