6 Benefits of Having a Small, Intimate Wedding
If you’ve ever caught yourself dreaming about a wedding that feels more like a cozy dinner with your favorite people than a production with a minute-by-minute schedule, you’re definitely not alone. Intimate weddings are having a moment, and honestly, it’s about time. Forget the stress of seating charts and timelines for a second — let’s talk about why keeping it small might just make your day even more meaningful.
Real moments with real people
At a smaller wedding, you actually get to see and talk to your guests (AND enjoy your day yourself) — not just wave at them from across the room between photos and the next event on the timeline. You’ll laugh, cry, hug, and maybe even dance together. It feels less like a performance and more like… home.
After my own small wedding, both of our families said something that’s stuck with me: “It was so special to spend every part of your wedding day with you guys.” It hit me hard — because at a big wedding, that’s nearly impossible. You’re pulled in a million directions, and the people closest to you might only get snippets of your time.
Less Stress, More You
Wedding planning doesn’t have to feel like a second full-time job. When you’re keeping things small, everything becomes simpler. Fewer logistics, less pressure, and more time to focus on what actually matters: celebrating your love.
When my husband and I were planning, we skipped all the “shoulds” — the things we felt obligated to do just because that’s what weddings are “supposed” to have. Our guests were our people — the ones who’ve seen us at our best and worst — and that took away so much pressure. We didn’t have to worry about impressing anyone or checking boxes. It was just… us.
It Just Feels Like Home
Picture this: everyone at your wedding knows each other. There’s an instant sense of warmth and connection — the kind of feeling you can’t fake. Your ceremony feels personal, your dinner feels like family, and the dance floor? Still so much fun.
(And yes, you can absolutely have a wild singalong moment to Bohemian Rhapsody with just 14 people. Speaking from experience.)
Spend Where It Counts
One of the best parts about keeping your guest list small? You can put your budget toward the things that really matter to you — maybe it’s an amazing meal, your dream photographer (hi 👋), or a venue that makes your heart skip a beat.
Quality over quantity always wins. Skip the extras you don’t need, and invest in what you’ll actually remember.
Get Creative
When you’re not trying to accommodate 150 people, your options open up so much. You can get creative with your location — maybe a local park, a restaurant, or a family home. You can make your timeline your own, build in extra time for photos or a slow morning together, or even plan a long weekend celebration. There are no rules here — just possibilities.
Meaningful Traditions (Or New Ones!)
You don’t have to skip the traditions you love — just keep the ones that feel right for you. A first dance, toasts, private vows… whatever feels true to your story.
I’ve seen so many couples use the intimacy of a smaller celebration to bring in really personal moments — reading handwritten vows in front of their closest people, including family heirlooms, or having someone meaningful officiate. Those touches make the day feel even more like your own.
The Heart of It All
At the end of the day, an intimate wedding isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about keeping the focus where it belongs: on your love, your people, and the moments that will matter years from now.
Because sometimes good things really do come in small packages. ❤️
If you’re dreaming up your own intimate wedding or elopement, I’d love to help you make it feel as special as it deserves to be. Get in touch here — I’d be so honored to capture your story.
