A big wedding isn’t your vibe? I love that for you. Smaller weddings are where it’s at! An intimate wedding gives you the space to breathe, break rules, and focus on the things that actually matter, and as a Sacramento wedding photographer, that makes it so fun to capture! 

Lisa and Thien’s intimate wedding was such a dream. A simple setup, a killer dance floor, and the company of just their favorite people. It was sweet and uncomplicated, which meant that all the focus got to be all on the love the two of them shared. And it seriously melted my heart.

Why Choose an Intimate Wedding? My Favorite Reasons as a Sacramento Wedding Photographer

Small Wedding Vibes

Some people genuinely don’t enjoy being the center of attention, and that’s a perfectly valid reason to choose an intimate wedding. After all, it’s your day, queen!! 

You Want a Wedding, Not a Performance

When there’s a huge group of people with all eyes on you, it can definitely get overwhelming, fast. If you want your wedding to feel like a shared experience instead of a performance, a smaller guest list makes all the difference.

For Connection, Intentionality, and Presence

With fewer guests, you can actually be present; lingering conversations, real hugs, and moments that don’t feel rushed.

To Make it All Yours

With a small wedding, you’re free to do whatever you want, and it’s so nice. No need to worry about the judgment from your mom’s third cousin, because she didn’t make the list!!

To Save Some Stress (And Honestly, Money)

An intimate wedding means you don’t have to worry about logistics for a huge group. That gives you a lot more time to kick back and relax during the wedding planning process. Less time spent writing out addresses for invitations, less stress about hotel room blocks (the worst), and more time spent focusing on the parts of your day that matter the most. And let’s face it: you’ll definitely be saving some moolah when you’re planning a smaller wedding, too! 

How to Plan an Intimate Wedding

Here’s the best part: you get to plan your wedding however you want. You want a backyard wedding? Hell yeah! You want everyone to go bowling instead of hosting a reception? I love the vibes. 

But let’s be real. When you Google “wedding planning tips,” you’re getting information for a big, traditional wedding and finding stuff that just doesn’t apply to you. Planning an intimate wedding looks different, and that’s where having a Sacramento wedding photographer who understands that really matters.

Who to Invite to an Intimate Wedding 

Chances are, if you’re planning a small wedding, you’re trying to eliminate as much stress as possible, anyway. So, your guest list should be full of people who don’t stress you out! Be picky with your guest list, queen! Good vibes ONLY. Don’t let anyone pressure you into inviting your crazy great aunt that you haven’t seen in five years. 

Intimate Wedding Venues in California

As a Sacramento wedding photographer, I’ve photographed intimate weddings all over California, and these venues consistently deliver.

• Cavaignac, A Country Estate – where charm meets luxury vibes. 
• Hakone Estate and Gardens – the serene garden vibes here are unmatched. 
• Switzer Farm – a venue that actually feels like it’s in its own little world 
• San Francisco City Hall – because courthouse weddings are such a vibe. 
• Family land – if you have access to family land that has meaning and gorgeous views… It’s giving lucky-girl energy. Definitely say yes to the backyard wedding. 

Intimate Wedding Dresses

Many brides choose simpler silhouettes for intimate weddings, but there are truly no rules here. I see people wear mini dresses, ballgowns, and bold colors for their small wedding, and I’m so on board with it all!

You know I’ve got you covered! Here are some of my top recs: 

• Alora by Jenny Yoo, for the modern, chic bride
• Grove by Justin Alexander, for the classic, traditional bride
• Shirley by Maggie Sottero, for the bride who wants to make a statement
• Silver Springs Mini by Hayley Paige, for the fun, nontraditional bride

What to *Really* Focus On When Planning Your Intimate Wedding 

In all seriousness, your wedding, big or small, is all about the two of you. It’s your first kiss as a married couple. Being celebrated by the people you love most in the whole world. Connecting with your spouse (eek!) in a way that you never have before. 

It’s super easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of planning, so this is your reminder: take a step back, take a deep breath, and re-focus on what your day is actually about, not all the fuss. 

FAQs About Intimate Weddings

Q: What’s the difference between an intimate wedding and a micro wedding?

A: A micro wedding is typically between 10 and 20 guests, where an intimate wedding can be up to 30-50! 

Q: What are the best venues for a small wedding in Sacramento?

A: Sacramento-specific venues I love for intimate weddings are Scribner Bend Vineyards, The Maples Woodland, and Wolfe Heights Estates. Seriously, don’t sleep on these!

Q: Is a small wedding cheaper than a big one?

A: Yes! You’ll definitely save some money planning a smaller wedding. Fewer guests = less to buy!

Why My Film-Inspired Photography as a Sacramento Wedding Photographer is the Perfect Fit for Your Intimate Wedding

My approach is simple: honest, nostalgic, and emotionally grounded photography that lets moments unfold naturally. So when you plan a day that focuses on connection, intentionality, and meaning… It shows in the photos. It blends beautifully with my photography style. 

And the result? Photos that feel like family heirlooms that you come back to again and again. Photos that tell a story, that you know one day you’ll show your grandkids and be like, “yep, that was us!” 

Grace Thao | Sacramento Wedding Photographer

If you’re a couple that’s super chill, who loves to dance, and who knows that their wedding is their day, you’re my kinda people!! Whether you’re planning a deeply intimate wedding or something larger, I’d love to hear what matters most to you. If you’re looking for a Sacramento wedding photographer who values connection over performance, let’s chat! Inquire with me here! 

Sweet words from the couple: “We chose to work with Grace based on a recommendation from a friend, and from our very first virtual call to meeting her in person right before our wedding day, she was nothing short of amazing. Grace was so accommodating and easygoing — which was perfect for us since we’re definitely more nontraditional and laid-back. Even without a detailed shot list, she absolutely delivered.

Looking through our wedding gallery only confirmed that we made the right choice. Grace captured every little moment — the laughter, the emotions, and the love we felt surrounded by our friends and family. Not only do my husband and I adore these memories, but our family and friends have been just as excited to relive the day through her photos. We’re beyond grateful and so excited to shoot our bridals with her next year in the PNW. Could not recommend her enough for couples looking for a wedding photographer!”

Find more intimate wedding inspo from these blog posts: 

Planning an Intimate Bodega Bay Wedding: A Guide from a Northern California Wedding Photographer

A Hawaii Destination Wedding Feel (Without All the Travel Fuss)

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Joshua Tree Elopement in 2026