A Dinner Party Style Wedding at Redbird: Intimate Wedding Ideas in Los Angeles

Kenzie and Andrew basically hosted the most beautiful dinner party in downtown LA, and then casually got married in the middle of it. Long family-style tables, candlelight everywhere, wine glasses constantly being topped off, and this courtyard at Redbird that somehow felt like a hidden garden, even though we were fully in DTLA.

The bride and groom facing each other during a private moment in a garden courtyard, with greenery and soft natural light creating a romantic, intimate setting.

A long banquet table filled with guests dining outdoors under string lights, creating a cozy atmosphere for Intimate Wedding Ideas and small wedding receptions.

The couple holding hands and laughing together outdoors, walking through a garden setting after their intimate wedding ceremony.

A black-and-white photo of the groom reading vows to the bride in an outdoor courtyard surrounded by guests and greenery.

We were all sitting there eating, talking, laughing, and then in the middle of dinner, they stood up across from each other and started reading their vows. Their parents were sitting right across from them, filming and crying, and everyone else kind of froze in place, and it felt like we were watching the most intimate, quiet, emotional moment happen in real time. The little dangling star lights above us made everything feel soft and cinematic, like the city had paused for a second; it felt like something straight out of a romcom or a Taylor Swift song, and yes, I was fully losing my mind behind the camera.

A close-up of the bride reading her vows while smiling at the groom, showcasing Intimate Wedding Ideas for a small, emotional ceremony setting.

Guests recording the couple during their vows on their phones, highlighting Intimate Wedding Ideas with a documentary-style perspective at an outdoor dinner reception.

The couple sharing their first kiss during the ceremony in a garden courtyard with guests applauding from their seats.

And honestly, this is one of my favorite types of weddings. If you’ve been saving intimate wedding ideas and everything feels like a big production, a dinner party-style wedding is such a beautiful way to do something that feels grounded, intentional, and actually fun. Redbird is also one of my favorite Los Angeles wedding venues for this exact vibe, so let’s talk about why this worked so well and how you can recreate some of these ideas!

The bride reading her vows into a microphone while standing across from the groom in a lush courtyard setting with guests seated nearby.

Intimate Wedding Ideas in Los Angeles That Feel Like Hosting Your Favorite People

If you’ve ever hosted a really good dinner party, you know that feeling where no one wants to leave, the table gets messy in the best way, and conversations keep looping back around?! That’s exactly what Kenzie and Andrew built their wedding around, and it felt incredibly intentional in a way you don’t see at a lot of weddings.

Instead of separating everything into big wedding moments, they treated the night like a long dinner with their favorite people. Their friends and family arrived, sat down at this long table, and it immediately felt social and warm and relaxed. And then, when everyone felt settled, they stood up and read their vows across the table like they were just talking to each other in their living room (I honestly felt just as emotional as their parents were!)

From a Los Angeles wedding photographer's perspective, this is such a dreamy way to structure a day because people are close, reactions are real, and nothing feels dishonest or unnatural. You’re not looking out at a crowd, you’re looking at your people and celebrating your love, and it’s so special! If you want intimate wedding ideas that actually feel intimate, building the day around a dinner party is such a good place to start!

A candid dinner table moment showing guests seated at a long white table with floral centerpieces, glassware, and candles, capturing Intimate Wedding Ideas for a garden-style reception.

A couple having their first look at an outdoor wedding reception at Redbird, with the bride in a sleek satin halter gown and the groom in a black suit, surrounded by greenery and soft natural light.

The couple hugging friends and guests during the reception, with blurred motion and greenery creating a lively, documentary-style wedding scene.

Why Redbird Is One of My Favorite Los Angeles Wedding Venues for Intimate Weddings

Redbird is one of those venues that just understands the vibes effortlessly. The courtyard is tucked away from the street, so once you’re inside, it feels quiet and cozy and layered, even though you’re literally in the middle of downtown LA. Brick walls, greenery, arches, warm lighting, all the things photographers and romantics quietly freak out over! Redbird works especially well for intimate weddings in Los Angeles because it already feels like an experience, not a blank space you have to over-design.

For intimate weddings, restaurant venues like Redbird are such a good choice because they’re already built for lingering. People want to sit, talk, order another drink, and stay a while. You’re not trying to make a big ballroom feel cozy. It already feels like a dinner party the second you walk in, and also, don’t get me started on the food! People absolutely remember good food, and Redbird does that part so well without you having to overthink it, and I love that your venue + food is all in one place!

