Choosing a Small or Large Wedding
We hear this question all the time from couples touring our venue: “We’re torn. Should we do something big, or keep it small?” And honestly, it’s a great question. Because when it comes to weddings, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
As a venue that has hosted everything from intimate elopements to grand weekend-long celebrations, we’ve seen the beauty in both. And we’ve also seen how choosing the right size wedding can make all the difference in how relaxed, joyful, and personal your day feels.
So let’s talk through it. Here are some real pros and cons to consider when deciding between a large or small wedding, plus a few questions to help you figure out what fits your vision best.
The Case for a Small Wedding
We would say that a small guest count would be around 60 people or less. There’s something truly special about a smaller guest list. It creates space, literally and emotionally, for deeper connection and meaningful moments.
Pros of a Small Wedding:
More Quality Time: You actually get to talk to every guest. No racing from table to table.
More Intimate Vibes: The whole day feels more relaxed and emotional. Think cozy dinner-party energy with your favorite people.
Budget-Friendly Flexibility: Your dollars go further. You can splurge on amazing food, top-shelf drinks, or dreamy décor because you’re buying for fewer people.
Unique Venue Options: With a smaller crowd, you can get creative with your location such as barn lofts, garden courtyards, mountaintop overlooks.
Potential Cons:
Tough Guest List Decisions: It’s not always easy to keep the list short without hurting feelings.
Less “Party” Energy: If you dream of a packed dance floor and a roaring crowd, a smaller wedding might not be the best option for you.
Family Pressure: Sometimes loved ones have opinions about who should be invited.
The Case for a Large Wedding (100+ guests)
If you love the idea of a packed dance floor, big celebration energy, and seeing everyone you care about in one place, then a large wedding might be exactly what you’re dreaming of.
Pros of a Large Wedding:
All-In Celebration: It’s your one big chance to have everyone from your college friends to your great-aunt in the same room. That doesn’t happen often.
High-Energy Vibes: More people usually means more fun, from louder cheering to a fuller dance floor.
More Memories to Be Made: With so many people, the day is full of spontaneous moments you’ll never forget.
Potential Cons:
Bigger Budget: More guests mean more meals, more tables, more everything.
Less Time with Each Person: It can be hard to connect with everyone during the day, some guests you may only see in passing.
More Planning Logistics: Larger weddings typically involve more moving parts, think seating charts, transportation, multiple vendors.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, this comes down to your priorities, your personalities, and your people. Here are a few questions we suggest asking yourselves:
What feels more exciting, an intimate dinner or a big dance party?
Is there a number of people that feels just right, not too much, not too little?
Are there cultural or family traditions that influence the size of your guest list?
How important is your budget in shaping the day?
When you picture your wedding, who’s there?
There’s no wrong answer here. Only what’s right for you. Some couples thrive in a full room with 200 people cheering them on. Others feel most themselves when they’re surrounded by 20 of their closest people, sharing a meal under string lights. Both are beautiful.
A Middle Ground: The “Just-Right” Wedding
Here’s a secret tip: many couples end up somewhere in the middle. Around 75–100 guests often hits the sweet spot. It’s big enough to feel like a celebration, small enough to stay personal.
We’ve also seen couples split the difference: an intimate ceremony and dinner one day, followed by a big reception party the next. Or a small destination wedding, then a hometown celebration later.
There are no rules! You get to create a wedding that reflects who you are as a couple, not just what tradition expects.
Final Thought: Make the Day Feel Like You
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love, your story, and your future. Whether you invite 15 people or 150, the goal is the same: to feel joyful, connected, and fully present.
As your venue, we’re here to support your vision, whatever size that may be. We’ll help you make the most of the space, recommend vendors who suit your vibe, and guide you through every detail. So don’t stress about choosing what’s “better.” Just choose what feels right for you, for your partner, and for the experience you want to create. And whatever you decide? We can’t wait to be part of it.