How to create an intimate wedding (Even when you’ve invited 150+ People)

Not everyone wants a 30-person elopement in the woods. Sometimes you’ve got a big ol’ family, friend groups from every chapter of your life, or you just want to throw a party so good people talk about it for years. Totally fair.

But here’s the thing: big weddings don’t have to feel impersonal. You can have 150 guests and still make it feel like your day—not a reunion dinner with a choreographed schedule. So if you want a huge bash that doesn't sacrifice the intimacy of a micro wedding—this one’s for you.

Make the Ceremony Feel Personal AF

The ceremony sets the tone. If it feels like a script someone downloaded from the internet, that’s what your guests will remember. Write your own vows. Choose a friend to officiate. Ditch the traditions you don’t care about. Tell a story, cry a little, laugh a lot. And make sure everyone can HEAR. Troubleshoot the audio. Test it for the people in the back.

Break the Crowd Into Smaller Moments

Large weddings feel less overwhelming when you create pockets of connection.

That could look like:

• Lounge setups with cozy furniture and candles

• A private cocktail hour with just your wedding party and family

• Communal-style dinners with shared plates and long tables

Big doesn’t have to mean chaotic—it just needs good flow.

Rethink the Traditional Guestbook

Instead of a traditional sign-in, try a video guestbook booth, a vintage phone where guests can leave voicemails, or handwritten notes collected in a custom box. It’s one of the easiest ways to give your guests a role and collect real, emotional memories.

Hire Vendors Who Get the Vibe (like a candid wedding photographer)

Your photo and video team sets the tone. If you want to actually be present on your wedding day (instead of spending 3 hours fake laughing in front of a fountain), hire people who document the day as it happens—not stage a movie. Also: don’t sleep on the value of a good DJ, bartender, or planner who can read the room.

Carve Out a Just-Us Moment

Whether it’s a private vow exchange, a champagne toast before the reception, or a quick sunset walk during golden hour—make space in the day to be alone together. Even if you’re surrounded by 180 guests, those 10 minutes will ground you and help you remember what the whole day is actually about. Here's even more advice on how to stay present on your wedding day.

Feed People Well and Let Them Dance

This might sound simple, but it’s real. Nothing makes a wedding feel more warm and welcoming than good food, free drinks, and a dance floor that doesn’t suck. People remember how they felt at your wedding—and that starts with atmosphere, not the table linens.

Final Thought:

Big weddings don’t have to mean impersonal weddings. You can have the big guest list and the good vibes. It just takes a little intention and a crew who knows how to pull it off.

If you’re planning a wedding with a big guest list and you still want it to feel intimate, nostalgic, and you—I’d love to help. Let’s talk about how we can make the day feel like a memory, not a production.

Reach out to chat about wedding photography for your 2025 - 2027 celebration