đź’Ť Why Small Weddings Are on the Rise in 2025

Blane Ellsworth March 23, 2025

A Simpler, More Meaningful Celebration

Gone are the days of 200-person banquets and overwhelming guest lists. In 2025, couples across the country are embracing the beauty of small weddings—intimate celebrations filled with connection, intention, and authenticity.

Whether it's a serene vineyard elopement, a backyard ceremony with twenty guests, or a mountaintop exchange of vows, small weddings are making a big statement this year: less is more.

5 Reasons Small Weddings Are Trending in 2025

1. Meaningful Moments with Loved Ones

Couples are realizing what truly matters—quality time with the people they love most. A smaller guest list allows couples to be present and connected with every attendee, creating a celebration that feels personal and heartfelt.

2. More Budget-Friendly, Less Stress

Without the pressure to entertain hundreds of guests, couples are discovering they can save thousands while still creating a stunning experience. Less stress, fewer logistics, and more flexibility make planning easier—and more enjoyable.

3. Creative, Unique Venues

Small weddings open the door to locations that larger weddings can’t accommodate: charming inns, private gardens, art galleries, mountaintops, and scenic beaches. You’re not bound to banquet halls—you can get married where your heart feels most at home.

4. Personalized Experiences

From handwritten vows to custom menus and handpicked playlists, small weddings offer the freedom to make every detail authentically you. The result? A day that’s far more meaningful than a cookie-cutter ceremony.

5. Post-Pandemic Priorities

After years of uncertainty and shifting priorities, couples in 2025 are focusing on what lasts: love, family, and shared memories. Small weddings reflect a cultural shift toward depth, mindfulness, and emotional connection.

The Future of Weddings is Intimate

As the wedding industry evolves, intimacy is the new luxury. Small weddings aren’t just a trend—they’re a lifestyle choice rooted in intentional living and emotional presence. In 2025, couples are choosing less fuss, more love.

Start Planning Your Small Wedding

Ready to create your own unforgettable, intimate celebration? Explore hundreds of unique small wedding venues—from coastal escapes to countryside hideaways—right here on SmallWeddings.com.

Love big. Celebrate small.