What is considered a very small wedding?
A very small wedding typically includes different types of intimate celebrations, each catering to the specific desires of the couple and their closest connections.
At the most private end, we have Elopements, characterized by the simplicity of the couple exchanging vows, often with just the presence of a witness or immediate family. Surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of Whistler, elopement packages here are especially magical.
Moving slightly up in scale, Intimate Weddings can host up to 20 guests, allowing for a cozy gathering that might fit into a quaint venue or a sublime outdoor space. They retain a sense of simplicity while permitting some extended family and friends to partake in the joyous occasion.
Lastly, the Micro Wedding balances traditional and intimate, with 20-50 guests in attendance.
Both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains offer various picturesque venues perfect for such an event. The couple can enjoy a traditional reception in an exclusive, more personal atmosphere. Each of these small Whistler wedding options has unique considerations, from venue selection to the level of planning required.
What is a micro-wedding?
As detailed on The Whistler Elopement Company website, a micro-wedding package is an intimate affair that maintains the spirit of a traditional wedding on a much smaller scale. Typically, it involves having 20 to 50 guests – enough to include all your close friends and family but still keeping the event small, personal and easier to manage.
Couples opt for a micro-wedding when they desire the elements of a conventional wedding, such as a curated ceremony, a stylish reception, and professional photography, but with a tighter guest list for a more memorable and meaningful experience.
In Whistler, micro-weddings can take advantage of the stunning natural scenery, from mountain vistas to tranquil lakeside, to create a spectacular yet intimate setting tailored to the couple’s preferences while also ensuring a cost-effective celebration.
Here’s A List Of Small Whistler Wedding Venues We’ve Photographed Before
Nita Lake Lodge
Nita Lake Lodge emerges as a cherished venue for those dreaming of a small Whistler wedding. With multiple intimate spaces, it caters to varying experiences and preferences. Their Private Dining Room offers an exclusive and sophisticated atmosphere for a tightly-knit group, the warmth of the room’s decor setting an inviting tone for a memorable meal and intimate exchange of vows.
The Library
The Library at Nita Lake Lodge is unmatched for a touch of classic elegance. Book-lined walls and sumptuous furnishings create a serene, private haven perfect for an intimate ceremony or quiet reflection amidst the celebration.
Train Station
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
For those who dream of an alpine-inspired ceremony and reception, The Chalet at Fairmont Chateau Whistler provides a rustic yet refined experience. Nestled in the backdrop of the awe-inspiring mountains, the Chalet’s traditional décor, with its grand stone fireplace and rich wooden beams, exudes a warm and cozy ambiance. This venue is perfect for couples wishing to immerse their matrimonial festivities in the natural beauty and alpine grandeur of Whistler.
Honourable Mentions for Micro Receptions
Whistler Village also boasts several notable venues with event space that cater exceptionally well to the micro-wedding concept.
Bearfoot Bistro
Bearfoot Bistro delivers an unforgettable gourmet experience and an exciting wine cellar ceremony for couples and their guests. It’s a venue where fine dining and culinary theatrics fuse to create a lavish celebration.
Stonesedge Kitchen
At Stonesedge Kitchen, the emphasis is on comfort, both in cuisine and ambiance. This venue offers a laid-back yet stylish setting where hearty, locally sourced dishes complement the intimate vibe of a smaller wedding gathering.
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC)
Lastly, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) stands out with its magnificent architecture and significance. It provides a culturally rich backdrop ideal for couples looking to infuse their celebration with the unique and spirited heritage of the region. Together, these flexible event spaces round out Whistler’s offering of chic, intimate spaces for your special micro-wedding reception.
What If You Want To Do Things Differently: Intimate Location Ideas
How about eloping in the sky?
Taking the concept of intimate weddings to new heights, eloping in a helicopter provides an adrenaline-filled, utterly private ceremony amidst the clouds.
For the adventurous duo seeking a truly unique and breathtaking backdrop for their nuptials, Whistler’s heli-wedding experience, as captured in the spectacular images, offers just that.
Soaring above the majestic mountains, couples can exchange vows on remote peaks accessible only by air, ensuring a wedding day as unforgettable as their love story.
With the landscape’s natural splendour stretching to the horizon, this thrilling option guarantees awe-inspiring wedding photos and memories to last a lifetime.
How To Host A Small Whistler Wedding?
Invite only the most important people
When planning your small Whistler wedding, prioritizing your guest list is essential. Invite those who are most meaningful to you both to share in this intimate moment. This ensures an atmosphere of warmth and love, making the day even more special and memorable.
Focus on the details
After setting the wedding date and given your wedding’s smaller guest count, you can focus on the details that truly matter. Whether handpicked flowers, personalized place settings, or a custom menu, these thoughtful touches will make your celebration feel tailored and intimate.
Get your guests involved
A micro-wedding allows for a level of guest interaction that larger weddings can’t match. In addition to everyone getting a slice of wedding cake, consider incorporating interactive elements like a group toast, a shared memory book, or a ceremony where everyone plays a role. This creates a sense of community and involvement that enriches the experience for everyone.
Extend your celebration by planning a full weekend itinerary in Whistler. Include activities like a welcome dinner, group outings, or a farewell brunch. This turns your wedding into a memorable getaway for you and your guests, offering more time to connect and celebrate.
Seasons in Whistler: Winter Wonderland or Summer Adventure
Whistler’s seasonal activities ensure your wedding weekend is unforgettable, regardless of the time of year.
Winter
Whistler and Blackcomb mountains offer a magical snowy backdrop, perfect for couples who love to ski or snowboard on the mountain. For a more unique experience, Canadian Wilderness Adventures and Ziptreck offer guided snowmobiling and ziplining tours. And for a touch of romantic relaxation, the outdoor pools at Scandinave Spa provide a serene escape.
Summer
Whistler transforms into a haven for adventure. Guests can experience the thrill of Peak-to-Peak gondola rides, explore hiking trails, or participate in an exhilarating zipline course through the forest. Kayaking and guided tours with Canadian Wilderness Adventures offer memorable ways to experience Whistler’s natural beauty.
Regardless of the season, these activities ensure that your wedding is not just a single day of celebration but a comprehensive experience that you and your guests will cherish forever.
Working with Gadbois Photography
Leveraging my extensive experience with intimate wedding parties and elopements and my deep familiarity with all the venues highlighted, I invite you to entrust your precious moments to me. Choosing me as your Whistler wedding photographer means securing the pinnacle of photographic artistry.
I am not just a photographer but a curator of memories, adept at discovering and capturing the essence of your unique love story against Whistler’s most breathtaking backdrops.
With an unparalleled blend of expertise and creativity, I ensure your wedding photos will be timeless testimonies of your love. Don’t settle for anything less than the extraordinary, precisely what I promise to deliver.
Extend your celebration by planning a full weekend itinerary in Whistler. Include activities like a welcome dinner, group outings, or a farewell brunch. This turns your wedding into a memorable getaway for you and your guests, offering more time to connect and celebrate.
Let’s start a conversation and begin the exciting journey of bringing your dream wedding to life.
