Small, intimate weddings are more popular than ever. For many couples, an intimate wedding means more quality time spent with friends and family — and most importantly, each other. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean a quick trip to the courtroom and few streamers in the backyard. These days, small wedding ideas are big on style.
So how do you make a small wedding feel special? Good question.
Planning a small, intimate wedding — much like any large-scale celebration — starts with a few good ideas and a talented team of event professionals. With a smaller guest list, a top-notch wedding caterer can go above and beyond to create super-customized menus and creative wine pairings. Floral and décor teams can transform a hotel rooftop, a garden patio, or even a backyard (see our feature on Small Backyard Weddings) into a romantic, wow-worthy setting. Finally, an expert wedding planner can turn any idea into a dream celebration.
Meaningful and fun ideas for a small wedding include everything from focusing on personalized details to creating unique and interactive experiences. Whether you opt to exchange vows on a yacht (with a moving backdrop of your choosing) or go for a hot air balloon ride above the clouds, there are plenty of ways you can make your intimate wedding an unforgettable affair.
Read on to discover 12 small wedding ideas that make a big impact. From beautiful tablescapes and sumptuous dinners to unique venues and show-stopping entertainment, we know all the ways to make your wedding dreams come true.
1. Opt for an Unusual Venue
Think outside the box (or the venue) and look for a unique space that captures the spirit of your celebration. When it comes to selecting the right venue, a small guest list allows for more flexibility. Head to a secluded spot in nature, or have your intimate wedding on-the-go with a luxurious yacht. PartySlate can help you narrow down your search with our “Find a Venue” directory. Search through restaurants, ballrooms, museums, and more. When it comes to finding the perfect venue, the sky’s the limit.
A Fairytale Castle
This small intimate wedding had a larger-than-life setting. We love how a fairytale castle has us thinking of living “happily ever after.” With such a magnificent backdrop, simple ceremony décor (like boho-style blooms and a pretty pink carpet) goes a long way.
On a Yacht
Why settle for one venue when you can have the entire city as your wedding backdrop? This intimate wedding took place on the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan — with differing views of Chicago’s majestic skyline as an integral part of its décor. Guests enjoyed exploring the city by water while celebrating a sweet union.
RELATED: 9 Unique Wedding Ceremony Ideas
2. Take Advantage of Natural Backdrops With These Small Wedding Ideas
Look. While we love elaborate arches and ornate wedding aisles, we also know when to take advantage of a great nature-provided backdrop. A glittering skyline or picturesque vineyard command attention and awe. Great venues often come with great views, so don’t forget to ask your event planner or venue coordinator for event spaces that showcase stunning scenery.
City Chic
This small intimate wedding has us feeling on top of the world. A city rooftop offers spectacular skyline scenery that rivals any altar. We love how the floral décor ends right at the railing, allowing for unobstructed skyline views.
Secret Garden
Towering ivy-covered walls add grandeur (and privacy) to this intimate setting. We especially love how a simple wedding arch (decorated with delicate drapery) seems to flow into the white of the bride’s dress.
Window to the World
This gorgeous venue space comes with breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards*. We adore how the aisle of scattered petals leads the eye directly to the natural backdrop of lush foliage that’s been perfectly framed by floral arrangements.
*We are saddened by the California fires impacting events and livelihoods in the region — see this New York Times article for information on how to help victims of the California wildfires.
Love Can Build a Bridge
An intimate wedding can still evoke a sense of awe. Go for a “New York State Of Mind” with one of New York’s many bridges as your wedding backdrop. We especially love how two floral arrangements add a sense of intimacy to the exchange of vows, as well as the metaphor of a bridge connecting two distinct locales, just like a wedding does with its couple.
Sun, Sea, & Sand
Venezia, Veneto
You know the saying: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. We love how everyone, including the couple, faces the awe-inspiring ocean at their feet. Some views (and celebrations) just aren’t worth missing.
Planning a small, intimate wedding…starts with a few good ideas and a talented team of event professionals.”
