7 Beautiful Reasons to Have a Small Wedding
Author
Nives Batistić
Published
6 Oct 2025
Categories
Elopement
Tips
Wedding
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Image location: Lovran, Croatia
For many couples, the idea of an intimate, meaningful celebration surrounded by just their closest loved ones feels far more authentic. I’ve had the joy of capturing small weddings and elopements across the country, from coastal cliffs and olive groves to charming old towns, and I can tell you that smaller doesn’t mean less special. In fact, it often means more for you.
If you’re dreaming of a day that feels personal, stress-free, and deeply emotional, here are 7 reasons to consider having a small wedding in Croatia.
1. You Can Truly Focus on Each Other
When you have a smaller wedding, the day becomes entirely about what matters most – the two of you. Without a large guest list or packed schedule, you can slow down, be present, and soak in every moment together. As a wedding photographer, I often notice how intimate weddings allow couples to show more genuine emotion and connection, which shines through beautifully in photos.
2. Your Budget can Stretch Further
A smaller wedding doesn’t just simplify your day, it can also open up new possibilities. With fewer guests, you can invest in the details that mean the most to you, such as a wedding photographer to record your special day, a stunning venue to set a unforgettable scene for the day, or a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. A smaller quantity means you can focus more on quality.
3. You Can Choose an Unforgettable Location
Croatia is full of hidden gems, with quiet islands, vineyard estates, and historic coastal towns. With a smaller group, you have more freedom to choose a unique venue that might not be possible for larger weddings. Whether it’s a clifftop ceremony overlooking the Adriatic or an elopement in a centuries-old stone village, the possibilities are endless.
Image location: Platak, Croatia
4. Less Stress, More Joy
Fewer guests mean fewer logistics, decisions, and expectations. Small weddings tend to feel more relaxed and natural, which can be a better reflection of your personalities rather than a large production. You can actually enjoy your day, laugh freely, and be fully in the moment while your vendors do their thing and your photographer captures everything organically.
5. Every Guest Feels Truly Included
At an intimate wedding, you have the time and space to connect and spend some time with every person there. Your guests aren’t just spectators – they’re part of your immediate story. The atmosphere feels warm and personal, and that emotional closeness makes for incredible candid photos and memories.
6. You Can Be Creative with the Schedule
Without the pressure of a full-on timeline, you can design your day with less constraints. Having less guests to manage and move around through the day, means there's more time to focus on the special moments and do what you really want to do.
Want to explore old town streets of Opatija, Šibenik or Dubrovnik for your couple's portraits? Have a small intimate dinner by the sea and under the stars? Or exchange vows at sunset on the beach? A smaller wedding gives you much more freedom to plan something unique and meaningful.
Image location: Crikvenica, Croatia
7. The Photos Tell a Deeper Story
As a documentary-style wedding photographer in Croatia, I find that small weddings allow me to capture more authentic, emotional moments. With fewer distractions, you and your guests can truly be yourselves, and that honesty translates into timeless, heartfelt images that tell the real story of your love.