Intimate Wedding Settings
Recently, as more couples choose to downsize their guests lists due to COVID-19, I have had a lot of people asking me to help them find smaller venues to host their celebrations. I want to preface this by saying there are ways to make your large events space feel more intimate - do not be made to feel like you have to move to a smaller venue. If you have a larger venue booked and want to know how to make it feel more intimate, skip to the second half of this post.
The venues listed below fit around 100 guests or below in standard times, but consider that with taking into account social distancing between tables, may have their capacity cut during the pandemic.
The Grand Victorian nestled in Victoria by the Sea, typically seats 120 guests for ceremony and reception, with a beautiful outdoor set up for your ceremony on their back lawn. While the venue does hold 120, my team has worked a 35 guest wedding here and the room felt so filled with love and joy, nobody could have said it felt too big or open for their needs. They are currently offering a 50-person Mini Wedding package that is a great option for couples looking for an intimate gathering!
The Carriage House situated in New London is a versatile venue that offers options for gatherings small and large. The full events barn can seat 225, but the barn features a large set of doors that can be closed to create a space that seats 100. We held all of our mini weddings at the Carriage House last year, and I have had three photo shoots at this venue and can attest that even a small 20-30 person gathering would not feel out of place in the half barn setting! Additionally, they do have a smaller barn on the property that may suit your style if the more rustic aesthetic is what you want!
The RiverShed in Rustico is owned by the Murphy Hospitality Group and is one of the few venues on the island that is right on the water. With windows throughout, gorgeous wood floors and natural wood beams and a large deck, the RiverShed is a great option. It typically seats 100 guests, so would be ideal for a single cohort in COVID times.
The Table is not a traditional wedding venue in that weddings are not their bread and butter, but they do host weddings and would be perfect for an intimate celebration for a couple with a priority for culinary experience. Under COVID restrictions, The Table seats 27 guests.
Centre Goeland is primarily a camp but hosts weddings as well, with on site accommodations and a beautiful water view on the property too. I had the pleasure of touring this venue last spring and can truly say there is nothing else quite like it on PEI! The venue typically holds 100 guests for weddings, with accommodations for 48. Smaller weddings would certainly be comfortable and it would be a great fit for couples looking for a weekend experience as well.
Hazelbrook Homestead is a beautifully restored farmhouse and expansive property located just outside of Stratford. Whether you host inside the house for events of 20-50 or put a tent on the lawn for larger gatherings, the Homestead truly offers a unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere on PEI. Hazelbrook Homestead does also include on-site accommodations.
Charles & Pauline Scott Courtyard is the former location of Mavor’s Bistro inside the Confederation Centre of the Arts and is now open for wedding bookings! The Confederation Centre actually offers multiple wedding options but the Courtyard is the newest and most intimate, with the added bonus of having an open air atmosphere for added safety. This location is suitable for events of 50.
Your favourite restaurant - if you love the food there, why not consider asking to have a reception there? Many local restaurants have beautiful settings that would make a great wedding option - Lobster on the Wharf, Salt & Sol, Marc’s Lounge, Bar 1911, just to name a few! Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path and work with a venue that is not traditionally used for weddings.
Shaw’s Hotel is island owned, offers on-site accommodations and is just a short walk to the beach. It can typically seat up to 125 in their dining room, with a separate space for a reception. Their back lawn is a beautiful ceremony space, or host on the beach!
I also want to note that just because a venue isn’t on this list doesn’t mean it wouldn’t make a great intimate venue! This list is certainly not exhaustive or I would be here all day. If you have a larger venue and you’re looking for ways to make it feel more intimate, consider the following
Spread out your seating - COVID restrictions will need your tables to be more spread out than usual anyway, so this will fill your space more quickly.
Use round or mixed tables - round guest tables take up more space per guest than banquet tables, and with guests sitting all around the tables rather than on two sides, they’ll require to be further spread out.
Set up a lounge area - using extra space in your venue and giving it a purpose will make the extra room feel intentional rather than just additional. Caseley’s has various types of furniture available for rent if you’d like to set up a lounge area!
Consider “lowering” the ceiling - if you have a venue with high ceilings, you may want to consider adding ceiling drapery or floral instalments, or have higher centrepieces which will make your venue feel a bit smaller and more intimate.
Take advantage of pipe and drape - Pipe and drape is a great way to create a space within a space. Chat with your venue, decorator or a rental company like Caseley’s who can help you determine whether or not you can close off unused space with drapery.
If you are looking for further support with either locating a new venue or making your current venue feel more intimate, I would be happy to support you via wedding consultation services!
Until next time,
xo K