My 5 Top Tips for Planning a Brilliant Small Wedding
Thinking about having a small wedding? You're in the right place.
As a wedding photographer, I can honestly say: small weddings are some of the most emotional, joyful, and downright magical celebrations I’ve ever been part of. The love in the room is immense and everyone is just bursting with pure joy and adoration for the newly weds. It’s an incredible atmosphere and I just adore being part of it. I understand that as so much of the wedding industry is focussed on huge events, those big, extravagant weddings, it can be hard to know if a smaller wedding is for you. Whatever your reason for planning a more intimate day, here are my top 5 tips for making sure it’s abso-flipping-lutely marvellous!
What means the most to you?
This is key, sit down together and have a good think about what is most important to you. Just because you’re planning a smaller day doesn’t mean you have to give up on the things that mean the most. In fact, a smaller guest list, a more intimate venue, might mean that you can go big on everything you love. Plan an amazing honeymoon, budget a little more so you can get the photographer you love (ahem, hi there!) or go all out on your styling… the choice really is yours!
2. Forget about tradition
This applies to all weddings, whatever their size but with small weddings you have more scope for ditching the “shoulds” that just aren’t your thing. Don’t want an official wedding party? That’s ok! Forget about bridesmaids, groomsmen and the like, tell everyone you love them all equally and they’re all a big part of your day. Don’t like cake (erm… who are you?!) then don’t have one. No one actually knows why they cut a cake together anyway so sack off that whole tradition and serve whatever you like for dessert! And if the thought of making a speech gives you heart palpitations then ditch the whole idea and thank people in person instead.
3. Location Location Location!
Now, I don’t mean invite Kirsty and Phil. You don’t want them taking up spots on your limited guestlist. I’m talking about your wedding venue. With less people your options for where to celebrate afterwards are almost limitless! You’re not limited to big hotel ballrooms or traditional spaces — think outside the box.
Some amazing small wedding venue ideas:
A cozy private dining room at your favourite restaurant
A back garden celebration with fairy lights and fire pits
A rustic Airbnb or countryside cottage
An elopement-style ceremony on a clifftop or by the sea
And if you're local to Birmingham, I've seen some absolute gems. One couple hired the beautiful back room of Grace + James, their favourite wine bar, for a relaxed, candlelit reception filled with laughter, charcuterie, and all their favourite wines. Another had the best time renting out Otto Pizza in the Jewellery Quarter — it was intimate, informal, and filled with the smell of wood-fired pizza (10/10 vibes).
Your venue sets the tone, so make it somewhere that feels like home, even if it’s just for a night..
4. Choose your absolute favourites
This one’s tricky but so important. With a guest list of 10, 20, or 30 people, there’s no room for obligation invites. Don’t feel pressured to invite someone just because you went to their wedding or they’re “sort of” family. Your day should be surrounded by people who make you feel loved, relaxed, and authentically you. All you really need are two witnesses — everything else is a bonus.
Small weddings aren’t just a trend — they’ve always been a thing. But when COVID changed the wedding world, I started seeing more and more couples who originally planned big weddings having to pare things back to 6, then 15, then maybe 30 guests. And you know what? So many of them told me afterwards they couldn't imagine doing it any other way. They loved the intimacy, the calm, the focus on what truly mattered.
A lot of couples chose to have a meaningful ceremony and meal with close family and friends, then threw a big party later on when there was less pressure — and it worked so well. Now, with the rising cost of living, more and more people are choosing smaller weddings by choice, not circumstance. And honestly? I am so here for it.
5. Embrace technology
Whilst a limited guest list can be a blessing in disguise in some cases (you definitely don’t need to send a courtesy invitation to that third cousin twice removed!), it can also mean that people you really care about — and who love you — aren’t able to be part of your ceremony.
That’s where technology steps in. Thanks to tools like Zoom, Facetime, and Skype, people on the other side of the world or those who simply can’t attend in person can still watch you exchange vows with the love of your life. Whether you go all-out with a professional livestream or simply pop a phone on a tripod, there are so many thoughtful ways to keep your wider circle involved.
You can also:
Share a full gallery of photos afterward
Create a wedding day slideshow or video highlight reel
Send guests handwritten notes with photos after the big day
One of my favourite moments was when a couple’s grandparents, who were too unwell to attend in person, pre-recorded a reading that was played during the ceremony — and honestly, we all cried. It was so emotional and personal, and made them feel part of the day in such a powerful way.