3. Beckon Guests to the Table
Think about it. The most intimate moments often occur around the dinner table. After all, meals bring people together. Heighten the sense of intimacy (and beauty) with thoughtful tablescape designs. From eye-catching centerpieces to colorful glassware and unique chargers, reception dinner tables can easily become works of art.
Desert Dreamscape
Towering candelabras and bountiful cacti centerpieces draw all eyes to this picture-perfect wedding table. We also love how varied seating and animal-hide linen brought a unique look to this dreamy desert landscape.
Floral Forward
Everything about this wedding reception table — from the textured floral arrangements to the burnt-orange glassware — makes us want to linger over dinner. We also love how the table placement offers dramatic views of the surrounding gardens.
Simple Elegance
A wedding reception table doesn’t have to be over-the-top in order to be eye-catching. This simple chic tablescape reminds us why we love understated elegance. Sleek lines and minimalist floral arrangements are a perfect complement to the dynamic LA city landscape in the background.
A Moment in Paradise
A dinner in paradise doesn’t need much to make it perfect. That said, we love how emerald-green glassware and bright-pink orchids pop against the wood table and seating. Candlelight spans the entire table length — ensuring that every guest enjoys the romantic ambiance.
RELATED: 11 Wedding Theme Ideas for Every Type of Couple
4. Curate Intimate Spaces for Meaningful Conversations With These Small Wedding Ideas
Smaller weddings create perfect opportunities for guests to spend more quality time with the happy couple, as well as getting to know each other better. Intimate weddings, therefore, can benefit from thoughtfully-designed lounge areas and ceremony seating. It’s important to create spaces where people can easily converse — yet also feel like they’re connected to the surrounding celebration.
Urban Loft Lounge
When it comes to small wedding ideas, stylish seating, along with artful décor is an unbeatable combo. This setup tempts guests to take a seat and indulge in quiet conversation. Such a beautiful backdrop also begs guests to take out their cameras for a fun selfie or two.
Stylish Patio Lounge
Patios and lounge areas go hand-in-hand. Older (and shyer) guests will love the opportunity to enjoy the reception band in comfort and from a slight distance — while tapping their feet to the music, of course.
Sumptuous Ceremony Seating
You’d have to have a massive space to create such luxe ceremony seating for a large-scale wedding — but small weddings allow party-hosts to go the extra mile for comfort. With such sumptuous seating, we would gladly sit through a ceremony of any length.
Just the Two of Us
We are obsessed with this private area for an intimate, two-person conversation, the perfect post-ceremony spot for the new couple to convene for a quite moment post-vows. Other fabulous details from this small wedding included cacti-laden tablescapes and a succulent-adorned wedding cake.
RELATED: Luxe Lounge Spaces are Trending
5. Create a Sense of Intimacy with Beautiful Tenting
It’s true: Tenting creates a defined space amidst the great (and infinite) outdoors. It also ensures the festivities will go on — come rain or shine. Tenting comes in a variety of colors and styles, so it can easily be incorporated into the rest of your décor. You can rely on PartySlate to connect you with top rental companies. You can also browse hundreds of photos of tented weddings for more small wedding ideas and inspiration.
A Tent With a View
Ojai, CA
Ethereal white drapery and glittery candlelight transformed this simple tent structure into a fairytale setting. This stunning tent provided privacy, without sacrificing views of the picturesque California landscape. Moreover, a sleek heating lamp resembled the structure of the surrounding drapery — making it an artful (and guest-pleasing) addition to the evening’s décor.
An Open Tent (& Drifting Florals)
This gorgeous open-concept tent dazzles with delicate drapery and white blossoms, both blowing in the tropical breeze. We especially love how the suspended florals resemble strung pearls — while the metal tent-structure evokes the modern architecture of the adjacent resort.
A Tent Filled With Starlight
COVID-19 couldn’t stop the magic of this heartfelt, socially-distanced wedding celebration. Twinkling lights transformed this simple tent structure into an enchanted space beneath the stars. We also adore how strewn white petals created the illusion of reflected starlight.
A Roofed Patio With Elegant Drapery
This roofed patio evokes a beautiful tented space with its rows of white drapery. The addition of subtle greenery and wicker lounge seating add a boho-vibe to this elegant outdoor space.
