Very Small Wedding Ceremony Ideas ~ a COVID inspired Blog
Choosing to have a very small wedding ceremony gives happy couple, as well as the guests, the opportunity to celebrate in a more intimate fashion. It is less overwhelming for the couple. It’s easier to coordinate and plan and allows for more unique ideas. One of the biggest areas where very small weddings excel is the vast choice in venues. A smaller capacity and a little more money gives the opportunity for a novel location that many large weddings cannot have.
Destination Wedding
A destination wedding is a great idea for a very small wedding. Take a few close friends and family with you to share your happiness in another city, state or country. This option is much easier than a large ceremony. It also acts as a mini vacation. Plan multiple events leading up to and even after the wedding to spend more time with your loved ones and enjoy the nuances of the area. This makes it easier to include everyone and not compromise what you enjoy.
Unique Venues
Another benefit of having a smaller guest list is having the freedom to select unconventional wedding venues. Choose a restaurant or brewery that is special to you and your soon-to-be spouse. Consider where you went on your first date, were engaged, or even said I love you for the first time. It makes the entire wedding more intimate and meaningful.
Other unique options is to choose a national landmark or scenic area that does not allow a large party or is difficult to reach. Perhaps you want to be married on a boat or ferry or reach a secluded cavern. Too many people would crowd the area or not be able to fit. With a very small guest list, though, you will be able to have a special experience with everyone comfortably accommodated.
Backyard Wedding
A more common (but still gorgeous) alternative for a very small wedding is literally right in your backyard. A family member with an iconic house or one that sits on a lake provides the perfect opportunity. You save on the expense associated with booking a wedding venue. This also gives you more freedom in food, alcohol, music, and decoration. A home also gives that more intimate atmosphere with no need to worry about the rules from the corporate office.
Not having a great backyard is not a problem either. That personal backyard feel is still achievable by booking an airbnb. The cost is lower than a traditional hotel and you can choose any location. This allows you to pick within your hometown or an easier destination wedding. When you decide on a backyard wedding (no matter who owns the house) it provides a place for overnight guests after a late night reception.
Smaller Spaces in Larger Venues
One idea to consider is look for smaller spaces within a larger venue. Your love for a small library near your favorite coffee shop or your first date at the museum gives great inspiration. Rent out the library or just the gallery where you two bonded for the first time. You do not have to book the entire building. Ask about their prices and policies for a specific area.
For a more traditional feel, look for gardens on a large estate. Many venues allow ceremonies and receptions in the smaller garden. Ask the staff about booking out portions of the location instead of having unnecessary space.
A very small wedding ceremony gives you freedom for a more intimate affair. Not only will you be able to spend more time with each guest, plus you get to use your imagination to create a personal experience. Take advantage of the unconventional opportunities. Look past the standard wedding locations for a much more endearing and unique experience.
~ by Kaylee Burnham (COMPLETE weddings + events writing intern)