A close-up of the back of the bride’s gown with a long scarf detail flowing down her back as she talks with the groom outdoors.

A long banquet table filled with guests dining outdoors under string lights, creating a romantic atmosphere for Intimate Wedding Ideas and alfresco wedding dinners.

The bride and groom walking hand in hand through a garden path, with the bride wearing a backless satin gown and the groom in a black suit.

Guests mingling during cocktail hour in a garden courtyard with string lights and greenery, showcasing Intimate Wedding Ideas for relaxed outdoor receptions.

The Vow Moment in the Middle of Dinner (I Will Never Be Over This)

I am not exaggerating when I say this was one of the most emotional vow moments I’ve photographed. Kenzie and Andrew didn’t make a big announcement. They didn’t gather everyone or stop the night to make an announcement. They just stood up across from each other and started talking.

Their parents were directly in front of them, filming and crying, friends leaned forward like they physically needed to be closer, and conversations naturally stopped without anyone being told to stop. It felt like overhearing the most private conversation, except everyone was invited.

For couples collecting intimate wedding ideas, this is such a beautiful alternative to a traditional ceremony. It feels woven into the night instead of separate from it. It feels like love happening in real time instead of a performance.

The groom reading vows into a microphone while the bride listens, both standing in a lush garden courtyard surrounded by greenery.

A tilted, documentary-style shot of guests recording the couple’s vows on their phones, capturing Intimate Wedding Ideas with a candid, editorial perspective.

The couple sharing a kiss during their ceremony in a garden setting with olive trees and soft natural light.

Guests seated at a long outdoor dinner table during a garden wedding reception, with candles, floral centerpieces, and the couple speaking in the background.

A First Look at Redbird That Felt Like a Movie Scene

Before guests arrived, Kenzie and Andrew had their first look in the adjacent courtyard, with downtown buildings towering above them. It was quiet, grounded, and very “we’re in Los Angeles but this moment is just ours.”

First looks are especially helpful for Intimate Weddings because you’re still hosting, even with fewer guests. Having a private moment before everyone arrives lets you settle in, breathe, and actually enjoy the rest of the night.

From a Los Angeles wedding photographer's standpoint, urban courtyards are incredible for portraits. Texture, scale, city energy, privacy. It’s a whole mood. And it’s so special because it feels like a little romantic getaway right in the middle of the city!

The groom turning to smile at the bride during their first look, with the bride touching his shoulder in a lush garden setting.

A black-and-white photo of the bride walking toward the groom for a first look in a garden courtyard, capturing Intimate Wedding Ideas with a cinematic, documentary perspective.

The couple hugging during their first look in a garden courtyard, surrounded by greenery and soft natural light.

The couple holding hands in a shaded courtyard corridor, with soft natural light and greenery creating an intimate portrait moment.

Designing a Dinner Party Wedding That Feels Intentional (Without Going Overboard)

What made this wedding feel elevated wasn’t a million decor pieces; it was honestly the intention behind it all! The long family-style tables meant everyone faced each other instead of a dance floor. Hanging star lights created this soft canopy that made the courtyard feel enclosed and romantic. Candlelight layered over brick and greenery gave the whole space depth and warmth without screaming “decor.”

Florals were done by Giana Guizar and were organic and understated in the best way. I was so in love with them! If you’re saving intimate wedding ideas, think about how your design choices affect how people interact. Long tables, shared plates, layered lighting, and cozy seating make people lean in, literally and emotionally!

An empty long reception table setup with wooden chairs, white linens, glassware, and tall candles arranged in a garden courtyard.

A minimalist welcome sign and custom matchbooks on a table, showcasing Intimate Wedding Ideas for modern wedding stationery details.

A group of guests dancing together outdoors during the wedding reception, with arms raised and candid movement in a garden courtyard setting.

The couple clinking wine glasses with guests during dinner, smiling and seated at a long banquet table surrounded by greenery.

Questions to Ask When Booking Redbird (Or Any Restaurant Venue for an Intimate Wedding)

I’ve watched couples realize some of this a little too late, so consider this your friendly photographer PSA.

What’s the ideal guest count for the courtyard to feel social but not tight?
How does dinner service flow if you want vows or speeches during the meal?
What are the sound rules after a certain time?
Where do vendors load in, and how early can they arrive?
What lighting exists once the sun drops?
Where are couples allowed to take portraits on-site?
What’s the plan if it’s chilly or windy?

