January 24, 2025

Pros of Having an Intimate Wedding Versus a Big Wedding

Tips & Guides, Weddings

I am a destination wedding + elopement photographer based in the Maui, Hawaii but open to traveling anywhere your love story might take me! Thanks for being here on my little corner of the internet - stick around a while!

I'M CASSIE.

CATEGORIES

Samantha and Luis’s intimate wedding in Maui, Hawaii, was pure magic! They decided to wed at the Wailea Golf Club in Maui, Hawaii, and let me tell you, this place was so dreamy! Their decision to keep things small and intentional made their day feel so personal and relaxed—it was all about celebrating their connection with the people who matter most. Every moment was filled with love and meaning! If you’ve been considering an intimate wedding, you’ll want to stick around because I’m diving into why smaller celebrations can be so incredibly special!

Budget-Friendly with Room for Personalization

The most common thing to consider when deciding between an intimate wedding versus a big one is your budget. Hosting an intimate wedding allows couples to make the most of their budget while prioritizing quality over quantity. With fewer guests, you’re able to focus on details that mattered to you—like gorgeous spring florals and breathtaking views at the Wailea Golf Club in Maui, for example. Smaller weddings mean less money spent on catering and rentals, freeing up funds to invest in dream vendors, elevated decor, or even unforgettable experiences like a romantic getaway or personalized favors for guests.

Deeper Connection with Your Guests

One of the biggest advantages of an intimate wedding is the opportunity to truly connect with every guest. With a smaller guest list, you can spend meaningful time with each person, creating moments that you’ll cherish forever. At Samantha and Luis’s Maui wedding, every conversation, hug, and laugh felt personal and heartfelt. Instead of feeling rushed to greet hundreds of guests, they were able to relax and savor the day alongside their closest loved ones, ensuring that every interaction was filled with love and intention!

A More Relaxed and Stress-Free Atmosphere

Going hand-in-hand with the previous point, intimate weddings create a more laid-back and calm environment. There’s less pressure to manage large crowds, coordinate multiple moving parts, or adhere to a tight schedule. An intimate setting allows couples to really take a step back from the wedding craziness and focus on what truly matters.

Planning an Intimate Wedding That’s Truly Yours

With an intimate wedding, you can break away from traditional expectations and design a day that’s a perfect reflection of you and your partner. Whether that means skipping the formalities, incorporating unique traditions, or hosting your ceremony in a meaningful location, smaller weddings allow for personalization on every level. The focus shifts entirely to celebrating your love story, making your wedding day feel all the more authentic!

Less Waste and Room for Error

One big perk of an intimate wedding is the chance to go more eco-friendly. With fewer guests, there’s less waste—whether it’s from food, decorations, or paper goods. Plus, a smaller scale means you can easily choose sustainable options without the stress of managing tons of logistics. Less to coordinate, fewer things to go wrong, and you get to feel good about your choices all while keeping your wedding day simple and enjoyable. It’s a win-win!

Ready to Plan Your Intimate Wedding Next?

Count me in! I’m Cassie, your go-to Maui wedding photographer! I specialize in capturing intimate weddings because I love the opportunity to focus on the little moments that truly make your day unforgettable. From candid laughter to those unique, personal details, I’m committed to making sure your memories are beautifully documented. My approach ensures stress-free services, attention to every detail, and exceptional quality. I adore being part of intimate celebrations and helping couples savor the beauty of these personal moments. If you’re considering an intimate wedding, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s such a magical experience!

Connect with me here! And until then, discover more wedding planning tips and advice on the blog!

Cassie Beth Photography | Maui Intimate Wedding Photographer

Intimate Wedding Vendors

Venue: Wailea Golf Club

Flowers: Fernhouse Flowers

DJ: KCK Entertainment

Officiant: Maui Wedding Pastor

Hair & Makeup: Waves of Beauty

Rings: The Jewelry Exchange

Cake: Maui Wedding Cakes