What does a simple, low-stress wedding look like?
No packed timeline. No awkward table arrangements. No putting on a show while trying to enjoy your day.
Maybe you want more time with your people. A quiet setting. A slow, centered celebration — with space to take it all in.
But even small weddings need structure. What should you keep? What can you skip? And how do you design a day that reflects your priorities?
At Zion Springs, we’ve helped over 400 couples plan weddings that feel personal, organized, and completely relaxed — whether it’s just two people on a hilltop or 30 guests around a long table.
Planning a small wedding? Start here.
You’ll get:
- The best formats for small weddings
- What’s essential — and what’s completely optional
- A clear step-by-step roadmap
- Real examples of what small weddings can look like
Is a Small Wedding Right for You?
Small weddings aren’t a compromise — they’re a conscious choice. If you’re leaning toward a quieter, more intimate wedding, you might already be heading in this direction.
Here’s how to know if a small wedding fits your vision.
Which Small Wedding Format Is Right for You?
- Elopement: Just the couple (or up to 4 people). Private, flexible, and deeply intimate.
- Minimony: 10–30 guests. A short ceremony with a shared meal or toast.
- Micro-wedding: 30–60 guests. Traditional elements, but streamlined and low-pressure.
Why Couples Choose Small Weddings
- Less stress, more presence
- Quality time with every guest
- Budget flexibility
- A ceremony that feels personal
One couple shared:
“We didn’t get a single question the day of. Everything was just handled — and that let us fully enjoy it.” — Lillian & Erich, minimony at Zion Springs
Beyond the simplicity, the benefits of a small wedding often include deeper connections, better conversations, and a day that reflects your relationship.
How to Plan a Small Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to move from ‘where do we even start?’ to that last laugh and champagne toast under the stars.
1. Start With Your Intention
Before you make a single decision, pause. What do you want the day to feel like?
Do you picture quiet laughter under string lights? A slow morning getting ready side by side? A ceremony that catches you by surprise — because it means more than you expected?
Those moments will shape your day more than any checklist ever will. Pick the mood first. Then build from there.
2. Lock In Your Wedding Format
Will it be just the two of you? A backyard gathering with family? A dinner party for 50 friends?
This choice shapes everything else — from your budget to your timeline to your guest list. Decide early and let it guide you.
3. Pick Your Location
You don’t need a massive venue to create a memorable experience. Consider:
- A cozy Airbnb or your family’s backyard
- A scenic overlook, forest, or beach
- An all-inclusive venue that handles everything in one place
4. Create Your Guest List (or Don’t)
With small weddings, every guest matters. Ask yourself: Would I be excited to share a conversation with this person on our wedding day?
If the answer is no — leave them off. For elopements, you can skip the list entirely and invite people into the moment through video, livestreams, or handwritten vows you share later.
5. Design a Relaxed, Well-Paced Wedding Day
Ditch the rigid itinerary. Small weddings shine when they breathe.
Pick one or two anchor points — like a heartfelt ceremony or a slow dinner with friends — and let the rest happen around them.
Sample flow:
- Ceremony
- Group photo or welcome drinks
- Shared meal (one long table or a picnic setup)
- Toasts, dessert, music
- Unstructured time: stargazing, dancing, board games, fireside chats
Real Couple Insight: “We skipped the DJ and just used our playlist. It was easy and perfect.”
6. Handle Logistics Early
You’re not producing a full-scale event — but a little prep goes a long way. Here’s the basics:
- Marriage license + officiant
- Photographer (even for an hour or two)
- A plan for food and drinks
- Rentals (if needed)
- A backup plan for weather
7. Add Personal Touches
Small wedding, big heart. The details don’t have to be over the top — just you.
- Handwritten vows
- A shared toast or signature cocktail
- Your favorite meal
- A guest message tree or photo board
- A highlight video for anyone who couldn’t attend
What to Include (and Skip) in a Stress-Free Wedding
The best part about a small wedding? You don’t have to do things just because you’re “supposed to.” Big wedding parties, bouquet tosses, first dances — keep them if you love them. Skip them if you don’t.
