Key Takeaways:

1. Select a meaningful, budget-friendly location – Consider public spaces like state parks.
2. Keep the guest list intimate – A smaller group allows for deeper connections.
3. Opt for eco-friendly choices – Reduce the wedding’s carbon footprint.
4. Focus on quality over quantity – Minimal but meaningful decor and gifts.
5. Plan for sustainability – Rent items, buy second-hand, and minimize waste.

A Wedding fit for a minimalist: Tips for Planning Your Own Intentionally Simple Union – Weddings are beautiful celebrations of love, but they can also become overwhelming, expensive, and wasteful. If you’re dreaming of an intentional and simple union that reflects your values, you’re not alone. My partner Will and I recently tied the knot in a minimalist ceremony on the sunny coast of Southern California. It was intimate, personal, and sustainable – everything we wanted.

Here’s how we planned our intentionally simple wedding and how you can too, while keeping the focus on love, connection, and sustainability.

1. Selecting Your Ceremony Location – When it comes to a minimalist wedding, the location sets the tone for everything else. For us, the vision was clear: a cliffside ceremony overlooking the Pacific Ocean. However, as we explored the southern California coastline, we quickly realized that many picturesque spots were private property, hotels, or inaccessible.

That’s when we discovered Crystal Cove State Park. The expansive views, natural beauty, and affordability made it the perfect choice. We worked with the park’s Special Events manager to secure the stunning Pelican Point #2 – a vista with a winding boardwalk and panoramic ocean views. The best part? The cost was a fraction of traditional venues, and the fees supported the park’s preservation efforts.
Tip: Public spaces like parks often offer affordable event permits and breathtaking natural backdrops. Start your search early and check local regulations.

2. The Guest List: Small is Beautiful – One of the hardest decisions we made was narrowing our guest list to just 16 people. But keeping it small allowed us to truly connect with everyone and enjoy the day without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

We invited immediate family, grandparents, and a couple of close friends who introduced us. This intimate group stayed together at a charming boutique hotel, where we spent quality time over coffee, poolside chats, and even a hike on the wedding morning.

Why keep it small? A minimalist guest list reduces costs, logistical challenges, and environmental impact. Plus, it makes the event feel more personal and meaningful.
Tip: Use a “forcing factor” like venue capacity or a specific vision (e.g., an intimate dinner) to help trim your list.

3. Sustainable Travel Choices – Travel can be one of the largest contributors to your wedding’s carbon footprint. Choosing a location within driving distance for most guests helps minimize emissions. For destination weddings, consider suggesting carbon offsets.

In our case, southern California was ideal because most guests could drive. For those traveling by air, we encouraged them to support carbon offset programs, which fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Tip: Include information about carbon offsets in your wedding invitation or website to make it easy for guests to contribute.

4. The Dress: Vintage and Unique – A minimalist wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing style. For a sustainable choice, consider a vintage or pre-owned wedding dress. Shopping second-hand not only reduces waste but also gives you a one-of-a-kind look.

While I ended up purchasing a ready-to-wear dress due to time constraints, I highly recommend sites like Still White, where you can find designer gowns at a fraction of the cost. My vintage fur stole (borrowed last-minute from a guest) added a cozy, timeless touch.
Tip: Start your search early if you’re going the vintage route. And after your big day, consider selling or donating your dress to keep the cycle of sustainability going.

5. Thoughtful Guest Gifts – Minimalist weddings call for thoughtful, practical gifts. For our beachside celebration, we chose Turkish towels as guest favors. These lightweight, versatile towels were beautifully tied with twine and accompanied by a simple itinerary.

My mom added her personal touch by creating eco-friendly welcome baskets with snacks in mason jars and reusable woven baskets. This approach aligned with our goal of minimizing waste while making guests feel appreciated.
Tip: Avoid engraving gifts with names or dates to ensure they’ll be used long after the wedding.

6. Decorations: Rent, Don’t Buy – To keep things simple and sustainable, we rented most of our decor. Local rental companies like Archive Rentals provided seating cushions and rugs for our ceremony. For the reception, we chose a restaurant with a naturally beautiful ambiance, eliminating the need for elaborate decorations.

Why rent? It reduces waste and ensures items get reused. Plus, it supports local businesses.
Tip: Repurpose ceremony decor for the reception to save money and resources.

Practical Tips for a Minimalist Wedding:

• Start early: Minimalist planning often involves more research (e.g., vintage dresses, public venues).
• Prioritize your values: Focus on what truly matters to you as a couple.
• Communicate clearly: Let guests know your vision and any expectations (like carbon offsets).
• Reuse and repurpose: From flowers to decor, find ways to maximize every element.
• Keep it stress-free: A minimalist wedding should be about joy, not perfection.

Planning a wedding fit for a minimalist is all about creating an intentional and joyful celebration that reflects your values. By focusing on simplicity, sustainability, and connection, you can craft a day that’s as memorable as it is meaningful.

Are you planning a minimalist wedding or have tips to share? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiration and advice on simple, sustainable living.

What do you think of these tips? Have you tried any of them for your wedding? Share your thoughts and questions below—we’d love to hear from you!