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When it comes to planning your wedding, bigger doesn’t always mean better. More and more couples are choosing smaller, more meaningful celebrations that feel personal, intentional, and stress-free. Whether you’re thinking about an elopement or a mini wedding with your closest loved ones, it’s all about creating a day that truly reflects you. At Drumore Estate, we love helping couples bring those intimate moments to life! Let’s explore whether a smaller wedding might be the perfect fit for your big day.

 

The Rise of Smaller Weddings

In recent years, there’s been a real shift in how couples are thinking about their big day. Instead of planning large, traditional weddings with hundreds of guests, more and more are choosing smaller, more intentional celebrations that focus on meaning and connection. And no, it’s not just about cutting the guest list! It’s about creating a wedding day that truly reflects your relationship. Sure, every wedding is meant to feel personal, but we know how overwhelming it can get. For some couples, keeping things intimate helps keep the focus right where it should be on the love you’re celebrating.

More and more couples are putting their energy in the moments that matter most. They want to highlight their heartfelt vows, get to enjoy everyone’s conversations with only their closest loved ones. You can see this movement in social media and it’s found its way into wedding planning. These days, it’s less about throwing a huge event and more about creating a celebration that feels true to you. Smaller weddings give you the chance to really connect not just with each other, but with every guest who’s there to support you.

 

Why Choose a Smaller Wedding?

Couple cutting cake in Lancaster, PA Wedding Venue

What’s the point of a wedding? The most important part is celebrating your relationship! There are lots of good reasons to plan a smaller wedding, and it makes it easier to feel like you. For some couples that means choosing an intimate setting where every detail is personal and meaningful, not just what is expected or traditional.

Smaller weddings give you the chance to slow down and really soak it all in. With fewer guests, there’s usually less stress and way more time for meaningful moments. You’re not rushing from table to table—you’re enjoying dinner, laughing through toasts, and actually getting to connect with the people who matter most.

Another bonus? A smaller guest list means your budget can go further in the places that really count. Instead of spreading everything thin, you can splurge on things like amazing photos, incredible food, lush florals, or even live music to make the day feel extra special.

 

Eloping Isn’t What It Used to Be

Gone are the days of sneaking off to city hall. These days, eloping can be planned and beautiful as a full wedding. For a lot of couples, it’s not about skipping the celebration. It’s more about leaning into something more intimate, meaningful, and totally centered on their relationship.

At Drumore Estate, eloping doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means crafting a moment that’s all about you two. Think stunning views, thoughtful touches like florals, cake, champaign and a vibe that feels romantic without the stress of a big production. It’s low-key luxury without a courthouse.

 

A More Relaxed Experience

One of the best parts about planning a smaller wedding? It’s just… easier. From picking a date to figuring out your guest list and vendors, everything feels way more manageable when you’re keeping things intimate. Less stress, more breathing room.

Fewer guests doesn’t just mean less stress for you. It makes things easier for them too. You’ll have more flexibility to offer thoughtful extras, like help with transportation, custom meal options, or making sure everyone feels comfortable and included from the moment they arrive.

 

Small Weddings = Smaller Price Tag

Let’s be honest, weddings can get expensive fast, especially if you’re footing the bill yourselves. That’s a big reason why more couples are choosing smaller celebrations. Fewer guests mean fewer meals, fewer rentals, and fewer dollars spent across the board. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice the vibe or the experience.

Smaller weddings also give you more control. You can focus your budget on what really matters to you whether that’s dreamy florals, amazing food, or hiring that photographer whose work you’ve been stalking on Instagram. It’s not about cutting corners. It’s about making every dollar count.

Also, with fewer guests, there’s less waste (think fewer invitations, less food thrown out, and way less decor ending up in the trash). You also get the chance to work with local vendors you actually care about and choose more eco-friendly options like digital RSVPs or reusable décor that make a difference without making things harder.

Let’s celebrate your love—your way.

 

Drumore Estate’s Elopement and Mini Wedding Offerings

Drumore Estate offers two thoughtfully designed packages for couples seeking a more intimate celebration: the Elopement Package and the Mini Wedding Package. The Elopement Package is perfect for couples who want a truly private, luxurious experience. Designed for gatherings of up to 10 guests, it includes two-hour exclusive access to the estate and a one-hour planning session, along with day-of coordination to ensure everything runs smoothly. Couples can exchange vows in the setting of their choice whether it’s the estate’s lush gardens, elegant patios, or inside the grand Ballroom. The package also includes a bouquet and boutonnière for the couple, a wedding cake, and a non-alcoholic toast, with the option to bring your own champagne for a celebratory moment.

For couples seeking something a bit more traditional but still personal in scale, the Mini Wedding Package offers an extended, three-hour experience for up to 30 guests. It includes two hours of planning support and full event facilitation, giving you peace of mind as your vision comes to life. With flexible venue options across the estate, a post-ceremony culinary experience featuring three appetizers, and a beautifully crafted wedding cake, this package elevates small weddings into something truly memorable. Twenty in-house photographs are also included to preserve the moment, and additional guests can be accommodated for a nominal fee. Both packages provide a seamless, elegant option for couples who want their day to feel intimate without compromising on quality or experience.

Check out all our details on our micro wedding packages page. Do your day your way! We’d love to help you celebrate!