As a Los Angeles Wedding Photographer, these answers affect your timeline, guest experience, and photos. Asking early also makes for fewer decisions in heels on your big day!

A long outdoor dinner table filled with guests under olive trees and string lights, showcasing Intimate Wedding Ideas for an alfresco wedding reception with candles and floral centerpieces.

A black-and-white photo of the bride hugging a guest while smiling, with another guest watching and laughing nearby, capturing emotional Intimate Wedding Ideas during the reception.

Intimate Wedding Ideas That Actually Feel Personal (Not Like a Shrunk Traditional Wedding)

A lot of “intimate wedding ideas” online are just tiny versions of big weddings. Same timeline, same ceremony setup, same reception format, just fewer people. Which is fine, but it doesn’t take advantage of what small weddings do best: closeness, conversation, and flexibility.

Kenzie and Andrew’s dinner party wedding at Redbird is one version of an intimate wedding, but there are so many directions you can take this idea, depending on your personalities, guest count, and what actually matters to you.

Here are some intimate wedding ideas I love as a Southern California wedding photographer who cares way more about how the day feels than how it performs.

A candid color photo of the couple laughing during speeches at the dinner table, with floral centerpieces and candles creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.

1. A Dinner Party Wedding (Ceremony Woven Into the Meal)

This is what Kenzie and Andrew did, and it’s one of my favorite intimate wedding ideas for couples who love hosting.

Instead of separating the ceremony and reception, you weave vows into dinner. People are already sitting, relaxed, mid-conversation, mid-wine-pour, and then you stand up and talk to each other. It feels conversational, emotional, and so grounded.

This works beautifully at restaurant venues, private estates, courtyards, or even backyard long-table setups. It’s perfect for couples who want the focus on food, connection, and conversation rather than dancing and formalities.

A long banquet table filled with guests dining outdoors under string lights and trees, highlighting Intimate Wedding Ideas for an elegant garden dinner reception.

A black-and-white photo of the couple seated at the dinner table during speeches, smiling and reacting to toasts surrounded by guests and candlelight.

A blurred motion shot of guests seated at a long dinner table with candles and string lights, capturing Intimate Wedding Ideas with an artistic, documentary aesthetic.

2. A City Courtyard or Restaurant Buyout Wedding

Restaurant and courtyard venues like Redbird are elite for intimate weddings in Los Angeles because they’re already designed for people to linger and talk.

You get:

Built-in ambiance
Good lighting
Incredible food
Staff who know how to run a smooth evening

For couples who want a downtown vibe without a massive ballroom, this is such a strong, intimate wedding idea! You can keep the guest count small and turn the night into a curated dinner party with your favorite people.

If you’re exploring Los Angeles wedding venues for this style, restaurant courtyards, rooftops, and private dining spaces are where I’d start.

The bride and groom kissing on outdoor steps, with the bride in a backless satin gown and the groom in a black suit, surrounded by greenery and soft light.

A wide shot of guests walking up steps into the venue under leafy trees and warm sunlight, showcasing Intimate Wedding Ideas for a garden-style city wedding setting.

The couple kissing in a lush garden courtyard surrounded by raised garden beds, greenery, and string lights with an urban backdrop.

3. A Private Estate or Backyard Intimate Wedding

If you’re more “we want everyone at home with us” energy, private homes and estates are incredible for intimate weddings.

You can:

Do a ceremony in the backyard
Have dinner on long tables under string lights
Bring in a private chef or catering team
Keep the vibe very “Sunday dinner but elevated.”

This is one of the best intimate wedding ideas for couples who care about comfort and nostalgia. Guests feel like they’re stepping into your world, not a venue’s!

A close-up of the bride and groom holding hands in a hallway, highlighting Intimate Wedding Ideas with a minimalist, editorial couple portrait.

The couple kissing in a sunlit hallway with arched doorways, holding hands and framed by soft shadows and greenery.

A close-up of the couple holding hands from behind, highlighting Intimate Wedding Ideas with a cinematic, documentary-style moment.

The couple walking hand in hand toward the reception area, with greenery and string lights creating a romantic garden atmosphere for Intimate Wedding Ideas.

4. A Micro Wedding with a Weekend Itinerary

One of my favorite intimate wedding ideas is making the wedding part of a weekend instead of a single day.

