18 of the Best Small Wedding Venues for Intimate Celebrations
Looking for the perfect small wedding venue for your intimate celebration? Well, you're in luck. We've scoured the best venues for small weddings in the US and put together a list of everything from rustic to romantic options with the help of The Knot Marketplace. Whether you want to get married in the great outdoors, on the beach, in a classy venue with city views or at a historical location, these venues won't disappoint.
And since planning a small wedding is different from organizing a large one, each event space in this round-up has a unique set of amenities, offerings and services with plenty of character and ambiance. At several of the listed venues, guests can even stay on-site for convenience and an enjoyable intimate experience. Get ready to plan the event of your dreams at a beautiful small wedding venue by checking out the 18 places below.
16 Bay View Hotel in Camden, Maine
This small wedding venue is located in Camden, Maine, and used to be a 100-year-old industrial building. Now it's a beautiful boutique hotel and one of the newest luxury hotels in the area. 16 Bay View Hotel is next to Camden Harbor, which allows you and your guests to have a scenic view of the water. The hotel has two event spaces perfect for couples who want a unique and intimate wedding venue. There's an exclusive rooftop terrace that accommodates 45 guests named "The View" which overlooks the harbor, and the "Vintage Room Lobby Bar," which has an industrial vibe and can accommodate 30 guests.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, Georgia
Getting married in a gorgeous botanical garden means you can likely lower your decor budget because the place is already stunning. If this sounds like a win-win to you, consider getting married in a bountiful botanical garden, such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Gainesville, Georgia. Located in the serene woodlands, this small wedding location is just minutes from the lively downtown square. On-site, there's enough space to accommodate up to 40 people. You'll have access to the ceremony area and the indoor and outdoor event spaces.
Bar N Ranch in West Yellowstone, Montana
It doesn't get much more Montana than this. At the Bar N Ranch, you can host your dream ranch wedding––complete with resident wildlife and breathtaking views. Located just six miles from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, this wedding event space will provide your guests with a memorable experience in the great outdoors. Onsite, you can host your wedding ceremony on the riverbank with incredible mountain views in the distance. For your reception, you can host indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. As for your guest count, this venue can fit large and small celebrations with the option to stay onsite in the main lodge, private cabins or glamping tents.
Cactus Moon Lodge in Austin, Texas
Whether you're a Texas native or are looking to host a romantic destination wedding, the Cactus Moon Lodge, located in Austin, Texas, is a must-see when scouting out small wedding venues. They claim to be best for weddings of 100 guests or less, with 80-50 being the "sweet spot," but they have "petite celebration packages" for 40 guests or less too. This romantic small wedding venue is on a 20+ acre property with a unique lodge, pool area, courtyard, casitas (cottages) and decks for gazing at the sky. You can host your rehearsal dinner and day-of wedding events onsite. Plus, the venue has farm tables, cafe chairs and wine barrels, which are perfect for cocktail hour. It's truly the dream getaway for couples seeking a nature-filled, one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada
Chapel of the Flowers has been responsible for throwing beautiful Las Vegas weddings for nearly 60 years. They offer eight venues for small weddings, like the Valley of Fire, a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon, a classic little white chapel and much more. Each venue has a different guest allowance, but they range from four to 30 guests. And if having an Elvis impersonator is essential for your nuptials, Chapel of the Flowers has Elvis wedding packages to ensure your wedding ceremony is entertaining.
City Vineyard at Pier 26 in New York, New York
City Vineyard at Pier 26, in New York, has stunning city views and is a dream place to tie the knot. This intimate venue has an event space called the "Rooftop Overlook" that can host 40 seated guests, 50 for the reception and up to 70 for the ceremony. This location offers a nautical experience with views of the Hudson Estuary and Downtown Manhattan. The indoor dining room is the perfect place to celebrate, no matter the weather outside. But if you want to take your festivities outdoors, this venue has space arranged for that as well. The aesthetic inside is rustic, with comfy leather seating, oak tables and classy wine country decor. And if you're a wine fan, this event space has a staff of wine experts to help guide you through its selection of fresh wines on tap, a curated collection of wines from abroad, beer offerings and handcrafted spirits.
Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast Inn in Asheville, North Carolina
This list wouldn't be complete without a bed and breakfast that has some serious Southern charm. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to host your micro wedding or elopement. Just a mile from downtown Asheville, this boutique inn and spa is tucked away on a private, green plot complete with gardens and green ferns growing about. At this mini wedding venue, you can invite up to 30 guests and host your ceremony outdoors in the garden or living room near the fireplace. The Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast offers different wedding packages depending on the size of your wedding. As for guest accommodations, this bed and breakfast has six rooms, each with its own feel and unique decor. Plus, there are three cabins available onsite, which vary in size.
Duke's Malibu in Malibu, California
Duke's Malibu is a California beachfront surf-themed restaurant with two private event spaces called "The Ocean Room" and "The Board Room." For "The Ocean Room," which can seat anywhere from 20 to 160 seated guests, has a private entrance, so your guests will walk straight into a stunning reception area. The best part of this room is its two walls of windows, which provide breathtaking views of the ocean just outside. As for "The Board Room," it can accommodate up to 24 seated guests for a reception dinner. Should you decide to host your wedding at Duke's Malibu, you'll get to work with the venue's event coordinators and caterers to plan your perfect small wedding.
