The Ultimate Small Wedding Planning Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Small Wedding in Devon

Planning a small wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Modern couples today are choosing intimate celebrations because they allow them to focus on what truly matters – meaningful moments, intimate surroundings, and the people closest to them.

At Brickhouse Vineyard, we’ve helped couples plan small weddings in Devon since 2018, from elopements for two to vineyard and barn celebrations with close family and friends. Over the years, we’ve distilled everything we’ve learned into this practical planning guide.

Whether you’re planning months ahead or organising something more quickly – we’ve even helped couples plan beautiful weddings in as little as eight weeks – this guide will walk you through each step: creating your vision, setting your budget, choosing the right venue, assembling your suppliers, and planning a relaxed timeline.

If you’re planning a small wedding in Devon, this guide will help you get started.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Create Your Vision
• Step 2: Set Your Budget
• Step 3: Choose Your Venue
• Step 4: Book Your Registrar
• Step 5: Choose Your Suppliers
• Step 6: Create Your Timeline
• Step 7: Final Checks
• FAQ

Step 1:

Create Your Small Wedding Vision Together

Before researching venues or suppliers, take time as a couple to define what you want your wedding day to feel like.

Small weddings work best when they reflect the personalities of the couple rather than traditional expectations.

Questions to discuss together include:

• When would you like to get married?
• How many guests would you like to invite?
• Indoor or outdoor ceremony?
• Countryside, vineyard, or coastal venue?
• Formal or relaxed atmosphere?
• What moments matter most during the day?

Having a shared vision makes the rest of the planning process much easier.

If you’re looking for inspiration, you may also enjoy our guide to intimate wedding ideas in Devon.

Step 2:

Set Your Small Wedding Budget

One advantage of a small wedding is the ability to focus on quality rather than scale.

For example: £500 per guest for 10 guests may create a more luxurious vineyard wedding experience than £150 per guest for 200 guests.

Typical cost categories include:

• Venue hire
• Catering
• Photography
• Flowers and styling
• Registrar fees
• Wedding attire

Many couples planning a small wedding in Devon find weekday weddings offer greater flexibility and availability. A useful rule is to keep 10% of your total budget as contingency

Step 3:

Find the Right Small Wedding Venue in Devon

Choosing the venue will shape the entire feel of your wedding day.

When searching for small wedding venues in Devon, look for venues that specialise in intimate celebrations and offer exclusive use.

Features to look for include:

• Exclusive use
• Flexible packages
• Outdoor ceremony options
• Experienced on-site coordination

Devon offers a variety of venue styles including countryside barns, vineyard venues, coastal settings, and country houses.

At Brickhouse Vineyard, couples enjoy exclusive use of our artisan vineyard, flexible wedding packages, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere just outside Exeter.

Questions to ask venues include:

• Will there be another wedding on the same day?
• Is a wedding coordinator included in the price?
• What is the guest capacity?
• Can we choose our own suppliers?
• When can we access the venue?
• What are the music rules?
• Is accommodation nearby?
• Is parking available?
• Are dogs allowed?
• What deposit is required?

Step 4:

Book Your Registrar and Give Notice

In England, couples must give legal notice of marriage at their local registry office at least 29 days before the ceremony.

Most small weddings in Devon are conducted through the Devon Registration Service.

Ceremony options include:

• Registrar-led ceremony
• Celebrant ceremony
• Religious ceremony

If you are deciding on a registrar-led (legal) ceremony, a key tip is to confirm registrar availability before paying a venue deposit.

Step 5:

Choose Your Wedding Suppliers

Most small weddings require a core team of suppliers including:

• Photographer/Videographer
• Caterer
• Florist
• Cake maker
• Hair and makeup artists
• Styling suppliers
• Band/acoustic musician

Small weddings often allow couples to choose premium suppliers while keeping the overall budget manageable.

Creating a simple Pinterest mood board can help communicate your vision clearly.

Step 6:

Create Your Wedding Day Timeline

Even intimate weddings benefit from a clear timeline.

Typical elements include:

• Getting ready
• Arrival
• Ceremony
• Drinks reception
• Photographs
• Celebratory meal
• First dance and evening celebration
• Evening food

Build buffer time into the schedule so the day feels relaxed. At Brickhouse Vineyard, as part of the planning process, we will create a wedding timeline with you to make sure all the logistics are taken care of.

Step 7:

Final Checks Before Your Big Day

At Brickhouse Vineyard, we will have a final planning meeting with you three months before your big day to confirm the following:

• Guest numbers
• Finalise ceremony details
• Finalise timeline
• Confirm suppliers
• Confirm food and drinks
• Final venue walkthrough

Final Thoughts

Planning a small wedding can be a very rewarding experience when you focus on what truly matters: meaningful moments, a relaxed atmosphere, and the people closest to you. By following this guide, you can create a celebration that feels personal, intimate, and stress-free.

For couples looking for a luxury, exclusive-use wedding destination without the need to travel abroad, Brickhouse Vineyard offers the perfect setting. From your first planning meeting to the big day itself, our experienced team provides dedicated support throughout the entire process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for both you and your guests. With Brickhouse Vineyard, your small vineyard wedding becomes not just a day to remember, but a truly memorable experience.

FAQ – Planning a Small Wedding

How many guests is a small wedding?
Typically 50 -70 guests.

How far in advance should you plan a small wedding?
Most couples plan between 12 – 18 months ahead.

Is a small wedding cheaper than a big one?
Often the total cost is lower but couples may spend more per guest.

Can you have a small wedding on a weekday?
Yes, weekday weddings often offer better availability.

What is the difference between a small wedding and a micro wedding?
Micro weddings usually include fewer than 30 guests; a small wedding includes 50-70 guests.

If you’re planning a small wedding in Devon you may wish to:

Explore our Vineyard Day Wedding for couples.

Discover our Elopement Packages for couples planning a wedding for just two and maybe a few guests.

Or learn more about our Barn Wedding for larger celebrations and all-inclusive packages.

You’re always welcome to book a showround and explore the vineyard with our team.

Credits

Mimosa Photography
Emma Barrow Photography
Nova Photography
Sam Box Photography
Tara Statton Photography
Yeti Photography
Venetia Norrington Photography