You’ve heard it before: “Weddings go by in a blur.” And it’s true—when everything is packed into a single whirlwind day with hundreds of guests, it can be hard to take it all in. 

But what if you didn’t have to rush? What if your wedding day could actually feel intentional—not just planned, but present, grounded, and totally you?

For many couples, that’s the appeal of an intimate wedding. Fewer guests doesn’t mean fewer memories. In fact, it often creates space for more connection, more creativity, and more meaning—especially when it comes to your ceremony.

As a humanist celebrant, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply moving and elevated small weddings can be. Here’s how an intimate celebration allows your ceremony to shine as the true heart of your day.

The Power of Presence in a Small Ceremony

There’s something uniquely sacred about standing in front of the people who know and love you most. With a smaller guest list, the energy shifts—from performance to presence.

Couples tell me they feel more at ease. More seen. More emotionally grounded. Instead of scanning a sea of faces, they’re surrounded by warmth. And in that closeness, your words, vows, and emotions resonate more deeply—between you and your partner, and among those guests you have chosen to surround yourselves with on your wedding day.

This presence makes it easier to stay in the moment—and it turns your ceremony into something truly unforgettable.

More Time to Tell Your Story

With less pressure to squeeze everything into a rigid timeline, intimate weddings open the door to storytelling.

I don’t just recite your love story—I write it with you. Together, we craft a narrative that honors where you’ve been, what you’ve built, and what you’re promising for the future. There’s room for personal anecdotes, inside jokes, and thoughtful moments that might get cut in a more traditional ceremony.

Want to include a reading from your favorite novel? Invite a parent or friend to share a few words? Add a moment of reflection, a group blessing, or a shared ritual? Yes. Yes. Yes. With fewer constraints, you can say what you actually want to say—and savor every word.

Elevated Rituals and Thoughtful Touches

Intimate doesn’t mean simple. In fact, smaller guest counts often allow for elevated details that make your ceremony feel designed.

You could incorporate a handfasting, a wine-blending ritual, or a letter exchange. I’ve seen couples invite their guests into a circle of support or to participate in a ring warming- a ritual that doesn’t work as well with bigger crowds.

These choices are more than aesthetic—they’re emotional anchors. They reflect your values and style, and they bring your story to life in tangible, lasting ways.

The Ceremony as Centerpiece

Here’s the truth: at an intimate wedding, the ceremony isn’t just the thing that kicks off the day. It is the main event.

When your guest list is small, your ceremony becomes more than a formality—it becomes a shared experience. This is where your people truly witness you stepping into marriage, not just legally, but emotionally and intentionally.

And when it’s done right, the ceremony becomes the most talked-about, cherished part of the celebration. It sets the tone for everything that follows. It invites laughter, tears, and reflection. It reminds everyone why they’ve gathered—and who you are as a couple.

This is the part of the day you’ll replay in your mind for years to come. Your ceremony deserves that kind of presence. That kind of care. That kind of meaning.

And I will never treat it like a formality. For me, your ceremony is not a script to be filled in—it’s a story to be honored, a moment to be felt, and a memory to be created with intention.

Humanist, Bespoke, and Designed for You

Whether you're blending cultural backgrounds, skipping tradition, or forging a path that's entirely your own, intimate weddings make it easier to honor what matters most.

Every ceremony I write is bespoke—custom-written just for you. There are no templates, no generic lines, and no assumptions about what your love looks like. We build your ceremony around your relationship, your humor, your values, and your vision for marriage.

This is not just about saying “I do.” It’s about starting your marriage with depth, clarity, and connection.

Let’s Create a Moment That Matters

If you’re planning a small wedding, you already know that less can be more. But when it comes to your ceremony, more doesn’t mean bigger. It means more meaning. More care. More truth.

If you're ready to craft a ceremony that feels like you—romantic, honest, and unforgettable—I’d be honored to be your celebrant.

Let’s make the most of this moment.