2/17/2026

From Elopement to Micro Wedding: Choosing the Right Ceremony Size at Rainbow Wedding Chapel in Jacksonville

From Elopement to Micro Wedding: Choosing the Right Ceremony Size at Rainbow Wedding Chapel in Jacksonville From Elopement to Micro Wedding: Choosing the Right Ceremony Size at Rainbow Wedding Chapel…

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From Elopement to Micro Wedding: Choosing the Right Ceremony Size at Rainbow Wedding Chapel in Jacksonville

From Elopement to Micro Wedding: Choosing the Right Ceremony Size at Rainbow Wedding Chapel in Jacksonville

You want a meaningful wedding, not months of stress. At Rainbow Wedding Chapel in Downtown Jacksonville, you can keep the heart of your day and skip the chaos. Whether you are eloping with just the two of you or hosting up to 60 guests, you can get married quickly, affordably, and legally right across from the Duval County Courthouse.

This guide helps you compare ceremony sizes, understand what is included in Rainbow Wedding Chapel’s micro wedding packages in Jacksonville, FL, and choose the option that fits your timeline, guest list, and budget.

Couple exchanging vows in a small indoor wedding ceremony with guests seated close
A cozy Downtown Jacksonville-style micro wedding with close family and friends.

Why Couples Are Downsizing Weddings in Jacksonville Without Losing Meaning

More couples in Jacksonville are choosing smaller weddings for simple reasons:

  • You want to get married fast, not wait a year for a venue.
  • You prefer a short, heartfelt ceremony over a full-day production.
  • You want to keep costs under control while still feeling celebrated.
  • You need a location close to the Duval County Courthouse for easy license handling.

Rainbow Wedding Chapel is designed for exactly this. You get a real ceremony, real photos, and real paperwork handled, all in a streamlined, welcoming space in Downtown Jacksonville, FL 32202.

Defining Your Day: Elopement, Walk-In, Micro Wedding, Mini Wedding, and More

Before you choose a package, get clear on your ceremony size. At Rainbow Wedding Chapel, you have flexible options.

Elopement Ceremonies

Perfect if you want the focus on just the two of you. An elopement usually includes:

  • You, your partner, and maybe 2–4 guests.
  • A short, simple ceremony with an ordained minister or Florida commissioned notary.
  • Digital wedding photos to remember the moment.

Walk-In Wedding Ceremonies

Walk-in ceremonies are ideal when you are already in Downtown Jacksonville, maybe after getting your marriage license at the courthouse, and you are ready to say “I do” the same day, subject to availability and Florida waiting period rules.

You can:

  • Bring your valid Florida marriage license.
  • Choose a quick, meaningful script.
  • Enjoy included digital photos and license filing with the Clerk of Courts.

Express “Married in a Minute” Style Ceremony

This option focuses on making it legal with a fast, no-fuss ceremony. It works well if you:

  • Need the legal marriage done quickly for personal or practical reasons.
  • Want a short script and a few photos, then you are on your way.
  • Prefer a weekday stop across from the Duval County Courthouse.

Micro, Mini, and Small Weddings

When you want more than an elopement but less than a ballroom reception, consider:

  • Mini wedding: Around 6–15 guests. Intimate, short, and sweet.
  • Micro wedding: Around 15–40 guests. A full ceremony feel on a smaller scale.
  • Small wedding: Around 40–60 guests. Still streamlined, but with more people to celebrate.

Rainbow Wedding Chapel can host large weddings up to about 60 guests, giving you a full-room celebration while keeping the planning simple.

What Is Included in Rainbow Wedding Chapel’s Micro Wedding-Style Experiences

When you look for micro wedding packages in Jacksonville, FL, you want to know what is actually included. At Rainbow Wedding Chapel, you get key essentials built in.

Professional Wedding Officiant Options

You can choose the officiant style that fits you:

  • Ordained minister for a more traditional or spiritual feel.
  • Florida commissioned notary for a simple, civil ceremony tone.

License Handling and Filing

You bring a valid Florida marriage license. After the ceremony, Rainbow Wedding Chapel will file your marriage license with the Clerk of Courts, saving you an extra trip and giving you peace of mind that the legal side is handled correctly.

Digital Wedding Photos Included

Every ceremony includes digital wedding photos. This means you walk away with real images of:

  • Your vows and ring exchange.
  • A quick portrait session in the chapel.
  • Group shots with your guests, if you have them.

On-site photo printing and photo packages are also available if you want prints or extra images for family and friends.

Premarital Class Referral

Rainbow Wedding Chapel can refer you to a partner premarital class provider. Completing a qualifying class can help you skip the Florida waiting period and may reduce your marriage license cost, depending on current county rules.

