A simple guide to planning intimate weddings

Dreaming of a wedding where every detail feels personal and every guest feels cherished?

Imagine exchanging vows in a cosy, beautiful setting, surrounded by only those closest to you, and creating memories that feel deeply meaningful.

Intimate weddings let you focus on what truly matters – your love story – without the overwhelm of a large guest list.

If this sounds like a wedding you want, you’re in luck! In this article, we walk you through unique ideas for small, intimate weddings – including how to pick the perfect venue and tips to make your big day unforgettable.

5 intimate wedding ideas for the perfect big day

Small weddings offer the perfect opportunity to create a day that feels deeply personal, meaningful, and full of joy. With fewer guests, you can focus on experiences, details, and locations that truly reflect your love story. 

From unique settings to memorable moments, here are five inspiring ideas to make your intimate celebration unforgettable:

1. Tie the knot in a remote location

Escape the crowds by choosing a secluded beach, mountaintop, or forest cabin. Remote weddings create a sense of adventure and intimacy, allowing you and your guests to immerse yourselves in the experience fully. These locations often double as a built-in honeymoon spot, making your celebration feel extra special. 

2. Host your wedding at home

Transform your back garden or family home into a charming, intimate wedding venue. Home weddings provide a familiar and personal atmosphere, letting you customise every detail – from décor to dining – without the constraints of commercial venues. This option also often reduces costs and allows for a more relaxed schedule. 

3. Choose an intimate wedding venue built for smaller ceremonies

Opt for boutique hotels, historic mansions, or specialty event spaces designed specifically for small weddings. These venues provide cosy settings and attentive service, ensuring every guest feels included and the day runs smoothly.

Take a look at Springbank Manor as an example. Our intimate layout, elegant interiors, and beautifully maintained grounds are perfect for smaller gatherings, giving you a space that feels both exclusive and warm. With dedicated support throughout your planning, it’s a venue that helps your celebration feel effortlessly personal from start to finish.

4. Opt for a destination wedding with a small guest list

Travelling to a destination far from home for a wedding naturally limits the guest list, but it also offers stunning backdrops for your big day. Guests who make the trip become part of an exclusive experience, and you can extend the celebration into a multi-day event with excursions and shared activities.

5. Incorporate unique experiences for guests

Instead of traditional entertainment, consider experiences that bring guests closer together, like private wine tastings, guided hikes, or interactive workshops. These moments make your wedding memorable and emphasise connection over spectacle, keeping the celebration personal and engaging.

Small intimate wedding venues: how to choose the perfect location

Selecting the right venue is key to making your intimate wedding ceremony feel effortless and special. The perfect location should enhance the closeness of your celebration while offering flexibility for your personal touches.

• Prioritise size and capacity. Choose a venue that comfortably accommodates your guest list. Too-large spaces can feel empty and impersonal, while the right size creates warmth and connection.

• Consider ambience. Look for a location that naturally fits your wedding style, whether rustic, modern, or classic. The right atmosphere enhances the emotional impact of your big day.

• Check flexibility. Ensure the venue allows personalisation in décor, seating, and scheduling. Flexibility is essential for creating a truly unique and intimate experience.

• Evaluate privacy. Intimate weddings benefit from secluded spaces or private areas within larger venues. Privacy ensures that your ceremony and reception feel exclusive and uninterrupted.

• Assess amenities and services. Smaller venues often provide tailored services like on-site coordinators, catering, or accommodations. These resources make wedding planning smoother and your day more seamless.

Intimate wedding FAQs

What does “intimate wedding” mean? 

An intimate wedding is a celebration that focuses on close family and friends, usually with a smaller guest list than traditional weddings. The event emphasises quality over quantity, creating a personal and warm atmosphere where every detail is carefully considered.

What is considered an intimate wedding? 

While there’s no strict number, intimate weddings generally include between 20 and 50 guests. The key is that the smaller size allows for deeper connections, more personalised experiences, and a day that feels truly your own.

How much does a small and intimate wedding venue cost? 

The average cost for a wedding in the UK in 2024 was £23,250. Most intimate weddings are typically more budget-friendly than large-scale events. Fewer guests mean lower catering, décor, and venue costs. 

Costs also vary for intimate wedding packages depending on location, style, and services. 

Find out more about how much weddings cost.

How to plan a small, intimate wedding

Here are some tips on how to plan an intimate wedding with ease: 

• Prioritise your guest list - focus on the people who mean the most to you.

• Choose a venue that suits your style - smaller spaces feel cosy and personal.

• Personalise every detail - from wedding décor to dining, tailor the experience to reflect your story.

• Focus on experiences - interactive activities or unique touches make the day unforgettable.

• Keep logistics simple - with fewer guests, you can enjoy a relaxed schedule and smoother planning.

  
  

Where can I have a small, intimate wedding reception?

Wondering where to have an intimate wedding? The good news is that intimate wedding reception locations can be almost anywhere, from private homes to boutique hotels. 

The best intimate wedding venues balance comfort, privacy, and character, giving your wedding a memorable backdrop. 

Side note - if your dream is to have a legal wedding ceremony at your intimate wedding venue as well, you’ll need to check that the venue has a marriage license. Some don’t, so you would need to get married at the nearest registry office if you choose a venue that doesn’t have one. 

Celebrate your intimate wedding at Springbank Manor

Springbank Manor is the ideal small, intimate wedding venue in Lancashire. Our beautifully landscaped grounds, elegant indoor spaces, and personalised service let you celebrate your day in a setting that feels special and entirely yours. 

Whether you envision a garden ceremony, a cosy reception, or a private dining experience, Springbank Manor makes your big day both effortless and extraordinary. Book a private viewing and start planning the intimate wedding of your dreams.