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If you’re planning your wedding and want to opt for a small, intimate affair for you and your loved ones or just you and your partner, there are several things to consider. You might be wondering where to head for your destination wedding, and also wondering how much a small wedding costs abroad.
You may be surprised to know that a small destination wedding can be affordable and, in fact, can often be cheaper than marrying at home in the UK. In this blog, we’ll take you through the price of small destination weddings, what influences the costs and how to get the best deal.
At The Wedding Travel Company, we have a brilliant selection of intimate wedding packages in destinations all across the world, at price points to suit any couple.
The word “small” means different things to different people, but a small wedding usually consists of fewer guests that can range from just you and your partner to a party of around 25 to 30.
With fewer guests to cater for and house, costs are often significantly reduced compared to larger celebrations, especially destination weddings.
Many different factors contribute to the price of a destination wedding, including location, inclusions and accommodations. Due to these factors, it’s hard to give an exact number, but the amount can range anywhere from £1000 to upwards of £19,000.
Where you choose to have your small wedding makes all the difference when it comes to price. Popular tropical destinations often have all-inclusive resorts or package deals that offer greater value for money. A Cyprus wedding, for example, can offer brilliant amenities and scenery for a lower price compared to other beach destinations like Portugal.
Tourist hotspots and famous wedding destinations, particularly in Europe, can also be more expensive than other places due to desirability. The more popular a location, the more vendors and venues can charge. Locations like Tuscany and Lake Como in Italy were amongst the top 10 destinations for weddings in 2025 and have always been famous for couples tying the knot.
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It’s no surprise that the more lavish wedding venues have a higher price, and if you choose a luxury wedding venue, you can, of course, expect to pay more, even if your wedding is small.
What a venue offers and the package you choose for your venue will also influence the cost, but many venues or wedding planners offer pre-made packages that have less personalisation but ultimately save you money.
Packages can include a wide range of things, including:
Reception and ceremony space
Coordinators in the UK and on location
Decorations
Flower arrangements
Catering
Wedding cake
If you’re planning an intimate wedding for just you and your partner, you may not need any additions or a larger package.
A destination wedding involves flying out to your chosen location, and this cost is often not included in any package costs. This means that flights will have to be paid for by the couple. Travelling within Europe is often much cheaper than flights to places like America, and you can travel to brilliant destinations like Madrid for only £29 return.
Experience a romantic and truly personal Italian wedding with a wedding on a Gondola. This intimate experience lets you pass through the waters of Venice, with the backdrop of the iconic cobblestone streets, to make for the perfect pictures.
If you’re dreaming of a beach wedding to enjoy with your close family and friends, Tsambikos Taverna in Rhodes offers a breathtaking seaside ceremony without breaking the bank. This Greek wedding venue offers a beautiful private area for your guests to enjoy, and the package includes a reception space, decor and catering for you and 25 guests from £2,559.
You can also opt for additional inclusions to make your night extra special, including fireworks, a DJ and beauty services.
For a fantastic Cyprus wedding for you and your guests, you can enjoy a spectacular beachside affair at the Golden Coast Beach Hotel from £2399. You and 25 loved ones can experience stunning natural sites at this resort-style wedding.
This all-inclusive hotel offers a range of dining options across several bars and restaurants, and can also offer tailored reception menus. You and your guests also have the opportunity to relax before and after the big day at the on-site spa.
Although flights to America may be on the more expensive side, you can offset the travel costs with a budget wedding for you and your partner at one of the many famous Las Vegas wedding chapels. You can tie the knot at the iconic Graceland Chapel from just £499 per couple, with the option to include flowers and a photographer to document your special day.
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A small wedding doesn’t always mean a cheap wedding, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy a more personal and intimate day, whilst also keeping costs down.
Liasing with individual vendors not only takes time but often costs more money. Choosing pre-made wedding packages not only makes the process simpler but also cheaper. Trusted experts like ours at The Wedding Travel Company have relationships with local vendors that allow us to get you the best deals on catering, decorations and more.
Peak tourist and wedding seasons lead to higher prices and competitive rates. The best way to save some money is to book your wedding during off-season. This time of year differs depending on your chosen location, but you can take a look at our peak destination wedding season blog to find out more about the best time to tie the knot.
As with any occasion, the more guests you invite, the higher the costs for accommodation, catering and flights. The smaller the party, the more you can expect to save. If you’re happy to keep your big day between just you and your partner, this can make your small wedding much more affordable.
If you’re jetting off for a destination wedding, honeymooning in the same location or close by can keep costs down. It’s also a great way to keep your celebrations stress-free without having to fly to a new location after an exhausting big day.
A beautiful small wedding doesn’t have to cost the world, and with the right planning and experts on hand to help, you can enjoy a stunning affair amongst you and your close friends.
Here at The Wedding Travel Company, we can accommodate weddings of any size, and we’ll work with you to ensure your destination wedding goes off without a hitch, wherever you choose to go. If you’re looking to plan your own intimate marriage, get in touch with our experts, and we’ll give you a quote based on your needs.