Small wedding party posing for photos after a micro wedding ceremony
Digital photos are included with ceremonies, with optional on-site printing and photo packages.

Planning for Guests: From 2 to 60 People

Rainbow Wedding Chapel is set up for flexible guest counts, from elopements to 60-guest celebrations.

For 2–10 People

  • Short, focused ceremony.
  • Simple seating, often in one or two rows.
  • Quick photo session inside the chapel.

For 10–30 People

  • More defined aisle and seating layout.
  • Time for a processional and recessional.
  • Group photos with family and friends.

For 30–60 People

  • Full-room seating for a “real wedding” feel.
  • Clear schedule for guests to arrive, be seated, and exit smoothly.
  • Extra time for photos and congratulations after the ceremony.

Because the chapel is across from the Duval County Courthouse in Downtown Jacksonville, it is easy for guests to find and convenient for couples who are handling their license the same day.

How to Add Personality on a Smaller Scale

A smaller wedding does not mean a generic wedding. You can still make the day feel like you.

Personal Vows and Readings

  • Write short personal vows to read after the standard script.
  • Ask a friend or family member to share a brief reading or blessing.

Photo Moments That Matter

  • Plan a first look in or near the chapel.
  • Do a “just married” shot outside with Downtown Jacksonville in the background.
  • Capture group photos by relationship: family, friends, wedding party.

Simple Decor Touches

  • Bring a bouquet and boutonniere that match your style.
  • Add a small sign, vow books, or a keepsake ring box.
  • Choose outfits that fit your vibe, from casual to classic formal.

Because the space is already set up for ceremonies, you do not need heavy decor. A few personal details go a long way.

Weekday vs. Saturday: Retainers, Timing, and Flow

Rainbow Wedding Chapel offers both weekday and Saturday options with simple booking steps.

Weekday Weddings

  • Great for walk-in ceremonies, elopements, and express “Married in a Minute” style weddings.
  • Often more flexibility in timing during courthouse hours.
  • Weekday retainers act as booking deposits for reserved time slots.

Saturday Weddings

  • Ideal for micro, mini, and small weddings with more guests.
  • Gives out-of-town family and friends time to travel.
  • Saturday wedding retainers secure your ceremony time and guest capacity.

When you contact Rainbow Wedding Chapel, you can ask which ceremony sizes and time blocks are available on your preferred day so you can match your guest list to the right slot.

How to Choose Your Best-Fit Package and Lock In a Date

Use this quick checklist to choose the right ceremony size at Rainbow Wedding Chapel:

  1. Confirm your license plan. Decide when you will get your Florida marriage license at the Duval County Courthouse and whether you want a premarital class referral.
  2. Count your guests. Are you eloping, inviting a handful of people, or planning up to 60 guests?
  3. Pick your vibe. Express legal ceremony, simple walk-in, or a micro wedding with more time for photos and guests.
  4. Choose weekday or Saturday. Consider work schedules, travel, and how fast you want to get married.
  5. Reach out to book. Contact Rainbow Wedding Chapel in Downtown Jacksonville to confirm availability and place your weekday or Saturday retainer.

If you are searching for micro wedding packages in Jacksonville, FL, Rainbow Wedding Chapel gives you a streamlined, inclusive option right across from the Duval County Courthouse at Forsyth and Clay Streets.

Ready to Get Married in Downtown Jacksonville?

Bring your valid Florida marriage license, choose your ceremony style, and let Rainbow Wedding Chapel handle the rest. From walk-in elopements to 60-guest micro weddings, you can celebrate your love in a welcoming space without the stress of a traditional venue.

Contact Rainbow Wedding Chapel today to check availability, learn more about ceremony options, and reserve your date with a simple retainer.

FAQ: Micro Weddings and Elopements at Rainbow Wedding Chapel

How many guests can Rainbow Wedding Chapel accommodate?

Rainbow Wedding Chapel can host weddings from just the couple up to about 60 guests, making it ideal for elopements, micro weddings, and small celebrations.

Do we need a marriage license before our ceremony?

Yes. You must bring a valid Florida marriage license to your ceremony. Many couples get theirs at the Duval County Courthouse nearby.

Are photos included with our wedding?

Yes. Digital wedding photos are included with ceremonies, and you can also choose on-site photo printing and additional photo packages.

Can we get married on short notice or the same day?

Short-notice and walk-in ceremonies are often possible, depending on availability and Florida waiting period rules. Contact the chapel for current options.

Is Rainbow Wedding Chapel LGBTQ+ and non-traditional friendly?

Yes. Rainbow Wedding Chapel welcomes all couples and supports a wide range of ceremony styles and traditions.