Small Wedding Elopements, Packages, Ideas & Checklist
Rhodes Blake
Let’s be honest: not every bride wants the 200-person guest list, hotel ballroom, and 12-hour day packed with traditions. If that sounds like you, you’re in good company. More and more women are choosing small weddings and elopements—not because they’re “less than,” but because they want something more meaningful.
Whether it’s your first or second wedding, whether you’re a mom blending families or planning a simple, beautiful day with just your person, this is your reminder:
You don’t need 100 guests to make it meaningful. Eloping means more time for connection, fewer distractions, and space to actually enjoy your day.
Let’s walk through how to make a small wedding feel incredibly special, and everything you need to think through—like the best small wedding packages, a checklist, stunning elopement locations, and even thoughtful touches like short hair wedding ideas and unique rings.
Why Choose a Small Wedding or Elopement?
If you’re craving peace over pressure, simplicity over spectacle, and connection over chaos, a small wedding or elopement is the perfect fit. Here’s what it offers:
- More time for each other: No timeline stuffed with events you don’t care about.
- Less stress: Fewer opinions, fewer expectations.
- Freedom to make it yours: Wear what you want. Eat what you love. Cry, laugh, breathe.
- Intimacy: Real emotion and presence—not just performance.
1. Small Wedding Packages: What to Look For
Planning something simple doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. The right small wedding packages give you all the essentials without overwhelming you.
Here’s what a good package includes:
- Photography coverage (2–4 hours is usually perfect)
- Planning assistance or location scouting
- Officiant options
- Timeline guidance
- Ideas for personal vows or meaningful rituals
Some small wedding elopement packages even include:
- Bouquet + boutonniere
- Champagne toast or picnic setup
- Permit help for outdoor locations
Pro tip: Choose a photographer who doubles as a planner. That’s what I do—and it makes your day smooth and stress-free.
2. Your Small Wedding Checklist
A smaller wedding is still a wedding—and having a solid plan helps you stay relaxed and excited.
Here’s a simple small wedding checklist:
✅ Pick your ideal date
✅ Choose your guest count (0–20 is typical)
✅ Find your dream location
✅ Book your photographer (hi, that’s me )
✅ Hire an officiant (ask a loved one or choose from my list)
✅ Write your vows
✅ Choose your outfits
✅ Plan a post-ceremony meal
✅ Add personal touches (handwritten letters, rituals, favorite music)
✅ Get your marriage license
3. Small Wedding Locations: How to Find the Perfect Spot
Where you say “I do” matters—and the beauty of a small wedding is you can say it anywhere.
Need ideas for small wedding locations? Think about:
- Scenic overlooks
- Desert trails (Arizona has stunning spots!)
- Intimate gardens
- Airbnbs with character
- Local parks or hidden gems
- Beaches, forests, or mountaintops
Start with a search for “small wedding places near me” to see what’s in your area—or better yet, ask a photographer who knows the terrain. (I’ve scouted dozens of off-the-radar spots perfect for heartfelt elopements.)
4. Don’t Forget the Rings (Small Can Still Be Stunning)
Just because the wedding is small doesn’t mean your style has to be. Small wedding rings are trending right now—think dainty, minimal, or vintage-inspired.
Whether you’re going for a non-traditional stone, an heirloom upgrade, or a new ring that matches who you are today, keep this in mind:
Your ring doesn’t have to be flashy—it just has to feel like you.
5. Short Hair Wedding Ideas That Are Effortlessly Beautiful
Let’s talk hair. If you’re a bride with short hair (or thinking about cutting it before the wedding), short hair wedding ideas can be just as stunning as long waves.
Some favorite styles:
- Soft curls with a statement hairpin
- Sleek bob with a pearl headband
- Tousled pixie with a flower crown
- Minimalist style with bold earrings
The best part? You’ll look like yourself—just elevated a little for the moment.
6. Make It Personal, Not Perfect
Here’s the real magic of a small wedding: it’s yours.
Include what feels right and skip what doesn’t. Some special small wedding ideas to consider:
- Write letters to each other and read them aloud
- Bring your kids into the ceremony
- Share a private first dance under the stars
- Have your dog as the “best man” or ring bearer
- Invite just your parents and make it a family day
Small means space—for emotion, for intention, for truth.
7. What About a Small Wedding Chapel?
Sometimes, you want simple—but still traditional. A small wedding chapel can be the perfect mix of intimacy and ceremony.
Search for:
- Local chapels that specialize in elopements
- Vintage or historic venues with charm
- Airbnb-style chapels in scenic areas
You get the atmosphere of a wedding without the overwhelming guest count.
The Bottom Line: Small = Significant
Small doesn’t mean less. It means less stress, more joy. Less pressure, more presence. Less performance, more real love.
Whether you’re eloping on a mountaintop, saying vows in a backyard, or celebrating with just your closest people, your love deserves to be honored in a way that feels right for you.
And if you need someone who’s photographed dozens of intimate weddings—and knows how to make it all feel effortless—I’d love to help.
Ready to Plan a Meaningful, Stress-Free Small Wedding?
Let’s make it beautiful. I offer small wedding and elopement packages designed for women like you—laid-back, intentional, and ready to do this your way.
👉 [Click here to inquire or schedule a free elopement planning call.]
Or DM me on Instagram @Rhodesblake if you just want to chat ideas.
Your day, your love, your way. Let’s make it unforgettable.
