How to plan a small intimate wedding in London

What counts as an intimate wedding?

There is no fixed guest number that defines an intimate wedding. For some couples, it may mean 20 close friends and family members, while others may consider 50 or 60 guests small compared with a larger celebration.

What matters more is how the guest list influences the feel of the day. A smaller guest list can create more time for conversation, make dining feel more personal and open up venue options that suit an intimate gathering.

Benefits of planning a small wedding

Planning a small wedding can give couples more flexibility over how they use their budget. With fewer people to cater for, it may be possible to prioritise areas such as the menu, flowers, entertainment or an extended drinks reception.

Smaller weddings can also suit spaces with more character and privacy, allowing couples to choose a setting that feels right for their guest numbers and creates the atmosphere they want for the day.

How to plan a small wedding step by step

Start with the budget and guest list, as these decisions will influence almost everything that follows. Decide who you most want to share the day with, then work out how much you are comfortable spending across the venue, food and drink, styling, entertainment and other suppliers.

The date and season come next. A summer wedding may make more use of gardens and terraces, while an autumn or winter celebration may place greater emphasis on indoor spaces and dining.

Once those details are clear, begin comparing venues. Regent’s Events offers a London wedding venue within 11 acres of private grounds in Regent’s Park, with spaces including the Secret Garden, York Lawns, Herringham Hall, Tuke Common Room and the Brasserie & Terrace.

Small wedding planning checklist

A simple small wedding planning checklist can help keep the main arrangements in order:

• Set your overall budget.
• Finalise the guest list.
• Choose the date and season.
• Book the ceremony and reception venue.
• Decide on the dining format and menu.
• Confirm suppliers and entertainment.
• Plan the ceremony, drinks reception and meal timings.
• Consider how guests will move between each part of the day.

Keeping the schedule fairly relaxed can be especially valuable when planning a small intimate wedding, giving couples more time with the people they have chosen to invite.

Choosing the right venue for a small London wedding

The right venue should feel welcoming for your number of guests rather than leaving a smaller group scattered across a room designed for hundreds.

Consider how the ceremony, drinks and dining spaces connect, whether there is private outdoor space and whether the venue is licensed for the ceremony you are planning. Regent’s Events holds Westminster Council licences for marriages, civil partnerships and vow renewals, allowing the ceremony and reception to take place within the same private grounds.

For couples who want greenery alongside an indoor option, the Secret Garden can host up to 150 guests, while the Brasserie & Terrace accommodates up to 120 and combines indoor space with garden views.

Food and drink for an intimate reception

A smaller guest list can create more opportunities to make food and drink part of the experience. From sharing dishes and grazing boards to canapés or a private three-course meal, couples can choose a dining style that complements the atmosphere of their day.

Regent’s Events offers food and drink freshly prepared on site by our catering partner, Houston & Hawkes, with menus tailored to each celebration. Wedding packages also include a private menu tasting for two, giving couples the chance to refine their choices ahead of the day.

Making a small wedding feel extraordinary

An intimate wedding can feel special without filling every part of the schedule. The details guests experience make a lasting impression, from a well-chosen menu and thoughtful table setting to drinks in the garden and time for conversation over dinner.

Planning around the people you have invited can help the celebration feel personal and generous. With private grounds, flexible spaces and central London access, Regent’s Events gives couples room to create a smaller wedding that still feels like a significant occasion.