Planning a small wedding: How to choose your intimate wedding venue

Planning a simple wedding and unsure of what type of venue you should consider to host your loved ones? Here’s exactly what you need to consider.

Weddings are changing. Here’s why…

The truth is, today’s generations are becoming more and more intentional on how they choose to celebrate love. While for some this can mean throwing an exciting multi-day jamboree with everyone they know, this isn’t the right choice for everyone. At first thought it could be assumed the decision to opt for a smaller wedding may be rooted in financial reasons. However this isn’t always the case. Many choose to plan a small wedding due to alternative priorities, wanting a day that is solely focused on their commitment rather than guests, having smaller social groups, anxiety around having all eyes on them, and a multitude of other reasons. Let’s face it though. Unless you’re the couple getting married, it doesn’t really matter why they chose a small celebration.

Couples are setting healthy boundaries more than ever

In case you needed permission: you don’t have to invite your incredibly toxic family member(s). You can actually plan a wedding day where you’re only surrounded by those who support you. You can plan a small wedding day you actually enjoy where you have time to spend with your partner and the loved ones celebrating with you. Your wedding day doesn’t have to be completely overridden with stress. This is 2024. There are no wrong choices on your wedding day, only the choices that are right for you.

So if you’re only expecting a few guests, do you need the big wedding venue?

When a traditional wedding venue is the right choice for you

Certainly there are many alternative options to traditional wedding venues out there. However if you’re planning for a 30+ guests, a traditional venue can relieve so much of the pre-wedding and wedding day stress. Larger guest counts often require more amenities and not having enough these amenities can truly make or break your day for both you and your guests. Traditional venues often offer things like:

• Staff to help you set up and take down your event

• A venue coordinator who can ensure your day runs smoothly and your vendors are exactly where they need to be

• Locations for getting ready, your ceremony, reception, and last but not least… sufficient bathrooms

• A full kitchen for meal preparation

• Tables, chairs and linens for your use

• Accessibility for those who have mobility needs

• Ample parking

• Onsite security - sometimes guests party hard or things can get out of hand

• Style - many venues have a setting or architecture that is naturally beautiful already which can save you time on decor

Pro tip: During your search for the perfect venue, look for venues that have specific packages tailored to smaller group sizes.

Finding a small wedding venue

Not sure where to begin looking for a smaller wedding venue? Connecting with a local wedding planner can be incredibly helpful in alleviating much of the wedding planning stress. One of the many skills of a wedding planner is to help direct you to trustworthy wedding venues within your budget, style, with the needed amenities and with out the hours of searching.

Should a wedding planner not be the right choice for your day, you can of course allow Google to become your guide by searching for “intimate wedding venues near _____”. Some other choices include local vendor directories and national vendor directories like: Zola, The Knot, Wedding Wire etc. Don’t forget to read the reviews and make sure the venue is licensed and insured. Lastly, local Facebook Groups for wedding planning can help you find favorites from other couples in your area.

Alternative intimate wedding venues

Not feeling a traditional venue is for you or simply want something different? There are a variety of alternatives that can provide a unique place to host your intimate wedding. Keep in mind when choosing an untraditional venue this sometimes means you will need to account for amenities that might not otherwise be at your location. As a result, these are often best suited to guest counts of 30 or less. If you’re choosing a less traditional venue in an effort to keep costs down, be sure to run the numbers on the additional vendors you may need to hire ie. bathrooms, tables, chairs, linens, DJ, dance floor, tents. etc.

Check out these common alternatives:

VACATION HOME RENTALS: Finding a unique vacation home that allows you and your guests to stay can be an excellent way to bring everyone together. Just be sure to check the management property or rental owner that guests and events are actually allowed. Getting kicked out of your Airbnb on your wedding night is not the story you likely want to tell for years to come.

RESTAURANTS: Are you and your partner total foodies? Many restaurants have separate event rooms or spaces. For something more elevated, you could say your vows over looking the water or city skyline OR keep it low key and head to your favorite brewery.

