Hey there, beautiful brides! Buckle up because we're about to embark on the journey of a lifetime—the wild ride that is PLANNING A WEDDING!

Picture this: A small, intimate ceremony in the glorious mountains, surrounded by your nearest and dearest. Now, hold onto your bouquet because I'm here to make the case for why many couples, (myself included), are falling head over heels for small destination weddings with a larger-than-life reception to follow. Trust me, it's not just a trend; it's a wedding revolution, and you're invited!

The Ceremony

Let's start with the main event—the ceremony. There's something incredibly magical about exchanging vows with the love of your life in an intimate setting. Small destination weddings let you focus on what truly matters: the two of you and the promise you're making. No need for stadium-sized guest lists; just a handful of your closest friends and family sharing the moment. It's like having a front-row seat to the most epic love story ever told.

Destination Wedding, Darling!

Whoever said you can't have your cake and eat it too clearly never planned a destination wedding. Imagine jetting off to a dreamy locale with your favorite people in tow. Whether it's a tropical paradise, a European hideaway, or a charming countryside retreat, the world becomes your wedding playground. It's not just a ceremony; it's a vacation, a celebration, and a grand adventure all rolled into one. My husband and I decided to do a small destination wedding in Sedona Arizona last month. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made…. after deciding to marry each other of course. We tend to be on the more adventurous side and love a good vacation. Turning our wedding into an epic vacation weekend with all of our closest friends and family was an absolute dream. It was so much fun to pull our loved ones out of their comfort zone a little bit and see what a wonderful time they had.

Wedding Budget Bliss

Let's talk numbers, my budget-savvy friends. Small destination weddings often come with a price tag that's a bit more friendly to your wallet. According to Brides.com, the average wedding costs around 29,000 dollars in the United States in 2023. In contrast, Brides.com reports that a destination elopement will only cost you between 5,00-15,00 dollars. You can redirect the funds you'd spend on a massive guest list toward creating an unforgettable experience. Better yet, consider the savings you'll pocket by opting for an all-inclusive package at a beautiful destination. More bang for your wedding buck? Yes, please!

VIP Treatment

Ever dreamt of having a wedding where you're not running around trying to greet 300 guests? Destination weddings are your golden ticket to VIP treatment. With a smaller guest list, you'll actually get to spend quality time with each person, creating memories that will last a lifetime. No more feeling like a wedding ninja, darting from one table to the next. Embrace the luxury of meaningful connections! Jake and I had our wedding guests all rent out a huge Airbnb to share. It slept 20 people! It was so awesome to get to slow down and spend quality time with all of the people who we love and who came to support us.

Picture Perfect Memories

I wont lie to you, the pictures were a HUGE factor in us deciding to do a destination wedding elopement in Sedona. Small destination weddings are a dream for capturing those perfect moments. Imagine the breathtaking backdrop of a Sedona’s brilliant red rock, a historic Spanish villa, or a lush vineyard (Yes there were vineyards in Sedona!). Your wedding album will be a work of art, telling the story of your love against some of the most picturesque settings the world has to offer.

Another picture perfect moment to consider: We got SO many more photos with the people closest to us over the weekend that we spent with them which was such a huge bonus! It really meant so much to me and Jake that so many people were willing to fly in for us. Having a few extra photos with them is something that we will cherish.

One Word: Logistics

Let's talk logistics, my logistical wizards. Smaller destination weddings are often easier to plan and execute. You can focus on the details that matter most to you without the stress of coordinating a massive event. Plus, with a more manageable guest list, you're less likely to find yourself playing wedding coordinator on the big day.

The Guest Experience

Consider the experience you're providing for your guests. A smaller destination ceremony is an intimate affair, allowing your loved ones and those closest to you to witness your union in a meaningful way. The larger reception that follows, on the other hand, ensures that all your friends and family can partake in the joyous celebration, creating memories together that will be cherished for years to come.

A Separate wedding reception: Let the Party Begin

Now, let's talk about the pièce de résistance—the grand reception. By having a smaller, more intimate ceremony, you're free to unleash the party animal within for the larger celebration that follows. Think about it: You've already sealed the deal with your closest crew; now it's time to let loose with everyone you know and love! Jake and I had a medium sized reception back home in Florida after our Sedona destination elopement. It was exactly what we needed. There was no stress, no rush to get ready and take photos, it was just a party!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—small destination weddings with a larger reception to follow. It's like having the best of both wedding worlds, a magical concoction of intimate moments and grand celebrations. As you plan your big day, think about the memories you want to create, the people you want by your side, and the epic celebration that will kick off your journey into marital bliss. It's not just a wedding; it's your wedding, and it deserves to be as extraordinary as your love story. Cheers to saying 'I do' in style!