Intimate Wedding Venues: Unique, Small, And Beautiful

where to have a small wedding

Planning a small wedding? You're in luck! There are endless benefits to throwing a small wedding. From creating a more intimate affair that allows you to focus on personalisation, to having more room in your budget to splurge on decorations and activities, the possibilities are endless. When it comes to choosing a venue, you have the freedom to select a unique and intimate location, such as a national park, a restaurant, or even a beach. If you're looking for something more traditional, venues like ballrooms or lofts often have smaller spaces that are perfect for small weddings. For those who want a destination wedding, all-inclusive packages can help save time, money, and stress. So, whether you're considering a cosy backyard wedding or an exotic celebration, the options are endless for creating your perfect day.

Characteristics Values
Number of guests Between 20 and 75
Venue Backyard, beach, national park, restaurant, Airbnb, library, ballroom, industrial loft, gallery, boat, hotel, private home, public space
Location Exotic, destination, traditional
Catering All-inclusive packages, bring your own
Budget Cost-efficient, more room in the budget for other priorities
Photography Poses that highlight the unique charm of the venue
Timing No time limits
Logistics Floor plan, timeline
Activities Brunch, visiting the zoo

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Backyards, beaches and restaurants

Backyards, beaches, and restaurants are three great options for small weddings. Small weddings are generally considered to be between 30 and 60 guests, while a very small wedding or a micro-wedding consists of 20 or fewer guests.

Backyard weddings can be a great way to create a cosy and low-maintenance setting for your special day. They can be a lot of work, but they allow you to get the exact vibe you want and can be cheaper than other venues. You can save money by providing your own decorations, such as a flower crown made from flowers in the backyard. You can also save on costs by providing your own drinks, although you may want to order in food, such as cupcakes, to save time and effort.

Beaches can be a wonderful setting for a small wedding, offering a simple yet elegant ceremony. There are companies that can help you plan your beach wedding, providing services such as photography, musicians, and florists. These companies can also help with permits and other details, ensuring that your day is stress-free.

Restaurants are a good option for a small wedding, especially if you want to focus on providing a nice meal for your guests. They are often already decorated, and they are equipped with everything you need, from bathrooms to kitchen staff. You can save money by choosing a restaurant that is usually closed in the evenings, or one that offers a buffet option. However, you may not be able to access the restaurant until an hour before your wedding, and there may not be a dance floor or space for dancing.

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Airbnb venues

If you're looking for a unique, intimate, and affordable venue for your small wedding, Airbnb has a plethora of options to choose from. From swanky spots to casual settings, you can find a space that fits your vision and makes your big day extra special. Here are some ideas for Airbnb venues to consider:

The Glass House in Bremen, Alabama

This Airbnb venue in Bremen, Alabama, is perfect for weddings with up to 250 guests. The Glass House stands out for its unique architecture and offers a modern and elegant backdrop for your wedding celebrations.

Historic Estate in Vermont

If you're dreaming of a fairy-tale wedding, consider this historic Bavarian-style castle in Vermont. The property boasts distinctive stone architecture, period decor, a private pond, swirling woodland trails, and bluestone patios. With six bedrooms and seven beds, it's an ideal setting for small wedding parties who want a whimsical and serene celebration.

Farmhouse-Style Venue in Townshend, Vermont

For a charming farmhouse wedding, look no further than this Airbnb home at Big Picture Farm in Townshend, Vermont. This venue is perfect for elopements or weddings with less than 30 guests. The farmhouse is surrounded by snow-covered grounds in the winter and exudes a sunny charm during the warmer months.

Mountain Top Luxury Cabin in Broken Bow, Oklahoma

This brand-new cabin in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is perfect for micro weddings and intimate weddings. With accommodations for up to 15 guests, this venue offers a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere with recreational activities to keep your guests entertained throughout the weekend.

Studio Apartment in Fargo, North Dakota

If you're planning an elopement or a small ceremony followed by a night out, this studio apartment in Fargo, North Dakota, delivers industrial vibes for a unique celebration. After the ceremony, you and your partner can explore downtown Fargo for a delicious meal and a memorable wedding night.

When considering an Airbnb venue, keep in mind that not all rentals allow events and parties. Be sure to review the policies and reach out to the hosts to discuss your plans and any specific requirements you may have. Additionally, factor in additional costs, such as cleaning and service fees, and consider the accessibility of the venue for your guests.

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National parks and other unique locations

National parks are not free outdoor wedding venues, but they do make for some of the best outdoor wedding venues in the country. From canyon floors to mountain overlooks, there are many dramatic landscapes and backdrops to choose from for your wedding.

