Small weddings are having a moment—and honestly, they always have. More couples are skipping the giant guest list in favor of something more personal, intentional, and unforgettable. Whether it’s 10 people or 50, an intimate wedding lets you fully soak in every second.
Tommy and I actually had a big wedding ourselves. It was perfect for us at the time. But as we started photographing more and more celebrations together, we realized just how powerful—and emotional—intimate weddings can be. There’s something magic about stripping everything down to what matters most.
So, if you’re wondering how to plan an intimate wedding, here’s everything we’ve learned from behind the lens.
Keeping It Simple
One of the best parts of planning a small wedding? You can scale way down without sacrificing any of the beauty. Fewer guests means fewer logistics—and fewer costs. You’ll save on:
- Invitations
- Catering per person
- Venue size
- Rentals (tables, chairs, etc.)
You also avoid the “Who do we have to invite?” stress. Most guests will understand (and respect!) your decision to keep things intimate. For those who push back, honesty and kindness go a long way.
💡 Tip: Speak from the heart. Remind your loved ones this day is about creating space for presence, not pressure.
Venue: Lovely Gardens, Cozy Cabins, and Posh Private Clubs
When you’re not trying to seat 200 people, your venue options get way more creative. A small wedding opens the door to cozy, meaningful, offbeat places you actually love:
- A scenic hike or overlook
- Your family’s backyard
- A cozy Airbnb or cabin in the woods
- Your favorite restaurant or bar
- A garden, greenhouse, or vineyard
- Local or state parks (permits may be required!)
💡 Tip: Some of the most incredible spots aren’t on wedding directories. Do some digging—you might find a hidden gem that fits your story perfectly.
VIP Guest Treatment
With a smaller group, you actually get to connect with every guest. You can talk, laugh, and be fully present instead of rushing from table to table. That kind of quality time? Priceless.
Smaller weddings also let you go all out on guest experience:
- Thoughtful welcome gifts
- Custom cocktails
- Multi-course meals
- Personalized thank-you notes
- The good champagne 😉
💡 Tip: Consider a family-style dinner at one long table. It creates a cozy, communal feel—and gives your photographer (hi 👋) beautiful storytelling moments to capture.
Everyone Gets in on the Fun
Big weddings often feel like a show. Intimate weddings feel like home. You don’t have to rush through dinner to hit the dance floor or squeeze in 50 hugs before cake cutting.
Want a quiet moment before vows? Build it in.
Want to toast under the stars with your closest people? Do it.
💡Tip: Get your guests involved. Go around the table and have them each give you advice or tell a funny or sweet story. You’ll be amazed at the love you’ll feel in that moment and as your photographer, these are some of our most favorite slices of the day to capture. Then we give you that tangible memory to hold forever. Can you imagine?
Don’t Skimp on What Matters
Just because your wedding is small doesn’t mean it should feel “less than.” If anything, intimate weddings deserve the best attention to detail—because every element matters more.
Here’s what we don’t recommend skipping:
- Professional photography + videography (this is how you share your day with the people who weren’t there—and your kids and your kid’s kids
- Real flowers (they breathe life into your setting)
- Hair and makeup that makes you feel confident and radiant. It won’t matter how far we hike or what the weather does because professional hair and make up hold up no matter what the day throws at you
- A dress or outfit you absolutely love
💡 Tip: You’re saving in other areas, so use that freedom to splurge on what matters to you two. It’s your day. Make it feel like a celebration.
Create the Day You Actually Want
I mean that. This is your permission slip: you don’t have to do anything just because it’s “what people do.” Want brunch and barefoot vows? Do it. Want a ceremony at your favorite overlook followed by poolside pizza and beer pong? Love that for you.
The right wedding is the one that reflects you.
And honestly? All we ask is that we get to be there to document it.
✨ Ready to Plan Your Dreamy, Intimate Wedding?
We’re here to help you slow down, soak it all in, and capture every real, raw, beautiful moment.
Let’s make it magic → Connect with Us
