After the COVID-19 pandemic struck the globe, bigger weddings seemed to take a bit of a backseat to the up-and-coming intimate wedding.

Although I am a sucker for big weddings, these more intimate days started becoming some of my favorite types of weddings. As they picked up normalcy, I was able to understand just how incredible they truly are.

4 THINGS A CALIFORNIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT INTIMATE WEDDINGS

Intimate weddings are a bit of a new territory. Sure, they technically have been around for a while. However, they didn’t really start gaining trending traction until 2020ish. With the pandemic, people weren’t supposed to be in large groups.

Some people decided to push their weddings until it was safe again. Others decided to find ways that allowed them to still marry without putting people at risk of catching the dreaded virus.

In stepped Intimate Weddings.

ONE | KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE IN GUEST COUNTS

There are a lot of titles for weddings. I mean, we have elopement, intimate weddings, micro weddings, and traditional weddings. As the years continue, I am sure we will come up with a whole lot more.

Each of these is typically told apart by their guest counts.

Elopement: 2-10 guests

Micro Wedding: 10 – 50 guests

Intimate Wedding: 50 – 75 guests

Traditional Wedding: 75 – 200+ guests

TWO | TRADITION IS STILL A BIG DEAL

Oftentimes, people think that opting for an intimate wedding means that you need to throw tradition in the wind. This is one of the biggest myths that I want to squish. Honestly, I think tradition is one of the most important parts of these types of weddings.

Cut the cake.

Through the bouquet.

Have your first dance.

Do it all because it all helps to make your day special and important.

THREE | YOUR GUEST LIST IS ENTIRELY UP TO YOU

I was at a wedding the other day, and the bride came up to me and told me that she didn’t know half of the people there. She explained that most of the guests were there because they knew her mother.

Although, this is entirely up to preference. As a wedding photographer, I want you to know that this doesn’t have to be the case — especially with intimate weddings.

You have around 75 guests — pick those YOU want there.

FOUR | PRIORITIZE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS

I promise that you are going to want to remember your wedding forever. The best way to do this is to hire a wedding photographer.

Most of the time, intimate weddings cost less than traditional weddings. I recommend investing in a photographer that is going to do their very best to document each detail of your day. It is worth it. Your intimate wedding day is one that you aren’t going to want to forget.

INTERESTED IN BOOKING A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR WEDDING IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY?

Cambria Pines Lodge Intimate Wedding Vendors

Venue/Catering/Bar: @cambriapineslodge

Photo: @nikkelsphotography

Cake: @cakesbyjudycakes

Bridal Gown: @moondancebridal

Groom’s Attire: @heygorgeousformalwear