Organising an unforgettable wedding doesn’t mean having hundreds of guests and the chaos that comes with them. Some couples prefer having the right people and the right atmosphere by their side when they tie the knot. It’s why small weddings are becoming a hit. And once you start organising it, you’ll understand that there are endless benefits. Intimate weddings allow couples to focus on meaningful moments, personalised details, and quality time with those closest to them.

At Big Day Productions, we have supported countless couples who organised cosy city ceremonies in London or spectacular, intimate gatherings in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire. Here, we share ideas and inspiration to and small wedding ideas help you achieve that perfect intimate vibe.

Why Choose a Small Wedding?

Small weddings typically include 10 to 50 guests. This means that you can allocate your budget and energy toward creating deeper connections rather than managing a large event.

The intimate setting allows for:

  • More personalised touches reflecting your style and story.
  • Easier communication and coordination as logistics are simplified.
  • A relaxed, heartfelt atmosphere where everyone feels truly involved.

Ideas for Creating an Intimate Atmosphere

We have carefully selected some fantastic ideas you can use to create a small and intimate wedding celebration.

1. A Warm, Personal Venue

  • Small boutique hotels, private dining rooms, charming country houses, or even your backyard.
  • Venues with cosy interiors, natural light, or garden settings naturally invite closeness.
  • We’ve worked with couples in unique Kent and Powys venues. Each place helps shape the intimate vibe by lending its character.

2. A Long, Convivial Table

  • A long table allows everyone to see, talk, and connect.
  • The best thing for stories to flow is when they are shared face-to-face.
  • Decorate with natural greenery, soft candles, and personalised place settings.
  • This layout lends a family-style feel and contrasts with traditional banquet styles, perfect for a small wedding.

3. Personalised Details

  • Handwritten notes for each guest.
  • Custom menus reflecting your favourite foods or shared memories.
  • Thoughtful and tailored touches.
  • local artisanal products as favours that tell your story.
  • Family heirlooms or cultural elements that resonate deeply.

4. Create Moments for Connection

  • Organise informal cocktail hours or afternoon teas.
  • Plan your timeline so guests can mingle and enjoy some interactions.
  • Invite guests to share stories or toasts in relaxed settings.
  • Add interactive guest books or video message stations.

5. Intimate and Flexible Entertainment

  • Rather than large DJs or bands, consider acoustic soloists or duos that fit the scale of your setting.
  • Jazz, classical, or folk artists that fit into the ambience.
  • Create playlists that reflect your journey as a couple – another beautiful touch for a micro wedding.

6. Natural Light and Soft Lighting at Reception

  • Use candles, fairy lights, and lanterns for a gentle, welcoming glow.
  • Enrich the mood by letting natural sunlight or sunset through the windows.
  • Our Big Day Productions photographers specialise in capturing these warm and intimate light-infused moments.

7. Meaningful Guest List

  • Focus on family and closest friends.
  • Invite the most important people in your life.
  • Everyone present should have a genuine connection and interest in your happiness.

8. Plan Food and Drink for Sharing

  • Encourage interaction with family-style meals or small plated courses.
  • Sharing platters or “tapas-style” dishes invites conversation.
  • Bespoke cocktails named after milestones in your relationship add a personal flair, perfect for a small wedding.

Charlotte’s Intimate Wedding Vibe

Charlotte is one of our many satisfied brides who chose a small manor wedding. Here are her impressions: 

“We used Big Day Productions for our wedding in May 2025, and we’re so glad we did! We booked a photographer and videographer highlights package and thought it was really good value for money. We wanted everything combined for ease of communication, and we definitely got that with Big Day. Whenever I had a question, they would respond within a couple of days and sort everything for us. After our wedding, we decided we wanted more footage than was included in our package, and the process was really simple to have this sent across to us at a reasonable price as well. We’d recommend using Big Day to anyone getting married and have just received our photos and videos back, and are so pleased with them. Thank you so much, Big Day Productions!”

How We Support Your Small Wedding Story

At Big Day Productions, we provide photography and videography packages which are designed to suit small weddings anywhere in the UK. We have worked in venues like Edinburgh’s historic townhouses, country venues across the South West, and much further. We are happy to report that we offer value and quality because our approach balances local expertise with a national network.

Our packages include:

  • Full or partial day coverage capturing candid moments, personalised details, and guest connections.
  • Optional second shooters to highlight the story depth.
  • Online galleries and curated highlight films that showcase your wedding’s intimate feel.
  • Pre-event consultations to understand your vision and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a small wedding still feel luxurious?

Absolutely. With fewer guests, you can invest more per head in quality food, decor, and experiences that make your day truly special.

2. How do we keep guests engaged in a smaller wedding?

Planning interactive elements like personal toasts, shared meals, or storytelling stations helps keep guests involved and creates memorable moments.

3. Is it necessary to hire a second shooter for small weddings?

While optional, having a second shooter covers different angles and candid moments, enriching your overall wedding story.

4. How early should we book photographers for small weddings?

We recommend securing your photographers and videographers 6-12 months in advance, especially for popular venues or peak wedding seasons.

5. How can we personalise our ceremony for an intimate wedding?

Consider writing your own vows, including close friends or family in readings, or adding cultural rituals that reflect your identities.

6. Does Big Day Productions offer packages suitable for micro weddings?

Yes, we tailor our services to all wedding sizes, ensuring personalised and unobtrusive coverage for the most intimate celebrations.

Get in Touch With Big Day Productions

Having a small wedding can often be a blessing. You get to dedicate your time to planning that will be very dear to your heart, and you get to share it with the people you think should be part of this celebration.

At Big Day Productions, we know how to capture your intimate wedding with care, professionalism, and artistry. No matter where your venue is in the UK, our experienced teams are ready to bring your vision to life through stunning photography and videography.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you create memories that feel as personal and warm as your perfect, small wedding.