Non-Traditional Micro Wedding (30–40 Guests, $20k Budget) — Looking for Venue & Planner Recommendations

My fiancé and I are in the early stages of planning a wedding and could really use some advice from people who have done something similar.

We're planning for approximately 30–40 guests and with a budget of $20k (venue, food, beverage, rentals, photography, etc.) - travel, lodging, attire, and rings are separate.

Our vision is very much not a traditional wedding. We're not interested in a DJ, dance floor, bouquet toss, grand entrances, or most of the typical wedding elements. What we want is something that feels more like an incredible dinner party with a ceremony attached.

Some things we're drawn to:

• Coastal, cliffside, oceanfront, lakeside, or dramatic natural scenery
• Modern, editorial, architectural, design-forward spaces
• Boutique hotels, villas, private estates, restaurants, wineries, galleries, or unique venues
• Long-table dinners
• Great food and guest experience
• Relaxed but elevated atmosphere
• Minimal but intentional

We're open to almost anywhere in the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, Europe, etc., as long as travel from Texas is relatively straightforward (ideally under a day).

A few questions:

1. Has anyone planned a wedding with a similar vibe and budget? Where did you do it?
2. Are there any venues you'd recommend that fit this aesthetic and guest count?
3. Did you use a wedding planner who specializes in non-traditional, design-forward micro weddings?
4. Were there any locations that surprised you by being more affordable than expected?
5. If you were starting over with our budget and guest count, where would you look first?

I'd especially love recommendations for venues, planners, photographers, restaurants with buyout options, boutique hotels, or destination locations that fit this vision.

Thank you!