The Isaacsons Photo Co

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Small + Intimate Wedding Ideas

One of the many casualties of this global covid-19 epidemic is engaged couples. So many people are having to let go of their dream weddings (the days they have sunk so. many. hours and so.much. thought and money into) and come up with a plan B as an alternative.

First off let me say that I am so sorry this has happened to you. I am so sorry that you are having to work and figure this out among what is already such an uncertain and intense time.

Secondly, I want to say that I’m here for you. I’m here to help you troubleshoot and work this out and find a wedding alternative that is magical and incredible, as well as being safe and compliant with government policies. Here are some of my ideas:

There are a ton of benefits to keeping your wedding date and switching your plans to an elopement or an intimate wedding.

You can always wait to have a larger reception/ celebration until this crazy pandemic is over.

Plus, you have the power and freedom to plan a wedding that is uniquely yours and small weddings are a fantastic way to combine the things you love, with the people you love, in the place(s) you love or want to explore.

Nothing forced. Nothing staged.


HERE ARE 4 BENEFITS OF HAVING A SMALL WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT:

  1. You get to remove the pressure, anxiety, and obligation of a big, traditional wedding and strip your wedding day down to simply whatever would be most fun for the two of you. You are 100% free to focus on what really matters without any distractions. It becomes truly just about the two of you and your love for one another.

  2. You get to focus on intimacy and intention (instead of crazy wedding day timelines, party favors, etc). Because your guest list will be small (aka: the people you love most in the world), you have the ability to actually spend time with and connect with each and every one of them.

  3. You get to add in experiences to your wedding day. Having less people gives you way more time to fill your day with awesome things. Ideas below!

  4. Less stress and planning! The less details there are to remember, the less stressful it will be for you. Imagine planning a wedding that was stress free and relaxed. A day that was focused more on the two of you than planning a performance for others. A ceremony that is intimate and meaningful. An experience that is a true reflection of your relationship, your personalities and the things you love. Small weddings are awesome!! (can you tell I’m passionate about the subject?)


Choosing to have a small wedding is an incredible choice and I’m here to walk it with you!

Sit down with one another and start by asking the question:

If you and I could plan the best day ever together - what would we do? Then, plan your small wedding around those fun ideas!

Here are some of my ideas about things you could incorporate into your day:

*BUT OF COURSE, MOST OF THESE THINGS ARE DEPENDENT ON THE EVER CHANGING RULES/ LAWS SURROUNDING COVID-19.


  • Hire out a whole movie theatre! I don’t even know if this is possible, but movie theatre’s are shut and if you called them and explained your situation and just had the two of you in there (or you + 8 friends appropriately spaced apart) how fun would that be!

  • If that doesn’t work out, rent out a movie screen and projector and screen a movie within your backyard. Get blankets, pillows, a popcorn machine and camp out in your backyard under the stars.

  • Forgo a reception and hire a personal chef for the two of you. Eat the best food of your life on the best day of your life!

  • Have an extended photo shoot! With more time you can go to multiple dream locations and have way more fun with the whole thing.

  • Hire a food truck, a coffee bar (they are usually manned by only one person) or a mobile bar (or all three!)

  • Or, get take-out. So much take-out from all your favorite places.

  • You could have a fire-pit and smore’s.

  • Hire a local musician (or musicians, depending on people limits).

  • Set up tables with board games or lawn games for your guests to have a super relaxing day/ afternoon.

  • You could make an awesome ‘lounge room set up’ outside.

  • You could get a couple of polaroid cameras and have a polaroid guestbook album.

  • Hang up strands and strands of string lights! So magical.

  • You can still have a sparkler exit.

  • If you do have a reception with multiple guests, you can have an open mic; giving everybody the opportunity to share their favorite memories.

  • You can include dogs/ your animals in your wedding day!

  • You can live stream your small wedding, inviting as many guests as you want from their freedom of their homes.


Hopefully at-least some of these ideas are helpful for you guys as you navigate this craziness and craft a wedding day that is absolutely perfect for the two of you!

I’m open to literally just about anything so be in touch if you need help, have a wild idea, or would like to run something by me!