An Overhead of Autumn Leaves
We love creative designs. So of course we are obsessed with this installation of autumn leaves. The burst of orange, combined with blue-hydrangea centerpieces and blue-brushed linen, makes for a bright and cheerful scene.
A Transparent Tent With Lavish Foliage
Haiku-Pauwela, HI
Ornate pillars and a transparent roof are the perfect addition to this ivy-covered courtyard space. An X-shaped table and leaf-laden chandeliers add a unique vibe to this wedding set in paradise.
RELATED: 14 Small Backyard Weddings
6. Give Guests the Individual Treatment With These Small Wedding Ideas
With a smaller guest list, there’s no need to “work the room.” You can linger over a cup of coffee with your best friend or take a few extra turns on the dance floor with a parent. A more intimate guest list also offers a greater opportunity to make each guest feel special. Add floral décor to each place setting; or dazzle guests with individual wedding cakes. A little extra love goes a long way in making your family and friends feel cherished.
A Dinner Corsage
Decorate each table setting with an individual floral corsage, and make every guest feel like a “guest of honor.” We also love how modern cutlery, accompanied by pops of coral-colored blooms, add personality to the neutral tablescapes.
Love That’s Carved in Stone
Great Neck, NY
Personalized geode stones are the perfect addition to a gorgeous place setting. We also love how patterned dishware and water-colored menus complete the look. Best of all, a mirrored tabletop beautifully reflected a canopy of twinkling lights.
Let Them Eat Cake
This intimate wedding was as sweet as can be with individual cakes topped with delicate floral designs for each guest. The happy couple also indulged in their own personal cake-for-two (and plenty of sparkling Champagne, of course).
A Simple Surprise
Sausalito, CA
Each guest sat down to dinner and immediately discovered a party favor draped from their chair. We love the elegant packaging (a gift in and of itself), as well as the blue-and-white tablescapes that complement the celebration’s simple (yet dreamy) aesthetic.
Meaningful and fun ideas for a small wedding include everything from focusing on personalized details to creating unique and interactive experiences.”
7. Focus on the Details With These Small Wedding Ideas
Without a doubt, small weddings can still be big on details. Regardless of the size of your wedding ceremony and reception, curate each individual element for a wow-worthy experience. Many overlooked details — such as dinner menus and ceremony seating — can set the tone of your wedding and dramatically contribute to the overall aesthetic. Use PartySlate’s Idea Slates to save pictures of your favorite small wedding ideas and elements (and later share your slates with your wedding event planner).
Artistic Tableware
We are obsessed with every detail from this small wedding reception. Ornate gold charges perfectly complement the gold cutlery and votives. Pink wine glasses and champagne flutes go hand-in-hand with the luxe linen. We also love how each place setting features a personalized place card.
Laser-Cut Wedding Bar
Westlake Village, CA
While it’s impossible to pick a favorite detail from this intimate wedding, we are simply adore this laser-cut bar. Mirrored paneling creates whimsical optical illusions, while circular shelving evokes the floral-filled wedding reception tables.
Metallic Menus
Every detail from this small, intimate wedding was perfectly curated. We love how metallic-copper menus matched the metallic-copper ceremony seating. Other fabulous elements from this chic celebration included funky-purple glassware and elaborate pampas-grass centerpieces.
Love in Full Bloom
White ceremony seating becomes the perfect blank canvas for painted florals. A simple boxwood backdrop (with minimal floral décor) allows these unique wedding chairs to steal the spotlight — and our hearts.
With a smaller guest list, a top-notch wedding caterer can go above and beyond to create custom menus and creative wine pairings.”
8. Make it a Meal to Remember
You see, nothing brings people together like an intimate dining experience. Gather your guests around the table for a delicious meal (followed by dessert, of course). Many couples choose to forgo some of the more traditional large-scale wedding experiences, such as dancing or a pre-dinner cocktail hour. This leaves more time for a relaxed sit-down dinner and plenty of intimate conversation. PartySlate can connect you with top wedding caterers in your city. You can also find inspiration for your wedding menu by browsing through thousands of photos of food and drink ideas.
