While grand weddings with hundreds of guests and elaborate celebrations are the dream for some, many couples find that a small, intimate wedding offers a more personal and memorable experience. With a smaller guest list, you can focus on creating a truly special and personalised celebration that reflects you and your love story.

A Small Wedding in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, with its charming villages, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside, offers an idyllic setting for a small, intimate wedding. Imagine exchanging vows amidst the ancient stone walls of a stately manor, or celebrating your love under the canopy of a starry sky in a secluded Cotswolds garden. The Cotswolds’ romantic ambience and abundance of charming venues and backdrops make it the perfect place to create a truly unforgettable wedding experience.

Ideas for a small, intimate wedding in the Cotswolds:

Get married in a picturesque village church

Picture yourself standing at the altar, surrounded by the warm glow of stained glass windows and the hushed whispers of centuries of love stories echoing through the walls. The Cotswolds boasts a wealth of enchanting village churches, each with its own unique architectural charm and historical significance. Imagine exchanging vows beneath the soaring arches of a medieval abbey, or saying “I do” amidst the serene tranquillity of a country church nestled amidst rolling hills. 

Have a reception in a cosy Cotswolds pub

Escape the formality of traditional wedding venues and immerse yourself in the rustic charm of a Cotswolds pub for your reception. These cosy establishments exude a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for creating a relaxed and informal celebration with your closest friends and family. Imagine raising a glass of local cider or ale to your new life together, surrounded by the familiar clatter of glasses and the convivial chatter of your loved ones. Cotswolds pubs offer a unique blend of authenticity and comfort, making them an ideal setting for a truly memorable wedding reception.

Venture into the countryside for a romantic picnic

Embrace the picturesque beauty of the Cotswolds countryside by staging a romantic picnic reception in a secluded spot. Pack a basket filled with delectable treats, including fresh produce from local farms, artisanal cheeses, and homemade pastries. Choose a serene location, such as a meadow bathed in golden sunlight or a tranquil woodland clearing, and spread out a blanket under the canopy of ancient trees. As you savour the flavours of the Cotswolds and gaze at the breathtaking scenery, you’ll create a wedding experience that is as enchanting as the setting itself.

Have a stargazing ceremony

Harness the magic of the Cotswolds’ clear skies and exchange vows under the twinkling canopy of stars. Find a secluded spot away from the city lights, where the vast expanse of the night sky unfolds before you. The gentle glow of candles will cast a warm and intimate ambience, as you recite your vows and declare your everlasting love amidst the celestial wonders. This unique and unforgettable ceremony will symbolize the enduring power of your love, as you stand beneath the same stars that have witnessed the passage of time for centuries.

No matter what style you choose, a small, intimate wedding in the Cotswolds is sure to be a magical and unforgettable experience.

Benefits of a Small Wedding

There are many reasons why couples choose to have a small wedding. 

A more personal event

A small wedding allows you to truly connect with your guests, fostering deeper connections and creating lasting memories. With a more intimate guest list, you can have more meaningful conversations, share personal stories, and forge stronger bonds with those who truly matter to you. This personalised experience enriches your wedding celebration, making it a more meaningful and cherished occasion.

More affordable

Small weddings are generally more budget-friendly than large-scale events. By scaling down the guest list, you can reduce the expenses associated with catering, venue rental, décor, and other wedding essentials. This financial flexibility allows you to allocate more resources to aspects that truly define your wedding vision, whether indulging in exquisite cuisine, incorporating personalised touches, or creating a unique and memorable atmosphere.

A lot less stress

The planning and execution of a large wedding can be overwhelming, often leading to stress and anxiety. A smaller wedding, on the other hand, simplifies the planning process and reduces the pressure of managing a vast guest list and complex arrangements. You can focus on the essence of your wedding – celebrating your love and commitment with the people who hold a special place in your hearts – without the added burden of managing a large-scale event.

A more meaningful affair

A small wedding allows you to concentrate on inviting the individuals who are most dear to you, those who have played a significant role in your lives and shared your journey together. By prioritising your closest friends and family, you create a more intimate and personal celebration, where each person feels valued and connected to your shared love story. This emphasis on meaningful connections elevates the emotional impact of your wedding, making it a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.

In essence, a small wedding offers a more intimate, affordable, and stress-reducing approach to celebrating your love, allowing you to focus on the true essence of your wedding day – connecting with those who matter most and creating lasting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Now, read our planning tips for your small wedding in the Cotswolds.