Intimate Bath city wedding at The Ivy

wide city shot of bride and groom as passers by cross in front of the photo in bath

From the start, Sheree and Jon knew they wanted a small wedding that focussed on them as a couple. It’s always a privilege to photograph a wedding, but especially when it has a smaller guestlist, so it was an absolute pleasure to spend the day with them at their intimate Bath city wedding!

Before the day, I asked them what they wanted their wedding to be, and they replied “minimalistic, but mostly about us – we’re both private people and family orientated, so this is what it will mainly be about!” Luckily, they got exactly the day they wanted.

Intimate Bath city wedding venues

Bath Guildhall

Sheree and Jon chose to get married in a civil ceremony at Bath Guildhall. “We didn’t want a big spectacle wedding but love Bath, so this was a perfect place to tick all the boxes.” Sheree explains.

Part of Bath’s charm is that it’s such a historic city, and as such even the municipal buildings are stunning! They got married in the Alkmaar room, a beautifully refurbished room with glossy dark wood panelling and a beautiful arched alcove backdrop. The Guildhall is a Grade I listed building dating back to the 18th century, so it’s not only a grand and impressive setting for a small, intimate Bath city wedding on the inside, but on the outside too. After the ceremony, we took portraits and group shots outside of the building, making the most of its majestic carved oak doors and historic whitewashed stone walls.

bride and groom pose for a picture as they exit the bath guildhall underneath a tall wooden door

groom and best man stand for a wedding photo outside his city wedding

Another plus to getting married at Bath Guildhall is that it’s really centrally located, so after this Sheree, Jon and I walked over to Bath Abbey, where we took more portraits. (Essentially, every venue we went to upped the door game just a bit more – wait til you see the final one…) Then, we took our time getting to the reception, wandering the wide Roman streets, and taking photos as we went. Well, I was taking photos – Sheree and Jon’s only task was to look beautiful and in love, which they did exceptionally well.

newly married bride and groom stand for couple portrait in front of the grand bath abbey doors

black and white image of bride and groom walking through the city centre of Bath as bride holds bouquet

The Ivy, Bath

Then, we came to the reception venue for their intimate Bath city wedding: The Ivy. When I said the doorway was amazing, I meant it was jaw-dropping; with a colourful explosion of beautiful flowers lining the arch. When I tell you my lil’ old wedding photographer heart was about to burst…

bride and groom pose for couple photo underneath colourful floral arch at the ivy restaurant bath

This colourful vibe continued inside, with bright, vibrant artwork and textiles complimenting the high ceilings and original Art Deco features. But perhaps the best part of the room was, of course, Sheree and Jon’s guests being there to greet them too and celebrate.

wide shot of the private dining room at the ivy bath

candid documentary photo of wedding guests at the ivy bath wedding

Something my couples often worry about when planning a small intimate wedding is whether the space will feel empty, or lacking somehow, but after the day is over they always come back and remark on how cosy and perfect it felt!

Thoughtful details

Sheree and Jon also focussed on some select thoughtful details for their intimate Bath city wedding reception. They chose a semi-naked, two-tier cake, decorated with white roses, gold leaf, and a calligraphed cake topper. They also brought a fancy pink Polaroid camera, for guests to be able to take some snaps too.

bride takes a Polaroid photo of the wedding cake

polaroid photos of wedding guests taken by each other

Why have an intimate city wedding?

If you’re considering an intimate city wedding, I’d highly recommend it. Though they’re not all the same, they do all share the same qualities: super personalised, relaxed days that focus on what you want, rather than what you feel pressured to do.

In theory, they’re also less stressful. Smaller numbers mean you have more flexibility with your plans, as well as opening up the potential for more venues than a guest list of, say, 150.

The important thing to remember when planning any wedding, intimate or otherwise, is that you need to do what’s right for you. For example, some may see a small wedding in the city as a chance to dress down, and if that’s your vibe then great;, but, as you can see from Sheree’s gorgeous off-the-shoulder number at her intimate Bath city wedding, a full bridal outfit looks AMAZING walking through the streets!

Sheree and Jon’s advice to anyone planning an intimate city wedding is: “Don’t forget why you’re getting married!”, as simple as that. And to be honest, I think that’s the perfect summary of why you should have an intimate Bath city wedding, or anywhere else for that matter: because if it’s what you want, it’s what you should do.

bride with long dark hair smiles as groom in blue suit kisses her

Planning your own intimate Bath city wedding?

Then I’d absolutely love to chat – you can get in touch here. Tell me all about your plans so far. Alternatively, if you’re planning a smaller wedding somewhere else in the country, I’d love to hear more too; I’m a Shropshire wedding photographer but I’ll travel anywhere for love!