10 Sweet Touches to Make Your Small Vermont Wedding Feel Personal and Magical

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10 Sweet Touches to Make Your Small Vermont Wedding Feel Personal and Magical

When it comes to weddings, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, some of the most beautiful celebrations are small, intimate, and centered around personal details that truly reflect who you are as a couple. Whether you're planning a laid-back elopement in the mountains or an intimate backyard gathering, Vermont offers the perfect setting for creating a deeply meaningful day. Here are 10 sweet touches to make your small wedding feel personal, magical, and uniquely yours.

1. Write Your Own Vows (and Say Them Somewhere Meaningful)

There’s nothing more personal than writing your own vows. Whether you’re exchanging them during a private first look, in front of a roaring bonfire, or at the foot of a mountain trail, vows are a reflection of your love, your commitment, and the journey you’re about to embark on together. Vermont offers countless scenic backdrops—from the rolling hills to the serene lakesides—perfect for making those promises feel all the more sacred.

2. Include a Family Heirloom or Tradition

Incorporating a family heirloom or tradition into your wedding can be a deeply meaningful way to honor your roots. Whether it’s a wedding band passed down through generations or a vintage quilt that’s been in your family for years, these personal touches are symbolic of continuity and connection. In Vermont, you might consider including something local—like a bottle of Vermont maple syrup as a guest favor or a handmade dish for your reception. These traditions add a sentimental touch to your celebration, making it feel like a reflection of your shared history.

3. Make the Ceremony Location Yours

One of the best things about a small wedding is the freedom to choose an unconventional ceremony location. Vermont’s diverse landscapes provide endless possibilities for an intimate and personal ceremony. Whether you say “I do” at the edge of a lake, in a secluded forest glade, or on a scenic mountaintop, your ceremony can be as unique as your relationship. Remember, it's not about having the fanciest venue—it's about finding a place that resonates with your hearts.

4. Have a Tiny Guest List with Big Impact

With fewer guests, you have the luxury of focusing on the people who matter most. A small guest list allows you to truly connect with each person and ensure that every attendee feels valued. Rather than a large, crowded reception, consider a cozy gathering where everyone can mingle and celebrate with you in a relaxed, authentic way. This approach gives you the freedom to be present, without the pressure of managing a massive crowd. After all, a wedding isn’t about the number of guests—it’s about sharing a meaningful experience with those who love you most.

5. Celebrate with Food You Love

Food plays a big role in creating the atmosphere of your wedding. Since you’re opting for a small, intimate gathering, why not serve food that reflects your tastes and personality? Skip the traditional catered dinner and go for something that speaks to you both. Consider a locally-sourced Vermont feast with artisanal cheeses, a farm-to-table dinner, or a casual wood-fired pizza spread. And don’t forget the sweets! Think maple-themed desserts, cupcakes, or a small, personalized wedding cake that reflects your shared love for something sweet.

6. Skip the Timeline, Embrace the Flow

One of the joys of having a small wedding is the freedom to skip rigid timelines. Rather than rushing from one event to the next, allow your day to unfold naturally. If your wedding is held outdoors, you can plan to take photos at golden hour when the light is soft and magical. Consider extending your ceremony to include personal moments, like a post-ceremony stroll or a quiet moment by the lake. Without the pressure of a tight schedule, you can focus on what truly matters—each other.

7. Hire a Photographer Who Gets You

Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding day. You want someone who understands the intimate vibe of your celebration and can capture those authentic, unscripted moments. As a photographer who specializes in Vermont weddings and elopements, I focus on capturing real emotion, beautiful light, and the personal connections that make each wedding so unique. A photographer who truly “gets” you will make sure your day is documented in a way that’s as genuine and beautiful as your love story.

8. Write Letters to Each Other for the Morning Of

Start your wedding day with a private moment. Write a letter to your partner to be read the morning of your wedding. Whether you’re sharing a memory that made you fall in love or describing your hopes for the future, these letters will provide an intimate connection before the busyness of the day begins. Some couples exchange letters privately, while others choose to read them together, either in a quiet moment before the ceremony or even during the first look. The exchange of personal letters brings an emotional depth to your day that you’ll both treasure forever.

9. Involve Loved Ones in Unexpected Ways

Your small wedding is the perfect opportunity to involve family and friends in unique ways. Whether it’s having a close relative officiate the ceremony or asking your grandmother to carry the wedding rings, these personal moments add warmth and significance to your day. Involving your loved ones in unexpected ways, such as making them part of your ceremony or having them share a toast, creates an atmosphere of inclusion and celebration that reflects your community’s support.

10. Choose a Song That’s Yours—Even If No One Else Gets It

Your wedding music is an expression of your personality as a couple. Don’t be afraid to choose a song that’s special to you, even if it’s not a mainstream wedding track. Whether it’s an obscure indie song that reminds you of your first date or a favorite tune from a road trip, make sure it’s something that holds meaning for both of you. Your first dance, ceremony processional, or even the music during cocktail hour can reflect your unique love story, and that’s what will make it memorable.

Conclusion

A small Vermont wedding is an opportunity to celebrate love in a way that feels true to who you are. By focusing on personal details, creating meaningful experiences, and embracing the beauty of your surroundings, you can craft a day that’s not only intimate and magical but uniquely yours. After all, a small wedding doesn’t mean less—it means more: more meaning, more connection, and more of the moments that truly matter.