Passed Plates
Nothing whets the appetite like mouth-watering appetizers. We love how this small, intimate wedding reception featured appetizers that matched the couple’s warm and bright wedding color palette.
Delectable Dinners
This exquisite wedding menu indulged all five senses (especially taste). Guests enjoyed both savory and sweet dishes — not to mention, a chic neutral tablescape and mod-industrial chandeliers.
Champagne Toasts
Bridgman, MI
According to Mark Twain, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.” We especially adore how this intimate wedding used florals froze into ice cubes to luxuriously keep our favorite beverage at the perfect temperature.
After-Dinner Delicacies
The dining experience doesn’t have to end with cake and coffee. We love how this couple went the extra mile and offered individually-packaged cigars. “Let the good times roll,” indeed.
Save your favorite wedding venues, palettes, florals, and more with PartySlate’s Idea Slates.
9. Go Big on Creativity With These Small Wedding Ideas
In case you may be wondering, a small wedding can still be big on creativity. A smaller guest list allows you to use your budget in unexpected ways. Instead of opting for a spacious venue and dinner for two-hundred guests, you can focus on dazzling design elements and unique experiences. From hot-air balloon rides to lavish floral arrangements, there’s no limit to the imagination.
Up, Up, & Away
After an intimate wedding ceremony, this couple enjoyed a hot air balloon ride above the clouds. We adore how the wedding party sported colorful umbrellas that matched the photo-worthy hot air balloon.
Floral Cascade
Laurel, MD
This stunning micro wedding gave new meaning to the words “table runner.” We love how the unique floral garland extends beyond the gold-mirrored table. Other beautiful details from this wedding tablescape include gold charger plates and personalized seating cards.
Ethereal Satin
Courtomer, France
Layers of draped satin make this stately manor even more beautiful — and resulted in one of the most creative wedding backdrops that we’ve seen. Tablescapes of lavish florals and tapered candles also add to the romantic vibe of this small, intimate wedding.
Jim Beam With Garden Dreams
This transparent bar set-up might be the terrarium of our dreams. Twinkling lights, a crowd-pleasing band, and gorgeous floral arrangements made this small wedding feel like a fairytale come true.
Chandeliers in Blooms
Turn a traditional chandelier into a unique ceiling installation with the addition of wisteria blooms. Moreover, rose centerpieces and twinkling votive candles add to the romantic vibe of this elegant event space.
3D Canvas Art
Guests looking for their table assignments were happily greeted by this gorgeous 3D seating chart. Cascades of wisteria mirror the abundant garden blooms at this intimate wedding reception.
RELATED: 13 Wedding Balloon Décor Ideas
10. Get Your Groove On With These Small Wedding Ideas
You don’t need hundreds of guests for a lively celebration. Even intimate weddings can be dynamic events with show-stopping entertainment. You can opt for something extremely personal — like inviting any talented friends or family members to perform a song. You can also put in a dance floor and hire a live band. There are no set rules when it comes to planning your small wedding. Remember: The goal is to create a meaningful (and fun) celebration for you and partner.
A Solo Guitarist
Elkton, MD
This intimate lakeside wedding was full of charming details, including heartwarming ceremonial music by a solo guitarist. Of course, the music continued into the night with a lively dance party of close friends and family.
A Chorus Line
This wedding may have been small, but every element was grand and gorgeous. Traditional chorus line dancers, along with seven other specialty-entertainment acts, captivated guests. We also can’t stop thinking about the dazzling tablescapes set beneath arches of greenery and white blooms.
A Personalized Performance
This intimate wedding boasted a world-renowned entertainment company as well as a heartwarming musical performance from the bride’s two sons. Other fabulous details from this stunning event included luxe floral arrangements and monogrammed ice sculptures.
Second Line Parade
New Orleans comes with a set of its own unique traditions. We love how a small wedding didn’t stop this couple from partaking in a second line parade. The bride and groom also enjoyed a live band and dynamic lighting installations for a night of non-stop entertainment.
A High-Energy Band
This small wedding took entertainment to new heights. An Italian opera and string trio performed the bride’s favorite song during her walk down the aisle. The reception kept the entertainment going with a vibrant dance party and a dynamic performance by a live cover band.