I’ve even seen this at bigger weddings — a guest who couldn’t travel from abroad gave a live-streamed speech, projected on the wall during the reception, and it was brilliant. This kind of thing works beautifully no matter the size of your wedding. From heartfelt readings to surprise video messages, or shared galleries after the day — small weddings can still have a big reach.
FAQs About Planning a Small Wedding
What is considered a small wedding?
Generally, a small wedding includes up to 50 guests. Micro weddings are even smaller — often under 20 people. There’s no “right” number — it’s all about what feels manageable and meaningful for you.
Is a small wedding cheaper than a big one?
Yes, typically. Fewer guests means lower catering costs and venue size requirements — but it also allows you to splurge on the elements you care about most. Many couples choose to spend more on really good food, travel plans for after the wedding, or the photographer they’ve had their eye on for ages (I might know someone 😉).
Do small weddings still include things like speeches, first dances, and cake cutting?
Absolutely — if you want them to! Some couples keep all the traditions, others pick just one or two that feel meaningful, and some skip them entirely. It’s completely up to you. The beauty of a small wedding is that there are no rules.
Do you offer shorter photography coverage for small weddings?
Yes! I offer shorter packages for intimate and midweek weddings, but I’ve also photographed full-day celebrations with just 6–9 guests. Whether you’re having a 2-hour ceremony or a full day of prep, portraits, and dancing with your closest people — I’ll tailor the coverage to suit you.
Where can I host a small wedding?
You have so many unique options: private gardens, restaurants, Airbnb venues, backyards, wine bars — anywhere that feels like you. I’ve photographed beautiful small weddings in many places and if you are Birmingham based you should defo check out my (VERY) local Verbena who host wedding meal receptions for up to 24 people, and the food is LUSH! Selly Manor is just up the road for your reception. A winning combo.
Will a small wedding still feel special?
Oh my goodness, yes. Honestly, the emotion and connection at smaller weddings is next level. With fewer distractions, everything feels more personal — and you’ll remember every moment.
Can I still have a wedding party at a small wedding?
Of course — if you want one! Some couples still have a best friend or two by their side, while others skip the traditional “wedding party” setup altogether. With a smaller wedding, there’s no pressure to follow formal roles — everyone there is already a VIP.
Do I need a wedding planner for a small wedding?
It depends on your plans. If your day is simple and local, you might not need one. But if you’re planning a more complex setup (like a backyard reception with multiple suppliers or an intimate destination wedding), a planner or coordinator can be a game-changer for keeping things stress-free.
What if we’re only having a small wedding because of budget or practical reasons?
That’s honestly so common right now — and it absolutely doesn’t make your day any less special or meaningful. Whether you're keeping things small because of the cost of living, travel logistics, health, or just because it feels more manageable, your wedding will still be full of joy, love, and connection.
Some of the most emotional, unforgettable weddings I’ve photographed have had just a handful of guests. It’s not about how big the day is — it’s about how real it feels to you. And yes, a cosy ceremony followed by pizza and prosecco with your favourites? YES PLEASE.
Is there still time for portraits, couple photos, or group shots?
Yes — and the great thing about smaller weddings is that the pace is usually way more relaxed. Most of my couples don’t want hours of posed photos (and same, to be honest!), so we keep things simple and natural. A few relaxed couple shots, a handful of group photos if you want them — and then you can get right back to the celebrations while I quietly capture the magic as it unfolds.
Thinking of Keeping Things Small?
If you’re planning a small or micro wedding and want relaxed, genuine photos that capture the real moments — I’d love to chat. Whether you’re having six guests or thirty, there’s so much beauty in a celebration that just feels like you.
Take a look at my micro wedding coverage by clicking the button below or get in touch here to see if we’re a good fit.
I’m a Birmingham-based wedding photographer with a relaxed, documentary style — here to capture the real stuff: the emotion, the laughs, and all the little in-between moments, whether you’re planning something big or beautifully small. I cover the Midlands, Cotswolds, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and beyond — basically, wherever your wedding is happening, I’m there.
Let’s chat if you’re after honest, joy-filled photos that feel like you.