In or Out: Intimate Weddings Edition
There's something undeniably magical about intimate weddings. In recent years, these smaller, more personal celebrations have captured the hearts of couples. Couples seeking a more intimate (shocker) and intentional way of starting their lives together. As an Atlanta wedding photographer who has documented countless Georgia weddings, I've seen the potential with both large and small intimate weddings. One thing is for certain, the guest size has nothing to do with how magical, unforgettable, and intentional your wedding day can truly be.
What Exactly Is an Intimate Wedding?
To each individual, there may be a different meaning to the term “intimate”. However, here is my definition of an intimate wedding —
An intimate wedding typically involves 50 or fewer guests, though some couples opt for even smaller gatherings of 20-30 people. Unlike traditional large weddings, intimate weddings focus on creating a deeply personal atmosphere where every guest plays a significant role in the celebration. Oftentimes you’ll find that intimate weddings will value the connection with each guest, rather than how large or grand the celebration is. Intimate weddings allow couples to celebrate and create memories with each guest, which can be difficult with a larger guest list.
Intimate wedding photography in 2025
The beauty of intimate wedding photos lies in their ability to capture authentic moments and genuine emotions. With fewer guests, your wedding photographer can focus on documenting the subtle exchanges, glances, tears, and spontaneous laughter that make your day unique. Having a wedding photographer document your intimate wedding often results in more of a storytelling approach, where every significant moment is preserved in detail.
Pros of having an intimate wedding
Enhanced personal experience
One of the most compelling reasons couples choose intimate weddings is the enhanced personal experience they provide. With fewer guests, you'll have the luxury of spending quality time with each person who attends - which means meaningful conversations and interactions might be impossible at a larger celebration.
Having this relaxed, pressure-free atmosphere allows you to create thoughtful, personalized touches that make every guest feel special - leaving a lasting impression on your friends and family.
Financial benefits
We can’t talk about intimate weddings without talking about the financial benefits that come along with it. With a smaller guest list, your overall costs naturally decrease. You are also able to reallocate your $$ to splurge on vendors that you know you really want (aka your wedding photographer cough cough). For couples who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on their wedding day, this is a major bonus. Having this budget flexibility often extends to the honeymoon as well, allowing you to be able to spend more on your honeymoon if you choose to do so.
venue flexibility
Venue flexibility becomes another significant advantage when planning an intimate wedding. Choosing to have an intimate wedding gives you access to unique, often exclusive locations that simply couldn't accommodate hundreds of guests. From boutique restaurants to historic mansions, the possibilities are endless. This flexibility extends to date availability as well – intimate venues typically have more openings in their calendars, and many can accommodate both indoor and outdoor settings with ease… #winning
(sometimes) is less stress
I think we all know by now that weddings can be very stressful without the proper planning and tools. However, one of the many benefits of having an intimate wedding is the reduction in stress. With fewer moving parts to coordinate and fewer vendors to manage, couples can focus on the elements that matter most to them. The simplified planning process often means more control over the timeline, less family drama to navigate and more focus on you two.
cons of having an intimate wedding
Challenges to the guest list
While intimate weddings offer numerous advantages, they do come with their own set of challenges. Perhaps the most significant hurdle couples face is managing the guest list. Making decisions about who to include can be emotionally taxing, and there's often pressure from family members who expect to invite extended relations or friends. Some guests might feel hurt by their exclusion, and explaining your vision for an intimate celebration requires tactful communication. It’s best to move swiftly with this decision and stand true to what you and your partner want. At the end of the day, it’s your wedding day and nobody else’s and that’s what is most important.
a more reduced celebration scale
The scale of the celebration presents another consideration. While intimate weddings can be incredibly meaningful, they naturally offer a different atmosphere than larger celebrations. The energy of a packed dance floor or the dramatic impact of certain wedding traditions might be slightly diminished. Some couples find that with fewer guests, certain moments like grand entrances or bouquet tosses don't create the same excitement they might at a larger wedding. While this may ring true for some couples, having an intimate wedding also allows you to create and start your own wedding traditions. So really, is it a con?
How to plan a dreamy intimate wedding
So maybe at this point, you’re thinking, “sh** Steph, I want an intimate wedding”. Well, here’s exactly how you’re gonna do it.
Choose the right wedding venue
Picking the perfect wedding venue sets the foundation for your intimate wedding. You want to ensure that the amount of physical space at your venue along with your vision align. A space that feels cozy and welcoming with 30 guests might create an entirely different atmosphere than one filled with 200 people. Look for venues that naturally complement smaller gatherings and your intimate wedding will shine!
Weather also plays a massive role in choosing your wedding venue. Outdoor wedding spaces give some of the most breathtaking backdrops, but having an indoor alternative is a must. Ya know, just for the “in case” moments. Another good tip is while your venue shopping, make sure that they have a reliable plan if any weather emergencies arise.
Make it personal
One of the key benefits of having an intimate wedding lies in its potential for personalization. When you have fewer guests, you are able to create an atmosphere and an experience that is deeply meaningful. An example is a family tradition that can be turned into something that ties into your wedding like a multi-course tasting menu or incorporating your family heritage!
Another way to incorporate a more personal element to your intimate wedding is through your dining experience. Family-style dining often creates natural opportunities for conversation. Rather than assigning seats, you have one long table where everyone can share in the celebration. It feels way more cozy and more like a gathering with loved ones than a formal event.
Best Intimate wedding venues in north Georgia
I have talked about Georgia wedding venues countless times on this blog, but wedding venues solely for intimate weddings? SIGN ME UP. Below is a list of just some of the best intimate wedding venues in North Georgia.
Destination intimate weddings
Destination weddings have become a popular choice for couples seeking an intimate celebration that feels more like a magical vacation with their favorite people. Whether it's a beachfront ceremony or a charming château in France, taking the destination wedding route naturally limits your guest list while creating an unforgettable, and breathtaking experience. For couples who’d rather opt out of narrowing down their 200-person guest list and invest in quality time with their closest circle, destination weddings are where it’s at. Plus, when your ceremony doubles as everyone's dream vacation, you'll find your loved ones are more than happy to make the journey – and you'll have built-in honeymoon vibes too!
In or out: Intimate wedding edition
Intimate weddings offer a unique opportunity to celebrate your love story in a deeply personal way. Whether you're planning an Atlanta wedding or dreaming of your intimate wedding in Lake Como, the key is to focus on what matters most: the meaningful connections and moments that make your day so special.
