From planning budgets and logistics to photographers and catering, the list of requirements for a great wedding is long. While some people enjoy exploring every detail of wedding planning, others find that it places a lot of stress on a time that should be magical and exciting.
An intimate wedding keeps wedding planning, logistics, and budgets under control. Below, we highlight some of the wonderful attributes of intimate weddings. Plus, we cover extra insights to help you seal the deal with some of your wedding decision making.
This article at a glance:
- Why people have small weddings
- The hidden perks of small wedding venues
- Potential limitations of intimate weddings
- Important factors to consider when booking your wedding venue
Why intimate wedding venues are popular
As an intimate wedding venue, we find the reasons people opt for small weddings vary greatly. If you’re questioning a small wedding, outside pressures (like family expectations or traditions) may be clouding your true desires.
It might make you feel better to read some of the most common motives we hear from those who say “I do” under our roof:
- We don’t like being the centre of attention – some couple don’t like to feel they’re on show, and keeping things small is less overwhelming
- We have a budget to manage – from personal choice to personal circumstance, money is a factor for almost every nearlywed out there
- We want to limit the number of guests – an intimate wedding is a strategic choice to avoid feuds with family and friends, or simply to focus on the people who matter most
- We don’t like formality – the bigger the wedding, the more likely the need for ceremonial structure
There’s something undeniably special about celebrating your wedding day in a setting designed for closeness. When you choose a small wedding venue, every guest feels involved and every detail is intentional. Instead of being one in a crowd, your loved ones share in the joy of your journey in an authentic way.
Benefits of intimate wedding venues
Let’s look at the benefits of intimate wedding venues in more detail, both in the run-up to the big day and in the celebrations themselves.
Creative freedom in unique spaces
Having a small wedding opens up a wider choice of distinctive venues. Think boutique hotels, country houses and private gardens. Intimate wedding spaces generally have character and charm that larger or chain hotels and function rooms can’t compete with.
What’s more, working on a smaller scale often gives you increased freedom to style and personalise the venue and guest experience in ways that feel natural and completely your own.
The more space and guests there are, the more dressing and individual touches you can add are required. This scope can lead to making generic decisions to save time and money.
Find out more about how to personalise your intimate wedding venue!
Stronger connections in a relaxed atmosphere
Intimate venues embody a naturally warm, welcoming ambience. At small weddings, every guest feels included, and it’s easier to spend meaningful time with your closest family and friends.
We’ve all been to weddings where the dance floor lacks atmosphere. Big spaces need big numbers to feel buoyant, whereas smaller spaces encourage natural mingling and an easy celebratory vibe.
Quality over quantity
A smaller guest list means reduced catering and décor costs. Even if you’re not opting for a small venue to manage your budget, this choice means you can redirect what you might’ve spent on a larger crowd into other elements. A small wedding lets you splash out on things like amazing food and wine, personalised styling or those once-in-a-lifetime extras like a videographer or extended honeymoon.
Intimate weddings let you elevate your entire wedding experience. Choosing a modest-sized wedding doesn’t mean you have to be modest with everything. Indeed, you can make every detail intentional and every pound work harder.
Easier for families
If you or your guests have children, you can relax knowing they’re safer in a smaller space. A smaller guest list means most people already know each other and children feel comfortable around familiar faces.
Smooth planning and simplicity
A more streamlined wedding day should generally mean fewer logistics. You’ll have fewer planners, caterers, and partners involved, which translates to less juggling with communication overall. Don’t underestimate how much a reduced mental load can reduce stress!
Limitations of smaller wedding venues
If you’re thinking about how to plan a small wedding but don’t know how to include all your ideal elements, it’s time to weigh up your priorities. To help you understand the limitations involved in booking a small wedding venue, we’ve summarised them below.
- If an intentionally small guest list isn’t the driving force behind your venue choice, space restrictions may mean it needs to be trimmed
- Family expectations or cultural traditions might make smaller gatherings less feasible
- Some venues may lack certain facilities found in larger wedding spaces, such as extensive parking, accommodation for very large groups, or on-site entertainment options
For couples who are committed to the idea of a personal, close-knit wedding, these limitations are often outweighed by the benefits.
Extra things to consider when choosing an intimate wedding venue
What does an intimate wedding mean to you? Before you start your research, we’ve got some more food for thought. Take the words of advice from experienced wedding planners and have some questions up your sleeve to help guide your exploration.
- Don’t fall for marketing – is the venue designed for smaller weddings? Not every “intimate wedding venue” is truly made for smaller celebrations. Many large venues market themselves as suitable for all wedding sizes, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for a small guest list.
- Check how much privacy you’ll have – does the venue offer exclusivity? If sharing your day with another event is an absolute no-no, make sure you find out.
- Ask how flexible a venue is – do they offer tailored packages for smaller numbers? Do they adapt menus, seating arrangements, and décor to suit a cosier feel? You want it to feel intentional – not downsized.
- Consider accessibility – do you have older relatives, young children (think prams), or anyone with mobility needs? If the answer is yes, you’ll need to know.
- Look at the onsite accommodation options – does the venue have rooms or nearby stays for guests who may be travelling? Thinking about accommodation ensures you have space for guests to stay if they’re visiting from afar.
Intimate wedding venues FAQs
1. How much does a small wedding cost in the UK?
The average cost of a small wedding in the UK typically ranges from £5,000 to £12,000, depending on the venue, catering, guest count, and extras like photography or entertainment. Choosing an intimate venue often reduces costs compared to traditional large weddings.
2. What counts as an intimate wedding venue?
An intimate wedding venue typically hosts between 20 and 60 guests. These spaces are designed for a cozy, personal feel – often in boutique hotels, countryside barns, private estates, or stylish city venues.
3. What should I look for in an intimate wedding venue?
Check if the venue is truly designed for small weddings. Ask about exclusivity, flexible packages for smaller guest counts, and how they adapt menus or décor for a more personal feel. Accessibility, accommodation options, and privacy are also key factors to ensure your celebration feels intentional, not just scaled down.
Take a look at small wedding venues, Cumbria
Are you planning to have your intimate wedding in Cumbria? While the Lake District is a popular destination, its popularity often comes at the cost of large crowds, higher prices, and limited availability. An excellent and equally scenic location in Cumbria is the Eden Valley.
Located in the heart of this area, the gorgeous Heather Glen Country House oozes character and specialises in intimate and romantic weddings. Heather Glen is designed with smaller celebrations in mind, with inviting interiors, picture-perfect gardens, and a focus on tailored experiences.
Choosing an intimate venue like Heather Glen Country House ensures the focus of your day stays on what truly matters – your love story, your closest relationships, and the unforgettable memories to come. We’d love to hear about your wedding day hopes and dreams – say hello today!
