In 2026, I love how far the wedding industry has come.

Weddings now come in all shapes and sizes &, if you know me, you know that I’ve never felt the need to niche down in what I photograph. If you’re exchanging vows or celebrating your love, I want to be there with my cameras.

One way we’ve adapted (and one of my favorites) is the restaurant wedding. An intimate gathering of only your ride or dies at your favorite, go-to spot down the block. A true reflection of your personalities by honoring your everyday life. But how do you know if a restaurant wedding is right for you and your partner? I made a short guide below to help with that personal decision.

• Most of these spaces can only accommodate 30 to 70 guests. If the guest list continues to grow into something overwhelming with names you may not even recognize or, if you’re stressed by the pressure of having 100+ 2 minute conversations — this may be the easiest ‘hack’ to purposely limit who you really need to be there on your wedding day.

• Catering is something I’ve heard couples moan and groan about. It’s not the most glamorous part of planning but it is on the more important side of decisions you’ll make. When you host your wedding at your favorite restaurant, you already know you’re going to love the food. You’re going to get to let all of your loved ones in on this special piece of your life. & enjoy your favorite cocktail day-of too.

• No need for rentals. I cannot stress this enough. Many venues provide tables, chairs, linens, silverware, napkins, etc. But some don’t, and others may but if may not be your aesthetic or vision. A beautiful restaurant has already thought about all this (color scheme, style, lighting, cohesiveness of the space) and comes prepared with everything needed to host an elevated dinner party for you and your guests. If it feels like your cool friends living room, this takes a massive, tedious amount of work off your plate and allows you to focus on more creative ventures of the day.

• Your venue has automatically become something extremely meaningful, rather than just a space big enough to host in. On the topic of recent shifts in the wedding industry, I am tickled pink to see couples making choices of all kinds for their wedding that are meaningful. Choices that feel personal to their love story, that feel connected to their style and hobbies, that are reflections of their everyday lives. When you choose a space like a restaurant that’s become your favorite date night spot, there’s meaning connected to it & you’ll have the photos of that place to treasure long after.

• Where to ceremony. Some ideas on where to tie the knot. At the same restaurant — having the entire event at the same location removes the stress of figuring out travel logistics. In your living room — the people that love you most witnessing you say “I do” in your very home. At a courthouse — if you’re looking for a quick, easy and, in my opinion, romantic way to make things official.

These are just a few reasons why having a restaurant wedding works for some.

If you’re starting to think that having your wedding at a local restaurant is the right move, please inquire with me. I’d love to see how you transform the space + try your signature cocktail!

& THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER. 

THE END, BUT NOT FOR YOU. DID THIS STORY SPARK INSPIRATION? I’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOVE STORY AND CREATE A WEDDING PACKAGE & ALBUM CUSTOM TO YOUR STORY.