How to Plan an Intimate Wedding in 5 Months

For couples who are deeply rooted in the joy of simple things and looking to host their intimate wedding day sooner rather than later, a family property or a location that is already meaningful to you could offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate in a way that feels most “you.” If you're envisioning an intimate, laid-back wedding, filled with love and connection, all with a short planning time frame — it’s absolutely possible, even with only five months to go!

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PLANNING A SMALL WEDDING IN 5 MONTHS: 4 TIPS FOR KEEPING IT SIMPLE AND ORGANIZED

Planning a wedding in just five months might seem like a challenge, but with the right approach, it can be surprisingly easy — especially when you focus on what is most important to you. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years on planning an intimate day in just a few months:

• Secure your venue: If you’re hosting your day at a family property, you’ve already got this part covered. All you’ll need to do is confirm the availability of the property and any logistics (accommodations, parking, etc.). If you are not looking to get married at a family property, don’t worry! There are state parks, preserves, and Airbnb / Vrbo or other rentals in favorite places you can secure.

• Create your guest list: Whether you have space for 15 or 50 guests, my one encouragement here is to think about those who have been part of your journey and those you want by your side as you celebrate what has brought you here and what is to come.

• Think about what matters most to you & forget the rest: Focus on the things that matter most to you. Wedding traditions are not a rule book to ensure a wedding day feels special if they do not feel good to you! This is a day you can emphasize everything you love about the life you and your partner have created so far. This could mean including your dog(s), choosing a caterer / food that aligns with your vision, creating a non-traditional ceremony that speaks to who you are as a couple, or including details on your day that speak to what you enjoy.

• Hiring a documentary photographer to capture your day as it unfolds: I offer curated collections specifically for couples who are going the intimate wedding route. With a more documentary approach, I observe and catch portraits — without interrupting — that will bring you right back to moments of your day you didn’t even know happened.

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THE POWER OF HOSTING YOUR WEDDING AT A FAMILY PROPERTY

Sydney & Tim reached out to me in February to photograph their intimate wedding day that they were planning a few months later in June. In her initial message Sydney shared, “I didn’t really plan on having a photographer but we decided to elope at Tim’s parents and I thought of you and how perfectly you’d capture everything.” I am so happy and honored they did!

If you’re hoping to plan your wedding in a few months but feel lost as to where — a family property or a location that holds significance to you (such as a state park or rental) could be a great option.

Whether it’s on family land passed down for generations, a cabin / camp in the woods, or a cherished home by the coast, a family property offers a sense of comfort along with freedom. There is something inherently warm about celebrating a wedding day where years of memories have been made!

FUN FACT —

Sydney & Tim are farmsteaders in Dresden, Maine where they maintain orchards, grow flowers, and raise animals. Check them out at Top Blossom Farm! Sydney has a passion for flowers, so this was a detail of her day she was excited about putting together.

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A DOCUMENTARY APPROACH TO PHOTOGRAPHING AN INTIMATE WEDDING DAY

For an intimate wedding at a family property, documentary photography is especially powerful as the space is personal and the guest count is typically lower. A documentary photographer will focus on observing the connections that matter most — like the smiles of your family or the coziness between you and your partner — without taking you out of the moment.

Images that remind you how you felt on your wedding day and will be preserved for generations to come — no pressure, no posing, just you.

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A SUMMER WEDDING FULL OF CONNECTION

In the end, the most important thing about your wedding day is that it feels true to who you are as a couple. With just five months to go, it is completely possible to plan a wedding day that feels special and genuine. I would love to support you in that! If you have questions or want to begin chatting about what your day could look like, and the photos you’re most excited to see, I would love to hear from you!

Vendors:

Photography
Sienna Renee Photography

Lobsters + Clams
Patriot Seafoods

Florals
Lazy Acres Farm + Top Blossom Farm

Venue
Private residence

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Thank you for being here!

I’m Sienna, the owner and photographer of Sienna Renee Photography. Based out of Maine, I approach wedding days and families with a documentary eye. I value genuine connection and getting to know you and your people to capture you as you are.

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