There’s something undeniably magical about small weddings. With fewer than 50 guests, these intimate celebrations allow for a relaxed, personal, and incredibly memorable experience that can be hard to achieve with larger gatherings. Old Forest School, one of Bay of Plenty’s most charming boutique wedding venues, is the perfect place to host a small wedding. Our intimate setting, lush surroundings, and heritage charm combine to create a day that feels warm, welcoming, and deeply meaningful.
Here’s why we believe small weddings are truly special and why Old Forest School is the ideal venue for creating a close, personal celebration that your guests will never forget.
Exclusive Ceremony Spot: The Walled Garden
One of the unique benefits of hosting a smaller wedding at Old Forest School is the opportunity to say your vows in our beloved Walled Garden. This beautiful, intimate garden space is reserved exclusively for smaller weddings and offers a stunning, private spot surrounded by lush native plants and flowers. With a charming stone wall providing a natural backdrop, it’s the perfect place to gather close friends and family for a heartfelt ceremony. The Walled Garden’s secluded, cozy atmosphere makes it feel as though you’re tucked away in your own secret garden—a space where your love can truly take center stage.
The Personal Touch: Crafting a Day That’s Uniquely Yours
One of the best parts of a small wedding is the ability to infuse each detail with your personality. Old Forest School is a BYO wedding venue, meaning you can bring in your favorite drinks, your choice of caterer, and decorate in a way that speaks to your style. Here are a few ideas for adding personal touches to your intimate wedding at Old Forest School:
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Customized Seating Arrangements: With a smaller guest list, you can create unique, personalized seating that makes everyone feel special. Whether it’s a cozy arrangement around tables in our Noshery or a relaxed seating area with blankets and cushions outdoors, smaller weddings allow for thoughtful, flexible setups.
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Handwritten Notes: For a truly memorable touch, consider writing a short, heartfelt note to each guest. Place them on tables, or even tie them with a ribbon to each chair. In a small, boutique wedding, gestures like this make guests feel appreciated and connected to your celebration.
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Signature Cocktails or Drinks: Since Old Forest School is a BYO wedding venue, you can create a signature drink for your guests to enjoy. Choose a favorite cocktail, mocktail, or seasonal punch that reflects your taste as a couple and set up a welcoming bar space for guests to mingle and relax.
Enhanced Personal Connections
At Old Forest School, we’ve seen how small weddings allow couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate atmosphere where everyone feels like part of the celebration. Instead of rushing through a large crowd, you’ll be able to savor conversations, share laughs, and make memories with each person present. Our cozy, heritage-rich venue makes it easy for everyone to feel at home, and with fewer guests, the day naturally takes on a close, familial feel that guests often remember long after the wedding.
Unique Photography Opportunities
With fewer guests to manage, you’ll have more time to capture beautiful, personalized photos throughout Old Forest School. Beyond the iconic spots like the Little Barn and the walnut tree swing, smaller weddings at Old Forest School can make use of the Walled Garden for intimate, secluded photos. You’ll have time to explore every corner of our venue, from the historic Schoolhouse to the picturesque jetty by the pond, creating a wedding album filled with unique and timeless images that capture the essence of your day.
Flexibility with Your Budget
A smaller wedding at Old Forest School often means you can focus on quality over quantity. With a more intimate guest list, you’ll have room in your budget to add those special details that make the day unforgettable, whether it’s luxurious florals, a gourmet meal, or beautiful table settings. Old Forest School’s rustic, vintage setting is the perfect backdrop for elegant touches—think vintage glassware, heirloom linens, or locally-sourced décor. A smaller wedding allows you to make each detail count, bringing warmth and character to every corner of the venue.
Intimate, Fun, and Relaxed Atmosphere
One of the biggest advantages of a smaller wedding is the relaxed, inviting atmosphere it creates. Without the pressure of coordinating a large guest list, you can slow down, enjoy each moment, and let the day flow naturally. At Old Forest School, our heritage setting invites guests to explore, linger, and enjoy the beauty around them. Whether it’s sharing stories by the fire pit, taking photos in the gardens, or dancing under the festoon lights in the Little Barn, your guests will feel at ease, soaking up the joyful, laid-back atmosphere of the day.
Ideas for Personalizing Your Small Wedding at Old Forest School
For couples looking to create an intimate, unique celebration, here are some ideas to make your small wedding at Old Forest School truly unforgettable:
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Family-Style Dining: With a smaller group, consider hosting a family-style meal. This setup brings guests closer, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels part of a shared experience. Our vintage wooden tables and rustic Noshery provide a beautiful setting for this cozy, communal dining style.
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Personalized Entertainment: With a smaller crowd, you can tailor entertainment to suit your style as a couple. Consider an acoustic musician, a storyteller, or even setting up a game or activity that your family and friends will enjoy. Old Forest School’s spacious grounds and cozy indoor areas make it easy to create fun, interactive moments.
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Meaningful Favors: For an extra-special touch, give each guest a keepsake that holds personal meaning. Small potted plants, handmade candles, or custom bookmarks are thoughtful favors that feel authentic and memorable. With a small wedding, you have the flexibility to choose favors that speak to who you are as a couple.
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Use of the Little Barn for Dancing: The Little Barn, with its festoon lights and charming dance floor, is the perfect spot for a lively but intimate celebration. Small weddings can feel especially magical here, as guests gather to dance, laugh, and enjoy the night in a space that feels just right for a boutique wedding.
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Flag-Raising Ceremony: Old Forest School’s flagpole is a unique feature that allows couples to create a custom flag for their wedding day. Design a flag that represents your story, and raise it during the ceremony to add a touch of heritage and symbolism to your celebration.
Why Choose Old Forest School for Your Small, Intimate Wedding?
Old Forest School offers a unique blend of rustic charm, vintage elegance, and flexible spaces, making it the perfect venue for couples seeking a personalized, intimate wedding in Bay of Plenty, NZ. With spaces like the Walled Garden, Noshery, and Little Barn, our venue is ideal for a boutique celebration that feels welcoming, warm, and completely you.
A small wedding at Old Forest School lets you focus on what matters most—celebrating with the people you love in a place that reflects your style and story. From personal touches to intimate moments, each detail of a small wedding has room to shine, creating a day filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re dreaming of a simple, cozy gathering or a beautifully styled, relaxed wedding, we’re here to help you create an unforgettable celebration.
For couples who want a wedding that feels personal, connected, and completely unique, Old Forest School is a hidden gem ready to bring your vision to life.