Music on the Dance Floor
An intimate wedding (set at a premier restaurant) can still wow with lively entertainment. We love how this small wedding boasted a dynamic brass band and “out-of-the-box” thinking. Instead of performing on an elevated stage, the band performed right on the dance floor — next to the bride, groom, and guests. Suffice it to say, everyone had a great time — including the band.
RELATED: Make Your Wedding Special Through Entertainment
11. Make Time For Meaningful Moments With These Small Wedding Ideas
There’s no doubt about it: Large-scale weddings often require a rigid schedule of meticulously-planned moments. In between the traditional activities — first dance, champagne toasts, reception dinner — the couple often goes from table to table to greet and thank their guests. Small weddings allow for more flexibility and a relaxed schedule. Therefore, intimate weddings are the perfect opportunity to create meaningful moments — whether they are traditional or more out-of-the-box wedding experiences.
Ribbon-Wand Send Off
Mark the end of your celebration with a significant moment like a ribbon or sparkler send off. We love how this couple took a moment to pause and take it all in (with a kiss) before taking the next step into their new life together.
A Priceless Heirloom
Paris, France
Intimate weddings are full of personal details and moments. We love how this couple chose to immortalize their vows into a work of art. Best of all, the vow books matched the pink bouquet and boutonniere.
“I Spy” a Dream Wedding
Barrington, IL
Even a professional photographer can use a little help from the guests. This couple challenged their guests to capture particular moments. Suffice it to say, everyone felt engaged and connected to those around them.
A Precious Moment Alone
Carmel Valley, CA
Don’t forget to take a moment to sneak off — just the two of you — and have some fun. At this intimate gathering, guests took their cues from the happy couple, so when a surprise thunderstorm came through, they kicked off their shoes and headed outside the tent for a wild dance party in the rain.
Whether you opt to exchange vows on a yacht (with the entire city as your backdrop) or go for a hot air balloon ride above the clouds, there’s plenty of ways you can make your intimate wedding an unforgettable affair. “
12. Spend Extra Time With Your Photographer
Don’t forget: Hire a talented wedding photographer to capture the heartfelt moments of your intimate wedding ceremony and reception. A more flexible time schedule means that you can spend extra time with your photographer. Head out and visit some of your favorite spots in the city; or stop for a quick picnic in the park. Just make sure to invite your photographer along so you can cherish your photos for years to come.
A Day in the City
This couple hit the town (or should we say, major metropolis?) right before their wedding ceremony. Their talented photographers took them to the heart of Chicago’s financial district and captured magnificent shots with the Willis Tower and 120 South Lasalle building in the backdrop.
Pastoral Bliss
Kaufman, TX
After a simple, rustic-chic wedding ceremony, this happy couple escaped for a brief interlude in the open fields. Their photographer, of course, stuck around to capture an outfit change and the heartfelt grand exit.
On a Path Close to Home
There’s no need to wander too far from home — as long as you have your photographer close at hand. Before exchanging vows on their front porch, this beautiful couple took a loving stroll through their surrounding property.
The Perfect Picnic
Courtomer, France
We love how this talented photographer captured this romantic post-wedding picnic. We would happily spend a few hours relaxing with delicious food, artisan wine, and the love of our lives.
Whimsical Moments
Cherish every moment of your wedding day by taking time to have some playful fun. We love how this bride takes a moment to show off her ethereal wedding dress (and white balloon) in front of a dramatic, floor-to-ceiling window.
See a small wedding idea you love? Find a talented team of event professionals or the perfect venue on PartySlate to help bring your favorite small wedding ideas to life. You can also browse real weddings, both intimate and large-scale, for more event inspiration.
But wait, there’s more: Don’t forget to use Idea Slates to save your favorite wedding photos and ideas. Share them with your wedding planner, floral and décor team, and other vendors when creating your wedding vision board.
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JOYCE POLLAKOFF EVENTS
This second generation, family-owned business brings clients a wealth of knowledge and experience, in addition to versatility in the types of parties they can bring to beautiful life. photographer: KingenSmith