Why Small Weddings Are Worth Considering: The Benefits of Intimate Celebrations
Over the past several years, the wedding industry has gone through a major shift. Couples around the world have had to rethink what their wedding day really needs to look like—and many discovered something surprising along the way: smaller weddings can be incredibly meaningful, relaxed, and joyful.
Couples who chose to downsize their wedding plans often found that intimate celebrations weren’t just a compromise—they were a better fit. From easier planning to more personal details, many have shared that their smaller wedding days felt more intentional and far less stressful than the large events they originally envisioned.
While small weddings aren’t for everyone—and there will always be a place for big, high-energy celebrations—the benefits of intimate weddings are substantial for couples who value connection, flexibility, and experience over scale.
Amanda and Adam chose to have a very small wedding in Banff, Canada with less than 10 of their closest friends and family in attendance.
The Benefits of a Small Wedding
Small Weddings Are Often More Cost-Effective
With fewer guests, couples can reallocate their budget toward what matters most—whether that’s photography, food, travel, or a meaningful location. Smaller weddings allow you to prioritize quality over quantity without sacrificing the experience.
Small Weddings Are More Eco-Friendly
A reduced guest count typically means less waste, less travel, and a smaller overall environmental footprint. For couples who value sustainability, intimate weddings often align better with their values.
Small Weddings Feel More Personal and Intimate
One of the most noticeable differences between large and small weddings is how connected the day feels. With fewer guests, couples are able to:
Spend meaningful time with everyone present
Personalize their ceremony and timeline
Focus on genuine moments instead of logistics
Many couples say their small wedding felt more like them—and less like a production.
Small Weddings Open the Door to Unique Locations
With a smaller guest list, couples gain access to venues that wouldn’t be possible for a large wedding. Intimate weddings can take place in:
Private homes or backyards
Vacation rentals
Inns and small lodges
Remote or meaningful locations
This flexibility allows couples to choose locations based on experience and atmosphere, not just capacity.
Small Weddings Mean Less Stress for Everyone
Perhaps the biggest advantage of a small wedding is the reduced stress—for couples, guests, and vendors alike. With simpler timelines and fewer moving parts, the day tends to unfold more naturally, leaving room to actually enjoy it.
Photography Coverage for Small Weddings
As intimate weddings have become more common, I’ve adapted my photography coverage to better fit these types of celebrations. For smaller weddings, shorter coverage often makes more sense while still fully documenting the story of the day.
I offer a 6-hour wedding photography option that works especially well for small weddings and micro celebrations. It’s designed to cover:
The ceremony
Portraits
Key moments and details
Candid interactions with guests
As always, coverage can be customized to fit your specific plans.
Final Thoughts
A small wedding isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what feels right. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration by choice or circumstance, smaller weddings often offer more freedom, deeper connection, and a calmer, more intentional experience.
If you’re considering a small wedding and have questions about photography coverage, timelines, or how to make the most of your day, I’m always happy to help.
Small Wedding FAQ
What is considered a small wedding?
A small wedding typically includes anywhere from 10–50 guests, though the definition can vary based on location and style.
Are small weddings worth it?
For many couples, yes. Small weddings often offer lower stress, more personalization, and the ability to focus on meaningful experiences.
Do small weddings still need a professional photographer?
Absolutely. Smaller weddings still deserve thoughtful documentation, and they often result in some of the most emotional, candid images.
How much photography coverage do you need for a small wedding?
Many small weddings are well covered in 4–6 hours, depending on the timeline and number of locations.