EVENT STUDIO RENTALS: Check websites like Peerspace to find studios in your area. While these aren’t always suitable for events, be sure to read into the terms & conditions. Often you can find something fun, unique, and creative.

GROUP CAMPSITES: Are you and your loved ones down for the adventure and love to camp? A group campsite or summer camp wedding might be right up your alley. What’s better than cozying up by the campfire with your loved ones, sharing stories, and partying the night away.

CITY PARKS & STATE PARKS: Planning a wedding during the warmer and sunnier months? Look into your local city and state parks to discover more on their event policies. Some parks have designated spaces where you can host your event. Be sure to let the park know your guest count, many have strict policies on how many group sizes.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: By personal property we’re referring to property that you, a family member, or friend owns. For example: this could be backyard wedding or hosted on a family farm or homestead. Imagine saying your vows amongst your grandmother’s garden or along the lakeshore of your childhood family cabin.

Can you say your vows in a national park or national forest?

If you feel most at home in nature or can’t help but be pulled towards the beauty of a national park or national forest, you could plan for small ceremony in these regions. First, there’s a few things you’ll need to consider. Unlike a venue that may be prepared to host you any time of year, some parks and forests are only accessible during specific seasons. Limited access lends itself to “peak seasons” where crowds flock to enjoy the brief time of year the beauty of these areas can be enjoyed. What does this mean for you? Research the location you are considering for your wedding to determine when the area is best visited. Additionally, crowds are at their peak on weekends and mid-day. You may want to plan your wedding on a weekday at sunrise or sunset. This isn’t the only thing you need to consider though…

Restrictions to abide by in national parks & national forests…

It’s first incredibly important to note that different land managers have different restrictions. If you’re planning on saying your vows in these areas with a few loved ones by your side, be sure to research who the land manager is and inquire about your intended wedding date. Many land managers have strict regulations on where a wedding ceremony can be hosted; backcountry and wilderness areas are often “off limits” as it pertains to wedding ceremonies. Additionally you may need to obtain a “Special Use Permit” for your ceremony and a “Commercial Use Permit” is sometimes required for your photographer or videographer. It is also important to note that your decor may be limited to nature itself. Some land managers do not permit any decor including florals.

If your group size is larger than 12 people, this might not be the right choice for you

In my own communication with the local national parks and forests in Washington and Oregon, I have found most land managers limit group sizes to 12 or less individuals. This group size restriction accounts for everyone in your group ie. you, your partner, officiant, photographer, videographer, and loved ones. It is not unusual for a ranger to stop and ask you for your permit. If your group exceeds the limitation, you will be asked to leave. Land managers have also been known to heavily fine individuals who disregard these group size limitations… sometimes months later.

So if your group size exceeds 12 people, what do you do?

Some areas have designated amphitheaters or picnic areas that allow for groups in excess of 12 individuals. Otherwise, consider a private ceremony shared between just you and your partner or share an adventure together in the national park or forest. Afterwards you can then meet up with your loved ones to celebrate at one of the alternative venues mentioned previously above.

Why following the guidance from national parks and national forests is important for everyone:

It’s not just about following rules. Breaking the rules can be fun and exciting, but not when it can lead to such a negative impact. It’s truly about preserving these lands for generations to come. It’s about you being able to return to the place you said your vows on your 1st, 10th, or 30th wedding anniversary. It’s about sharing these beautiful views and quiet vistas with other visitors that have every right to be there as you. I’ve personally seen locations close to public access and require restoration. At the end of the day, it’s about following the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace which helps ensures we can all enjoy these public lands. You can learn more about these principles by clicking here.

Meet your elopement & intimate wedding expert:

HELLO THERE, I’M HEATHER MCFORD

I’m a photographer based in Seattle, Washington helping couples ditch the wedding stress for a wedding day that feels true to them. I believe you should have the space to be present and enjoy the moment you and your partner commit your lives to one another, not overwhelmed by the opinions of others. This is why I’m here to be more than just your photographer.

Ready to ditch the overwhelm and get excited about your wedding day?

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