Think:

Welcome drinks on Friday night
Wedding dinner and vows Saturday
Beach day, brunch, or hike on Sunday

This works really well for destination-style weddings in places like Laguna Beach, Malibu, Palm Springs, or even downtown LA if your guests are traveling in. Small guest lists make multi-day experiences feel doable and personal. I love full wedding weekends because the wedding day always goes by so fast!

The bride walking through a sunlit courtyard with her back to the camera, her satin gown and scarf detail catching the light.

The bride standing in a garden courtyard with her back to the camera, showing the open-back satin gown and long scarf detail.

A close-up of the brides interlocked hands showcasing her wedding ring and jewelry, highlighting Intimate Wedding Ideas with a cinematic, documentary-style moment.

5. A Destination-Style Intimate Wedding Without the Travel Stress

You don’t have to fly everyone to Europe to get destination energy. Laguna Beach, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and DTLA all feel like mini destinations. With a small guest list, you can treat your wedding like a curated getaway!

This is especially appealing for couples searching for intimate wedding ideas in Southern California who want something elevated but accessible.

You can check out all my blogs or some of my favs below for more intimate wedding ideas!

A full-body shot of the couple standing face to face in a garden courtyard, framed by greenery and soft natural light.

A wide portrait of the bride standing in a lush garden courtyard in a satin halter wedding dress, showcasing Intimate Wedding Ideas with greenery and architectural arches in the background.

The couple holding hands while walking together outdoors, with the bride’s scarf detail flowing down her back and soft greenery surrounding them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Intimate Weddings (From a Los Angeles Wedding Photographer)

What is considered an intimate wedding?

An intimate wedding usually means a smaller guest count, often anywhere from 10 to around 75 people, especially for couples planning intimate weddings in Los Angeles where venue flow really matters, but the real definition is about experience. It’s less about production and more about connection, conversation, and being fully present with the people you love!

Are intimate weddings popular in Los Angeles?

Yes, and for good reason! Los Angeles has so many restaurant spaces, courtyards, rooftops, estates, and boutique venues that are perfect for small guest counts. Intimate weddings work especially well here because the city itself becomes part of the experience!

What are the best Los Angeles wedding venues for intimate weddings?

Restaurant venues, private dining spaces, courtyards, rooftops, and small estates are some of my favorite options. Places like Redbird work so well because they already feel warm, layered, and social!

Do intimate weddings need a ceremony?

Absolutely not in the traditional sense! Some couples do a short ceremony, some read vows during dinner, some do private vows and skip a public ceremony entirely. Intimate wedding ideas are all about designing a format that feels like you, not following a template!

What are some unique intimate wedding ideas for couples who hate traditional weddings?

Dinner party weddings, restaurant buyouts, backyard long-table dinners, city night weddings, private vow ceremonies, weekend micro-weddings with just close friends and family, and ceremony-in-the-round setups are all amazing options. Intimate weddings give you permission to break the rules in a way that still feels intentional and elevated!

How many guests are best for an intimate wedding?

I usually see intimate weddings work best with 20 to 60 guests. Fewer than that can feel like a family dinner, which is beautiful. More than that can still be intimate, but layout and venue choice matter more to keep the connection feeling close.

Can intimate weddings still feel like a full wedding experience?

Yes, just in a different way. Instead of big production moments, the experience comes from connection, conversation, and being surrounded by your favorite people. Guests often leave intimate weddings saying they felt more connected than at larger weddings!

The couple slow dancing during the reception, with the groom in a black suit and the bride in a satin halter gown, holding each other closely in a dimly lit outdoor setting.

A black and white photo of a couple slow dancing during the reception, with the groom in a black suit and the bride in a satin halter gown, holding each other closely in a dimly lit outdoor setting.

The couple slow dancing and smiling during the reception, with the groom in a black suit and the bride in a satin halter gown, holding each other closely in a dimly lit outdoor setting.

The newlyweds slow dancing during their first dance, with the groom in a black suit and the bride in a satin halter gown, holding each other closely in a dimly lit outdoor setting.

Ready to Book Your SoCal Wedding Photographer?

If you’re planning an intimate wedding in Los Angeles and you want a photographer who will hype you up, keep it real, help you plan the timing so you’re not guessing, and photograph everything in a way that feels like you actually lived it, I’d love to be your person! Whether you’re dreaming of a dinner party wedding, a backyard celebration, or a city night micro wedding, I’m always down to help you design something that feels like you.

You can reach out here, and if you want to keep collecting intimate wedding ideas and saving locations, outfits, and vibes, you can check out my Pinterest for more inspiration!