How to Plan a Small Wedding in Edmonton

Looking to plan a small wedding in Edmonton? This post was originally written in 2020 (when let’s be honest – it was mandatory) but has been updated for 2023! DM me on Instagram if you have any questions!

Small weddings bring me so much joy! They create an intimate gathering of loved ones where every guest feels truly privileged to be part of this special occasion. Today I want to share how to plan a small wedding in Edmonton because it’s not as easy as it sounds—I know this firsthand, as I had a 60-person wedding way before the Pinterest era (yup, that’s me!). I exchanged vows at the Edmonton church where I had worshipped since childhood. While there are a few things I might do differently now (it feels like DIY weddings have come a long way!), I wouldn’t increase the guest list personally! I truly adore small weddings.

 

 

Before we dive too deep, let me quickly introduce myself in case you found your way here from Google or Pinterest. I’m Katie Ruegg, an Edmonton wedding photographer. And honestly? I’m a little obsessed with capturing weddings, big and small. I want to be there to freeze those romantic moments and capture all those candid shots in between.

I’ve been photographing weddings in Edmonton for over five years now, and time has flown. Not a day goes by that I don’t feel grateful for the opportunity to do what I love for a living. I know it may sound cheesy, but if you know me, you know it’s true. If you are looking for someone to photograph your small wedding in Edmonton – I would be honored to have you reach out here!

 

How to Plan a Small Wedding

 

When planning a small wedding, it’s important to start with your guest list before anything else. Begin by setting an ideal guest count and separate the people you absolutely want there from those you wish to have. Leave out anyone who isn’t a definite yes for now. Once you have a better count of your must-have guests and your total ideal guest list, then you can begin looking for a venue. Remember, never book a venue that can’t accommodate 100% of your invited guests. Small weddings often have higher attendance rates, so keep that in mind.

Next, you’ll want to decide on the look and feel of your wedding. This doesn’t necessarily mean what color your tablecloths are going to be or even what the bridesmaids will wear; it means picking a general atmosphere for the day—a theme and a style that speaks to who you and your partner are as a couple.

 

 

Next Steps to Planning a Small Wedding

Once you have a guest list and a vision, you are ready to book your venue (keep scrolling for a few of my favorites). Once you have this down, you can start thinking about vendors—everything from food and drinks to photography and entertainment. Choose wisely—only pick people whose work resonates with the overall feeling of your wedding. You can learn more about my Edmonton wedding photography packages here in case I’m the right fit for you!

Finally, make sure you’ve got a timeline for the day down so that things go off without a hitch. Create a detailed plan for each step from ceremony to reception and include any special activities you may have in mind too (like sparklers or an ice cream cart). Be sure to give yourself plenty of time in between events so guests can move from one location to another with ease. Don’t forget to designate someone who’s responsible for making sure everyone is following the timeline—this person will help ensure that everything runs smoothly. Just because you have a smaller guest list doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from a wedding planner or month of coordinator!

Edmonton Small Wedding Venues

To make planning a small wedding a little bit easier, I have collected a few wedding venues that have either always offered smaller wedding venues, or at the very least are catering more to small weddings now. By the way, the industry term is “micro wedding” so when you are ready to pull your hair out looking at all the small wedding ideas, try switching the term up for some fresh inspiration!

• Foundry room: Located in the historic Oliver Exchange Building, Foundry Room is one of the best Edmonton wedding venues for smaller guest lists! With bright windows, exposed brick, and cement floors, it’s got a unique and intimate vibe. The vintage industrial loft design elements make it the go-to spot in Edmonton.
• Studio 96: Studio96 is a redeveloped historic landmark located on 96 Street. Its founders Ernst von Meijenfeldt and Eugene Silva purchased the building to renovate it in order to establish their firm’s office there, and with the help of event planner Diana Harrison they transformed it into a modern event space. Today, they rank as one of the top small wedding venues in Edmonton.
• Ampersand27: A trendy restaurant on Hip Whyte Ave that offers exclusive rental options, conveniently connected to a hotel. Whether you desire the entire restaurant for a grand occasion or prefer a small secluded area for an intimate wedding guest list, this venue ensures a remarkable experience for your special event.
• Muttart Conservatory: A luscious tropical garden venue nestled in Edmonton. However, familiarize yourself with the specific rules beforehand to ensure a seamless booking experience. It’s worth it though!
• Devonian Botanical Gardens: A charming garden venue located just outside the city. Currently, they offer an enchanting twilight wedding package designed for intimate gatherings of under 50 guests. Perfect for those seeking a romantic and memorable setting for their special day.
• Art Gallery of Alberta / Zinc Restaurant: Located in the heart of downtown, this venue boasts exquisite floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Their micro wedding terrace is simply perfect, and the catering provided by Zinc Restaurant is absolutely top-notch. A venue tour is a must – it’s an experience that definitely won’t disappoint.

Are you currently planning a small wedding?

As you have likely gathered, I’m a wedding and couples photographer who likes to have fun, get real with people, and make memories. I love adventures and would be honored to document yours.

I’m honestly one of the weirdest combinations of extroverted and incredibly timid. Put it together and you have a little ball of enthusiasm with a side of caution. I try to be real, I try not to be “salesy” and I really try to make people feel like themselves – not like awkward mannequins or like they’re at prom all over again. I promise. As hilarious as I think I am, I take this job and your day so seriously and want you to know that I’ve got you, I’ll be there for you on your day when you need it most.

If you’re reading this and you already know that I’m the photographer for you, can I just say that I’M SO STOKED TO SERVE YOU ON YOUR BIG DAY! If you want more information about my wedding photography packages, you can check them out here. Or, if you have questions feel free to reach out here and we can talk more about what you’re looking for.

Thank you in advance for considering me both fun enough and responsible enough for you to trust me with your memories. I’m already getting excited!