If a big wedding doesn’t feel like you, an intimate wedding or elopement might be the perfect fit. With fewer guests and more focus on your connection, these smaller celebrations make space for real, meaningful moments.
We’ve photographed weddings of all kinds, and the intimate ones? They always feel extra special. In this post, we’ll walk through what an intimate wedding really is, why it might be the best choice for your day, and how to make it feel completely your own.
Hi, we’re Maggie and Amber, the best friend duo behind Kindred Light Studios. As Cincinnati wedding photographers, we love capturing intimate weddings and elopements filled with real moments and deep connection. Planning something small and meaningful? We’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Reach out to check our availability or ask any questions; we’re here to help bring your vision to life with care and creativity.
What is an Intimate Wedding and Elopement?
Let’s clear something up first: an intimate wedding is not just a “small” wedding. It’s a wedding with intention.
Instead of a huge guest list, most intimate weddings have 10 to 40 guests. Elopements are even smaller; sometimes it’s just the two of you (and maybe your photographer tagging along with tissues and snacks).
The goal isn’t to cut corners. It’s to create a day that feels personal, calm, and deeply meaningful. With fewer people to plan for, you have more freedom to focus on the details that matter most. That could mean:
- A private vow reading in the woods before your ceremony
- Sharing dinner with your family at a long candlelit table
- Traveling somewhere new for an adventurous “just us” celebration
Whether it’s local or far away, simple or full of gorgeous details, an intimate wedding or elopement gives you space to breathe and soak in every second.
Get a feel for how we blend storytelling with style in our approach to wedding photography in this post.
The Emotional Impact of a Small Celebration
There’s something special about an intimate wedding. With fewer people around, it’s easier to be fully present. You’re not rushing from one conversation to the next; you actually get to enjoy the day and the people you love most.
We’ve seen couples tear up during quiet, private vows. We’ve seen parents give heartfelt toasts that would’ve gotten lost in a big, loud room. And we’ve seen couples say, “This is exactly what we wanted.”
Small weddings let emotions shine. They give you time to hold hands, breathe deeply, and soak in the moment without distractions. Instead of managing a crowd, you get to focus on the real reason for the day: each other.
And from a photographer’s point of view? These moments are pure magic to capture. No stress, no pressure, just honest love.
See how an intimate celebration on the Oregon coast came to life in this dreamy elopement feature right here.
Why We Love Photographing Intimate Weddings and Elopements
As photographers, we’ve had the honor of capturing love stories in all shapes and sizes. But there’s something truly special about an intimate wedding or elopement. Here’s why we love them so much:
- Real emotions, front and center
With fewer guests and less pressure, couples are more relaxed. That means more genuine smiles, happy tears, and sweet in-between moments that happen naturally. - We get to know you better
Smaller celebrations give us time to connect with you and your loved ones. That connection helps us tell your story in a more personal, meaningful way. - The day feels slower (in the best way)
Without a packed timeline or big crowd, the day flows more gently. You have time to be present, and we have time to capture all the little moments that make your wedding truly yours. - Creative freedom
Whether you’re getting married in your backyard or on a mountaintop, intimate weddings and elopements open the door for creativity. The locations, the details, the light, it all feels more personal and intentional. - Less pressure, more joy
Without the weight of expectations, couples tend to feel lighter and more joyful. And that joy is easy to see in every photo.
Intimate weddings let us focus on what we love most: capturing connection, emotion, and the honest beauty of your day.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our favorite wedding photo ideas to help you dream up moments that feel like you in this post.
Finding the Right Intimate Wedding or Elopement Venue
One of the best parts of planning an intimate wedding or elopement is the freedom to choose a location that truly fits you. With a smaller guest list, you don’t need a large venue. You can focus on places that feel meaningful and personal.
This could be a cozy Airbnb in the woods, a family backyard, or a scenic spot in Italy or Greece. Without the pressure of hosting a crowd, you get to pick a place that feels calm, beautiful, and true to your story.
Look for spaces that feel natural and inviting. You won’t need much decor when the setting speaks for itself. Just make sure there’s enough room for your ceremony, a meal, and moments to relax with your favorite people.
The right venue will feel like home, even if it’s far from where you live.
Searching for the perfect outdoor ceremony spot? This post rounds up some of the best outdoor wedding venues in Cincinnati to help you find your dream setting.
How to Plan a Small Intimate Wedding or Elopement That Feels Completely You
Planning an intimate wedding or elopement doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can be one of the most freeing parts of the process. With fewer guests and fewer moving parts, you can focus on what truly matters to you both.
Start by thinking about how you want the day to feel. Do you picture something quiet and peaceful, or full of laughter with a few close friends? Let that vision guide your choices.
Choose details that reflect your personality. Wear outfits that feel like you. Pick food you love. Write vows that are honest and real. You don’t have to follow tradition unless it means something to you. There are no rules with an intimate wedding, just opportunities to make it your own.
Also, work with vendors who get your vision. A good photographer (that could be us!), planner, or florist can help bring it all together in a way that feels natural and effortless. When everyone’s on the same page, the day just flows.
At the end of it all, the most important thing is that the day feels like a true reflection of your relationship. That’s what makes it unforgettable.
Not sure how to find the right photographer? This post will help you choose someone who truly fits your vision and style.
The Freedom You Gain With an Elopement or Intimate Wedding
One of the biggest reasons couples choose an intimate wedding or elopement is the freedom it brings. When you’re not trying to please a big crowd or stick to tradition, you get to create a day that’s entirely your own.
Here’s what that kind of freedom can look like:
- Freedom to choose your location
Want to say your vows on a mountaintop, by the sea, or in your childhood backyard? With fewer people, almost anything is possible. - Freedom from pressure
You don’t have to entertain a big guest list or follow a packed timeline. You can slow down, take deep breaths, and enjoy every part of your day. - Freedom to be yourself
Wear what you love. Say what you feel. Build a day around what matters to you instead of trying to meet others’ expectations. - Freedom to spend intentionally
With a smaller wedding, your budget can go toward things that matter most, like a dream location, your favorite meal, or a photographer you trust to capture every moment.
Choosing an intimate wedding or elopement means letting go of the “shoulds” and focusing on the experience. It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing what feels right.
Feeling camera-shy? This post shares five simple tips to help you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the lens.
Choosing an Intimate Wedding: A Decision You Won’t Regret
At the end of the day, your wedding should feel like you. If the idea of a quiet, meaningful, and relaxed day speaks to your heart, an intimate wedding or elopement might be the best choice you’ll ever make. It gives you the space to focus on what truly matters, your connection, your people, and the joy of starting your life together.
You don’t need a big guest list to have a big love story, just the right people, the right setting, and the freedom to celebrate your way. If you’re planning something small and meaningful, we’d be honored to capture it with care and creativity.
Take a look at our work to see how we tell love stories through honest, beautiful imagery. Ready to chat? Reach out to check your date or come say hi over on Instagram; we’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.
