Planning a wedding can be a taunting task, for sure, but your big day shouldn’t fell like it! That is why more and more couples are graviating to smaller and more intimate wedding day affairs with an amphasis or family and their love.
But while the trends are to go big with destiantion weddings, or elopements in the epic mountains of Colorado, not everyone wants that. So if you’re looking for some ideas on locations to get eloped at, or just host a small intimate wedding, especially if you’re looking to stay local to your area, we’re here to help you!
First up…
WEDDING VENUES
Yes, wedding venues. Some venues may still have some availability for a few hours on weekends, but especially weekdays or Fridays or Sundays. If you aren’t set on a particular venue or even date, contact a few places around your area and you may be surprised at wha tyou may find.
The bonus: wedding venue packages usually include a coordinator so take advantage of it, even for the few hours you’re there. It will help your ceremony run smooth and you have someone in your corner taking care of you on your big day.
THE AIRBNB
Renting an AIRBNB is a great option, especially sinceyou can stay the night there after your wedding fete. Take advatnage of the space and grounds and hire your photographer for prewedding getting ready photos and wedding portraits. We esepcially love a great first look moment that our couples share before the ceremony. AIRBNB offer their own charm and you can find beautiful spaces and historic homes to rent for your small gathering. Sometimes you don’t need much more decor than jsut adding florals to the space to spruce it up.
TIP: Make sure the hosts of course know that you’re hosting a wedding.
FRIEND or FAMILY’S PROPERTY
Everyone loves a love story and friends and family are always eaher to help out. There’s no better time to ask for that favor to use the lakehouse than now. We’re kidding, but also not. Kindly ask to rent out the property. Like an AIRBNB, family owned properties offer their own beautiful charm that offers your wedding it’s own unique vibe.
TIP: Bring in some vendors for a mini reception!
Your Back Yard
There’s arguably nothing easier than walking out to your back yard and getting married. If you have the space, consider renting a tent, bringing in some catering and a DJ and have yourselves a party!
It’s a space you know well and already feels cozy. It’s one of the most stress free options for your intiamte wedding there could be, we say!
LOCAL RESTAURANTS
There’s some amazing hidden gems in your town, like the restaurants and hell, even bars that could offer a unique and one of a kind space for your wedding. The great thing is that some places would allow for a small gathering before the space opens for regular business or even have a dedicated event space that you can use. Locally we love WAHOO GRILL who not only has delicious food and an amazing staff, but they have a dedicated space for Atlanta brides to host their wedding, big or small.
BONUS: Restuarants have a kitchen, duh, right? So take advantage of their delicious food for your big day and stay for dinner with your friends and family.
PEER SPACE
Peerspace is an online directory of studio spaces. Much like an AirBnB, Peerspace lets you search for studio spaces in your area. Some allow for small gatherings, but not all. The bonus is that it offers the most unique, curated, high fashion look for your elopement. For those that want a fashion-forward look to their portraits, we highly suggest taking a peek at what Peerspace has to offer.
BONUS: You need minimal decor and it just looks soooo cool already.
COURTHOUSE
Finally, we suggest the courthouse. While it can feel simple in some ways, it’s anything but. Have yoour vows at the courthouse but then have your photographer explore the city/area with you. It’s a mini adventure and can feels so fun and cute just to prance around getting cute photos. It’s also just you two and there’s nothing more romantic than sharing this moment together (and your photgorapher).
See more of our Wahoo! Grill wedding photography, or browse Atlanta wedding venues we’ve photographed. See how we photograph elopements and courthouse weddings around Atlanta.
More from our portfolio: Getting Ready, Details, Brides, The Wedding Party, Ceremony, Newlyweds, Reception.
