We often hear from couples who are having a hard time booking a venue since they are planning a small wedding. 

Many wedding locations ask for a minimum of 100-125 guests and will seemingly treat you like the odd man out when you proclaim you are looking to only have 50-75 guests. Oh the shame! 

So if you are reading this and that’s you, we’ve got some ideas to help you find the best venue for your wedding!

But before we do, let’s not call it a “small wedding” anymore, after all it is a WEDDING. Intimate wedding sounds about right! 

Vacation home

With the rise of Airbnb, Vrbo, Flipkey, and Hometogo, it is easier than ever to access rental properties across the globe for short stays, long trips, and yes, even weddings. Simply provide general information to any of these sites as it pertains to dates, location, and number of guests (typically you’ll want to include a high number of guests to access properties that will allow for events), and then search! As you review your options, pay special attention to the notes related to the property, specifically all the amenities, and information about property allowances. Most property descriptions will indicate right away whether or not they allow for events. Once you have selected a few to consider reach out to the owners to confirm further details.

Things to keep in mind: For this type of location you more than likely will be bringing in everything on your own, that means rentals like tables, chairs, floral arrangements, staffing, and catering. You may want to consider hiring a chef versus a caterer depending on your guest count.

B&B’s (Bed and Breakfast) 

These quaint hotel/motel hybrids are perfect for an intimate wedding. One of the perks of a Bed and Breakfast location are the overnight accommodations as well as the in-house staff that will be on-site at the B&B. They may even offer catering for events! Many B&B’s tend to be in small vacation towns like Martha’s Vineyard, Sag Harbor, Savannah, or Anna Maria Island but you can also find many in your own town or close to home.

Things to keep in mind: There may be limitations on how you can utilize the space. Most B&B’s only have a few rooms so you will need to make arrangements early on if you want the location to yourself for you and your guests. You may not want to have your wedding and also have another family at the B&B, something to consider.

Boat or Yacht 

Often docked at a local harbor or marina in your city or town, you will find boat rentals for events. Considering a boat or yacht can only hold so many patrons this is a great option for an intimate wedding. Once you set sail, everyone is with each other until the ride is over, that could be a good or a bad thing depending on your family. Some of these vessels offer catering and others you can bring in your own private caterer and alcohol. Usually sail times are any time of day or evening and depending where you are located, your guests can also take in some cool sites on the sun deck.

Things to keep in mind: You’ll want to make sure your guests are not easily seasick. Typically these boat rides are at least four hours, you don’t want to have to stop the party for a guest that feels under the weather, after all it will technically be a booze cruise. Otherwise, go ahead and rock the boat!

Country Club 

Many Country Clubs have a facility on-site to host small gatherings or events; offering these spaces to outside, non-members for exposure and in an effort to recruit and gain new memberships. More than likely these locations will have in-house catering options and all the rentals you’ll need. There will also be photo opportunities abound at these properties as most have exquisite outdoor facilities such as golf courses, pools, gazebos, and more.

Things to keep in mind: Dates could possibly be scarce at a Country Club since their members will have first dibs on event spaces, not to mention the events that the Country Club might also host throughout the year. There may also be incentives or offerings to join the club upon planning an event so don’t be surprised if you start receiving sales calls.

Restaurants 

Why not host your wedding reception at a local restaurant? Restaurants will often have private rooms or spaces on-site which are completely separate from their main dining area. If they do not have a private room or space, they may even shut down the entire restaurant for you and your guests, talk about VIP. Catering menus are typically very easy to alter in this setting should you require customized options.

Things to keep in mind: If the restaurant charges a rental fee for their private space, see if they will waive the fee for a food/alcohol spend minimum. Also, you might be amongst other guests if the restaurant is not closing their doors to you for the wedding so you’ll need to consider the location of the private space inside the restaurant and if you want on-lookers. Finally, if the location requires a bit of decor you will want to find out the earliest you can access the space with your vendors or family members (if you are a DIYer).

What other places would you consider getting married? Comment below!