Maine & New Hampshire Wedding Photographer // Why Intimate Weddings Are the Way to Go

Big weddings have their appeal—grand venues, packed dance floors, and a full-scale production that feels straight out of a movie. But let’s be honest, sometimes bigger isn’t better. Intimate weddings are having their moment, and for good reason. If the thought of a massive guest list, endless logistics, and a never-ending budget makes you break out in hives, a smaller, more personal celebration might be exactly what you need.

Less Chaos, More Connection

A big wedding often means spending most of your day moving from one thing to the next—getting pulled in different directions, making sure everything runs smoothly, and barely having time to breathe. An intimate wedding, on the other hand, allows you to actually be present. You can soak in every moment, have real conversations with your guests, and truly enjoy your day without feeling like you’re hosting a giant event.

You Can Actually See and Talk to Your Guests

At big weddings, couples often spend most of their reception running around trying to say a quick “hi” to every table. By the end of the night, you realize you barely spoke to half the people who came to celebrate you. With a smaller guest list, you can genuinely connect with everyone there. No rushed interactions, no feeling like you're speed-dating your own family—just meaningful moments with the people who matter most.

Less Pressure, More Fun

Big weddings come with a lot of expectations. The perfect venue, the elaborate decor, the over-the-top entertainment—it can start to feel like you’re planning a performance rather than a wedding. With an intimate wedding, there’s less pressure to put on a show. You get to focus on what actually matters: celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you.

It’s Just Cheaper (Without Sacrificing the Good Stuff)

Let’s talk numbers. Fewer guests mean fewer mouths to feed, fewer tables to decorate, and overall, a way more manageable budget. But here’s the best part—you can take that money and put it toward what really matters to you. Want to splurge on an amazing photographer (hey, I know a good one)? Go for it. Dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon? Now you can. Smaller weddings let you reallocate your budget to create a more meaningful experience instead of just paying for headcount.

The Takeaway

At the end of the day, your wedding should be about you. If the idea of a huge, traditional wedding stresses you out, you don’t have to do it that way. Intimate weddings strip away the excess and focus on what truly matters—love, connection, and an experience that feels right for you. So if you’re thinking about going small, do it. You won’t regret it.