How to Plan an Intimate Destination Wedding in a Special Place

Jenna & Drew’s Intimate Wedding | Video by: Angelica Therese Films

Imagine exchanging vows surrounded only by your immediate family and closest friends, in a stunning location that feels like a second home. Instead of a traditional venue, you’re all staying under one roof—a place where you’ll not only celebrate but also share meals, cozy up by the fire, and dance in the living room. This is the magic of an intimate destination wedding: a truly meaningful celebration that brings everyone closer.

Planning a destination wedding for a small group doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of thoughtful planning, you can create a seamless, heartfelt experience that you and your loved ones will cherish forever. Here’s how to plan an intimate destination wedding where everyone feels like family, sharing both the special day and the days around it.

1. Choosing the Perfect Destination

The beauty of an intimate wedding is that it allows you to be flexible and creative with your location. Think about places that are special to you as a couple—whether it’s a quiet seaside town, a secluded mountain lodge, or a cozy cabin in the woods. The setting can play a huge role in your wedding experience, so select a place that resonates with your personalities and the kind of atmosphere you want to create.

Since you’re traveling with a small group, consider destinations that offer private accommodations or small lodges where everyone can stay together. The venue itself becomes part of the experience, transforming your celebration into a multi-day adventure rather than a single event.

2. Finding a Venue that Feels Like Home

Once you’ve chosen a destination, look for a venue that can comfortably house both the ceremony and reception. Ideally, this place should have enough space for all your guests to sleep and stay for a few days, creating an intimate, home-like environment where everyone can relax and bond. Think about cozy cottages, spacious Airbnbs, or boutique lodges that offer charm, privacy, and beautiful surroundings.

Look for a venue with comfortable common spaces—like a living room, deck, or outdoor area—where you can gather for informal moments throughout the day. The key is to find a place that feels welcoming and allows everyone to share in the experience, creating a sense of togetherness that can’t be achieved in a traditional venue.

3. Making It Personal with a Private Chef

One of the greatest perks of an intimate wedding is that you can create a truly personalized dining experience. Instead of catering for a large group, you can bring in a private chef to craft a custom menu that reflects your tastes and the local flavors of your chosen destination. A private chef adds a level of warmth and sophistication, elevating each meal into an experience in itself.

Consider having the chef prepare family-style meals for a communal dining experience, or plan a special multi-course dinner for your wedding night. Whether it’s a casual brunch, a sunset cocktail hour, or a candlelit dinner, a private chef brings a touch of elegance and intimacy to each meal, making dining together a highlight of your celebration.

4. Creating a Relaxed Schedule for Together Time

With a small guest list and a single location, you can plan a flexible, relaxed schedule that gives everyone time to connect and unwind. Instead of back-to-back events, leave room for spontaneous moments like morning coffee chats, group hikes, or leisurely brunches. This kind of relaxed pace allows everyone to truly soak up the experience, creating lasting memories that feel natural and unforced.

Many couples hosting an intimate wedding choose to stretch the celebration over a few days, turning it into a mini-vacation for their guests. On the first night, you could plan a welcome dinner, while the day after the wedding might include a farewell brunch. By slowing down the pace, you’re creating time to savor each moment, both as a couple and with your guests.

5. Designing a Ceremony and Reception That Feel Intimate

For the ceremony, keep it simple and meaningful. With only a few loved ones gathered around, you can create a setup that feels close and personal—whether it’s an outdoor ceremony under a natural archway or an indoor exchange of vows by a cozy fireplace. The beauty of an intimate wedding is that you’re not bound by traditional expectations; instead, you’re free to design a ceremony that’s authentic and unique to your love story.

Following the ceremony, the reception can be as relaxed or formal as you like. You might opt for a small dinner in the dining room, a gathering on the deck under string lights, or a cozy indoor meal by the fire. Keeping things personal and private enhances the experience, making it feel like a true celebration of love in a space that’s yours alone.

6. Adding Personal Touches

With fewer people and a more intimate setting, you have the freedom to add personal touches that make the day truly special. Think handwritten notes, personalized place settings, or welcome gifts that reflect the location or your personalities as a couple. These thoughtful details create an experience that feels more like a heartfelt gathering than a formal event.

If you’re up for it, plan a few surprises for your guests, like a group activity or a small keepsake that reminds them of the destination. These little details help create an unforgettable atmosphere, making everyone feel included and appreciated.

7. Sharing a Private First Dance

One of the most magical moments of an intimate wedding is the chance to share a private first dance in a space that feels like home. Picture this: soft lighting, your favorite song playing, and you and your partner swaying together in the living room with your loved ones nearby. The intimacy of a private first dance adds an emotional depth that’s hard to achieve at a larger celebration, creating a memory you’ll cherish forever.

Your guests can join in for a dance party afterward, turning the living room into a dance floor where everyone can celebrate together. It’s a simple yet incredibly powerful moment that brings the whole group together in a way that feels relaxed, joyful, and full of love.

8. Capturing the Day in an Authentic Way

With fewer guests, your wedding film can focus on the authentic, candid moments that make your day unique. Instead of worrying about the crowd or staging perfect shots, your videographer can capture real, unscripted interactions between you, your partner, and your guests. From the laughter shared over breakfast to quiet moments before the ceremony, the film will become a beautiful reminder of the love and joy that filled every part of your day.

This kind of storytelling captures the true essence of your relationship, creating a keepsake that reflects the genuine, heartfelt experience of an intimate wedding.

9. Focusing on What Matters Most

An intimate destination wedding strips away the distractions, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love and sharing it with the people who matter most. Without the pressure of a large event, you’re free to enjoy each moment, savor each conversation, and connect more deeply with the people around you.

In the end, it’s these intimate, heartfelt connections that make the day unforgettable. You’re not just hosting a wedding; you’re sharing a meaningful experience that will linger in your hearts—and the hearts of your guests—for years to come.

An intimate destination wedding allows you to embrace the beauty of simplicity, connection, and authenticity. It’s a celebration of love, shared in a place that feels like home, with the people who mean the most to you. So if you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels deeply personal, relaxed, and filled with love, consider an intimate destination gathering. It’s more than a wedding—it’s a cherished memory in the making.