For example, the North Cascades National Park, known as the Alps of America, offers jagged peaks, snow-capped mountains, and alpine lakes that are only accessible by hiking. Zion National Park, with its massive sandstone cliffs, is another majestic location. The Grand Canyon, with its roaring Colorado River, is also a popular choice for small weddings.

If you're looking for something unique, Big Daddy's Antiques in LA and SF is a one-of-a-kind retailer of antiques and reproductions from markets around the world. The Ice House is another cool and historic venue, a refined industrial space that began operations in 1920 as an ice house for the food industry. Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado is a restored ghost town with stunning surroundings, where you can rent the entire town for your celebration.

For a small, intimate wedding, you could also consider a restaurant, a backyard, or a private home such as an Airbnb. A small guest list also gives you the freedom to throw a weekend of events in an exotic place.

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Libraries, courtyards and theatres

Libraries

Libraries are a great option for book lovers and those seeking a cozy and charming venue. Many libraries feature ornate balconies, high ceilings, and multiple floors of books, creating a nostalgic and elegant atmosphere. The George Peabody Library in Baltimore, Maryland, for example, offers a grand space with ornate balconies and an abundance of natural light through its skylight. Another option is the Housing Works Bookstore in New York City, which has spiral staircases, mahogany balconies, high ceilings, and rows of books. The best part? Proceeds from weddings go to supporting the homeless living with HIV or AIDS.

Courtyards

Courtyards offer a beautiful outdoor setting for intimate ceremonies. The Musical Instrument Museum in Nashville, for instance, features a desert courtyard with amazing views. The Vox Theatre in Southern California also boasts a courtyard with romantic twinkle lights, perfect for a ceremony under the stars.

Theatres

Theatres provide a dramatic and unique setting for small weddings. The Rapids Theatre, with its incredible sculpted ceiling and grand balcony, offers a vintage marquee and a grand stage for a 1920s-inspired affair. The Alabama Theatre Event Complex in West Austin Hill Country provides a Tuscan-style venue with indoor and outdoor spaces, including a theatre with a dramatic red-velvet curtain and grand balconies. For a more intimate setting, the Kogood Cradle offers an on-stage ceremony space with dramatic waterfront views from the reception areas.

These venues offer a memorable and intimate experience for couples and their guests, allowing for a meaningful celebration in a unique setting.

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Private mansions, lofts and yachts

If you're looking for a unique and intimate setting for your small wedding, consider a private mansion, loft, or yacht. These venues offer a distinctive and memorable backdrop for your special day, allowing you to exchange vows in style.

Private mansions and villas provide a luxurious and elegant setting for your wedding. You can choose from a variety of locations, including exotic villas, high-tech mansions, or elegant penthouses. For instance, the Mariota Manor in Toluca Lake, California, offers a secluded and picturesque setting with lush greenery and luxurious rooms. Similarly, the Lindley Scott House in Azusa, California, has been a beautiful venue for personalized weddings since 1978. If you're looking for a grand mansion with ocean views, consider the Morning View, a luxury venue located on a six-acre estate in Malibu, California.

Lofts are another option for a small wedding, offering a blend of urban chic and warmth. For example, Loft Lucia in Chicago, Illinois, features oversized industrial windows, exposed brick, and a rooftop terrace with incredible landscaping. Lofts often provide a blank canvas that can be transformed into a stunning venue that reflects your unique style and vision.

For a truly unforgettable experience, you can also consider exchanging vows on a private yacht charter. Companies like Fraser Yachts specialize in creating luxurious and tailored weddings on board their yachts. A yacht wedding offers a unique setting, and the deck can be transformed into a sophisticated cocktail lounge, a vibrant nightclub, or a stylish dance floor.

Small weddings, typically consisting of 30 to 60 guests or even fewer, offer several benefits. They allow for a more intimate and personalized experience, giving you more quality time with your loved ones. With a smaller guest list, you may have more flexibility in choosing unique venues and can splurge on decorations and activities to create a meaningful and memorable celebration.

Frequently asked questions

Small weddings are more intimate, allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones. They are also more cost-efficient, giving you more room in your budget to splurge on decorations and activities.

A small wedding can be held in a variety of unique locations, such as a national park, a beach, a restaurant, or even your own backyard. You can also consider renting a property with a beautiful view, such as a Victorian mansion, a historic home, or a boutique hotel.

There are many intimate wedding venues in Chicago, including the Viceroy Hotel, Colvin House, and Private Dining by Sepia. You can also consider a sleek yacht, a vintage loft, or a rooftop garden.

When planning a small wedding, it's important to be strategic about your venue, floor plan, timeline, and other logistics. You may also want to incorporate activities or experiences that are meaningful to you and your partner, such as a brunch or a visit to the zoo.

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