Firehouse Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
This unique small wedding venue is set in a historic firehouse in Chicago, Illinois. Built in 1906, the Firehouse Chicago can accommodate up to 100 guests and is the perfect place to host a rustic wedding. Inside, you'll find all the classic elements of a traditional firehouse with big sliding wooden garage doors and a golden firepole (that you can use). But this place has also been restored to perfectly suit a more formal event with high ceilings, white glazed brick and vintage accents. You'll get to work with a team of wedding coordinators for pre-planning and day-of details, have access to a full-service kitchen and have the option to host your ceremony outdoors or indoors.
Green Haven in Pomfret, Connecticut
Green Haven is a peaceful petite wedding venue located in Pomfret, Connecticut ideal for couples who want to say their vows in nature. There are six clearings couples can choose from for their ceremony that feature beautiful wildflowers, apple and maple trees, vegetable gardens and sculptures. Green Haven can also host ceremonies and receptions for up to 50 guests. There are several wedding packages available for to-be-weds who only want a ceremony or a ceremony and reception. Some packages include the use of the grounds for five hours, the wedding suite, an on-site event planner and rentals.
Lattanzi Cucina Italiana in New York City, New York
Many dream of having their wedding abroad, only to realize the logistical or budget issues that sometimes come into play. For a wedding that combines the best of both worlds, consider the Lattanzi Cucina Italiana in New York City. Since it opened in 1984, this family-owned wedding venue for small weddings has been considered one of New York's finest and most authentic Italian restaurants. Located on West 46th Street in Manhattan, the Lattanzi Cucina Italiana has a gorgeous terrace that's perfect for outdoor ceremonies. Inside, there's enough space to host a cozy 65-person reception. As for the look and feel of this restaurant, there are brick accent walls inside and grand lighting fixtures. You won't have to do much decorating to host a stylish wedding.
Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
For those looking to host a small and sunny beachfront wedding, the Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is definitely a venue to consider. This romantic hotel, complete with ocean views from its rooftop event spaces and private beach, is a small wedding location your guests will be thrilled to attend. Depending on what you envision for your big day, you can tie the knot outdoors on a sunny terrace or in one of the sophisticated ballrooms. As an added plus, you'll still get access to all the wedding planning resources that larger venues offer, including help from the on-site events team and culinary staff.
Phantom Lake Ranch in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
The Phantom Lake Ranch in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, is a scenic spot to say "I do." Available for weddings of up to 40 guests or less, this intimate wedding venue allows you to host a dreamy lakeside outdoor ceremony and a tented reception. The best part? You can rent this venue for your entire wedding weekend, plus there are accommodations available on-site, so your guests can stay in one place. Consider the Phantom Lake Ranch for your big day because if you're a big fan of nature you won't be disappointed.
Seven Gables Inn in St. Louis, Missouri
Seven Gables Inn is a boutique hotel located in St. Louis, Missouri, that has everything you need to host your dream wedding. In the spring of 2020, this small wedding venue completed a top-to-bottom renovation worth making now the perfect time to book it for your special day. What's included? On top of having space to host your rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and indoor or outdoor reception, Seven Gables Inn also offers wedding packages. With these packages, you'll get to work with the venue's wedding planners and catering team, who will make coordinating your big day an effortless process. As for your guest list, their site says their space has room for "two to 150" guests, and you can book the entire inn for your wedding party and guests.
Sully Mansion in New Orleans, Louisiana
Sully Mansion is a historic boutique inn and mini wedding venue nestled in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. Some of the amazing features this charming space is known for are stained glass windows, a whimsical courtyard and Queen-Anne-style architecture. You can celebrate your marriage among the jasmine-covered pergola and oak trees or in one of the venue's other beautiful areas. Perfect for weddings with guest counts of 30 and below, Sully Mansion even offers event rentals, like tables and chairs, and various wedding packages.
The Emerald Forest in Redmond, Washington
The Emerald Forest, found on the outskirts of Redmond, Washington, is one of the best intimate wedding venues on our list because of its secluded woodland environment. For couples wanting to obtain an ethereal vibe, this space is ideal because of the wooden bridges connecting various treehouses, outdoor theater, yurt, hammocks and much more. The rustic and bohemian theme is apparent throughout the venue and is allowed to shine in the gorgeous landscape. The Emerald Forest is best for groups of 35 or fewer and offers on-site assistance from wedding experts, a forest zipline to transport wedding supplies and the choice to have a tasty barbecued meal around a campfire.
The Pleasant Garden in Miami, Florida
Looking for a relaxed, scenic venue to host your big day? Consider The Pleasant Garden, a family-owned and operated agricultural garden. Situated in the Redlands, an agricultural area located about 20 miles south of Downtown Miami, Florida, this location offers a 5-acre lot complete with a barn, endless vegetation, and flora. On the property, there's a ceremony space, a covered outdoor venue, a dressing room, and a reception area. You'll also find organic fruit trees, grove trees, and scenic views, making it the perfect place for taking frame-worthy wedding photos. This venue is the perfect spot to host an intimate wedding ceremony since they have a "Charming Garden Elopement" package for couples with 20 or fewer guests.
WA Frost & Company in St. Paul, Minnesota
Looking for a cozy, intimate venue with lots of charm and character? Consider WA Frost & Company for your wedding day. Since 1975, the WA Frost & Company, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been serving an award-winning menu of contemporary American cuisine. Inside, there's an Old-World atmosphere, with a European ambiance, original artwork and a 3,000-bottle wine cellar. Outside, there's a stunning patio, which provides the perfect space for a warm-weather wedding. As for your guest list, this venue can accommodate up to 60 guests (56 seated), making it a great size for your small wedding.