Why I'll Always Have a Soft Spot for a Small, Intimate Wedding

After standing beside dozens of couples as they say "I do", one thing has become very clear …

There’s no such thing as the perfect wedding.

Some couples dream of a marquee packed with family and friends, a dance floor that never empties, and a celebration that lasts well into the night. Others picture something much quieter. Just the two of them, or perhaps a small group of their favourite people, somewhere beautiful.

I love both!

But there is something incredibly special about a small, intimate wedding.

It's about the marriage, not managing the guest list

Planning a wedding can sometimes feel like a juggling act.
Who sits where?
Do we invite second cousins?
Will Great Aunt Gertrude be offended if she's not invited … even though you haven't seen her since you were ten?

With a smaller wedding, so much of that pressure simply disappears.

Instead of trying to keep everyone else happy, you get to focus on the two people who matter most - yourselves.

You actually get to enjoy the day

One thing I hear time and time again is: "The day just went so fast."

With a smaller wedding, there's often a little more breathing room. You have time to take in your surroundings, enjoy a quiet moment together after the ceremony, chat with every guest and actually remember how the day felt. It becomes less about rushing from one thing to the next and more about simply being present.

Your wedding can look however you want it to

One of my favourite things about intimate weddings is that couples feel more confident doing things their own way.
Maybe that means getting married at sunrise. Maybe it's sharing fish and chips on the beach afterwards.
Maybe it's a long lunch with twelve people instead of a reception for one hundred.
Or maybe it's just the two of you.

There really aren't any rules.

A hidden gem in Christchurch

One venue that perfectly captures this style of wedding is The Secret Garden.

Tucked away in Christchurch, it feels like one of those places you've stumbled across by accident. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and with a gorgeous indoor space overlooking the water (perfect for those classic Canterbury four-seasons-in-one-day moments!), it's relaxed, elegant and beautifully considered.

I’m delighted to be a celebrant with NZ Elopement Co, who specialise in small, heartfelt elopements and small weddings - planned just for you.

These images captured at The Secret Garden reflect the essence of those experiences. All-inclusive, thoughtfully curated, everything is taken care of - from venue and styling through to photography, cake, hair and makeup, and catering. Every detail has been considered, and is ready for you to shape a day that feels personal and entirely your own.

What I really love about their approach is that they've taken the guesswork out of planning an elopement. They've carefully brought together a collection of trusted local wedding vendors and a stunning venue, allowing couples to simply choose the experience that feels right for them.

It was such a pleasure working alongside Carmen Peter Photography, Selina Nunn Hair & Makeup, Graces Brides,Rembrandt, Austen & Blake, The Cake Eating Co, and fellow celebrant Jane Godfrey to bring the day to life.

If you're dreaming of a small wedding or elopement, I'd absolutely encourage you to have a look at what NZ Elopement Co has created. And if you'd like me to be standing there with you as your celebrant, I'd be honoured to help tell your story.

There really is no right way to get married

Whether your ceremony is in front of 150 guests or just a handful of your favourite people, what matters is that it feels like you.
As a celebrant, that's always my goal: To create a ceremony that's warm, relaxed and personal. One where you can forget about everyone watching, take a breath, look at each other and simply enjoy the moment.

If you're dreaming of a small wedding or elopement in Christchurch or Canterbury, I'd love to hear what you're planning.
Let's have a coffee (or a wine!) and chat about creating a ceremony that's completely your own.

Image: Carmen Peters Photography
https://laughterintherain.co.nz/
Location: The Secret Garden, Christchurch