What to Include in a Small Wedding — and What You Can Leave Out
Traditions can be beautiful — but only when they mean something to you. This quick list helps you sort through what to keep, and what to rethink.
How Much Does a Small Wedding Cost?
Planning a smaller wedding doesn’t just give you more freedom — it often gives you more control over your budget, too.
The biggest cost factor? Your guest count. Here’s how the numbers typically break down:
How to Think About Your Budget (No Spreadsheet Required)
Rather than starting with line items, begin with values. Focus your budget around what’s important — and let go of anything that doesn’t serve that experience.
Try this straightforward approach:
- Set your upper limit. What’s your comfort zone — not your target to max out?
- Choose your top 2–3 priorities. (Photography? Food? A meaningful space?)
- Simplify the rest. If it doesn’t add joy or connection, skip it.
- Use per-person math. $100 per guest feels very different with 15 than with 150.
- Build in a 5–10% buffer. Surprises happen — this keeps them low-stress.
Real Small Weddings That Got It Right
Still trying to picture your day? These real-life wedding snapshots show how flexible, personal, and beautiful a small celebration can be — whether it’s just the two of you or a cozy crowd.
Each one highlights a different format — elopement, minimony, or micro-wedding — and how the couple shaped it around what mattered most.
The Morning Elopement
Sunrise vows, porch breakfast, and time to unwind.
“It felt like the entire day was just for us.”
One couple kept it private with handwritten vows under a tree, followed by a picnic breakfast and a walk in the woods. They skipped a reception and splurged on a short video to share the moment with family later.
The Backyard Minimony
25 guests, one dinner table, zero timeline stress.
“We didn’t even need a schedule — just a good meal and good company.”
Hosted at home with a private chef, candlelight, and a playlist, the evening was low-key by design. When rain rolled in, dinner moved under the carport. Extra candles came out, the conversation flowed, and the improvised setting became one of the couple’s favorite memories.
The Long Table Celebration
50 guests, sunset ceremony, cocktails, and dinner outdoors.
“We skipped the first dance and spent the night with the people we love.”
Instead of a full reception program, they focused on long conversations and unhurried connections. A one-location venue, fire pits, and cozy blankets set the tone for a relaxed evening that felt less like an event — and more like a gathering.
The Budget-Conscious Elopement With a Twist
4 guests, weekday ceremony, $6K total cost.
“We wanted something intimate and affordable — but still felt like a celebration.”
With just parents and a best friend officiating, they chose a midweek elopement package, skipped formalwear, and toasted with local sparkling wine after a picnic lunch. The result: a day that felt just right — personal, relaxed, and complete.
Want more inspiration? Browse our real wedding stories:
What It’s Like to Get Married at Zion Springs
Looking for a stress-free way to plan your small wedding — all in one place?
Zion Springs makes planning your small wedding feel like part of the celebration — not a second job.
Two all-inclusive weekday experiences. No guesswork. Just your best day ever, beautifully handled.
Here’s what each option looks like:
- Elopement → Just the two of you. Zero pressure. Everything handled.
- Minimony → A relaxed day with your favorite people, a shared meal, and no stress.
What You Can Expect
- One location — no vendor juggling
- A slow, calm start to your day
- One team guiding the experience from start to finish
“Zion Springs made everything easy — we didn’t know how much planning we’d need, but they walked us through it all. Our elopement was calm, beautiful, and full of unexpected magic — including a champagne toast in the rain and our dog leaving muddy paw prints on my dress. It was imperfect in the best way.” — Michelle & Connor
Small Wedding vs. Big Wedding: What’s Right for You?
If you started this process unsure whether a smaller wedding could still feel complete — now you know it absolutely can.
Whether planning a quiet ceremony for two or hosting a few close guests for dinner under the stars, this is your day — and you get to shape it your way.
For more help with timelines, guest lists, and stress-free planning, check out our Answers & Advice page.
Ready to see how easy — and personal — your day can be? Schedule a tour at Zion Springs and start picturing what’s possible.
