Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Ditching the Huge Wedding for Something Smaller

Let’s talk about weddings—and why going small might just be the biggest decision you can make.

Back in 2020, the world hit pause, and the wedding industry shifted in a way none of us saw coming. Big celebrations with long guest lists gave way to smaller, more intimate gatherings. What was born out of necessity turned out to be a revelation: you don’t need a huge wedding to have an amazing party. In fact, some of the most memorable weddings I’ve photographed have been smaller affairs where every single guest mattered.

There’s no denying the energy of a big wedding. Packed dance floors, endless toasts, and laughter echoing through the venue can be exhilarating. But let’s be honest—how many couples *really* want to invite their parents’ coworkers or their great-aunt’s second cousin they’ve never met?

Here’s the thing: the pressure to invite everyone often comes from family dynamics, financial contributions, or the assumption that “the more, the merrier.” And while I get that family support is important, your wedding should reflect your love story, not a family reunion roll call. Quality beats quantity every single time.

When you go small, you focus on what truly matters: celebrating with the people who mean the most to you. Imagine a wedding with 20 of your closest friends—people you actually know and love—where you can have real conversations instead of the whirlwind of obligatory greetings. I mean, if you want to spend your dinner time going table to table, then awesome, do that!

Here’s another perspective: a smaller headcount doesn’t just ease the emotional load—it lightens the logistical one too. I’ve seen couples with huge guest lists stress over every single decision, from seating arrangements to meal preferences. Fewer guests mean fewer headaches. It’s as simple as that.

Let’s debunk the “more is merrier” idea once and for all. A thousand guests won’t guarantee a better party. If your dance floor is packed with non-dancers, you’ll end up with a lot of people sitting at their perspective tables staring at each other instead of a lively celebration. But if you have 50 people who live to dance and party, you’ll have a night to remember. It’s not about how many people are there—it’s about who’s there.

As a photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing both large and small weddings, and I can confidently say that size doesn’t determine success. The best weddings are the ones where the couple feels relaxed, joyful, and present. And more often than not, those are the weddings where the couple wasn’t trying to please everyone—they were simply being true to themselves.

If you’re debating between big and small, think about the kind of memories you want to create. Do you want a guestbook full of signatures you won’t recognize—or a celebration with people whose love and energy will fill the room?

Remember: it’s your day. Make it count.