Not every wedding needs a stately home, a three-course meal, and enough guests to fill a football stadium. Some of the best weddings are the ones that strip away the faff and focus on what actually matters – two people in love, a cracking venue, and maybe even a four-legged guest of honour.
That’s exactly what happened when this brilliant couple decided to tie the knot in the heart of Northampton at The Garibaldi Hotel, a proper local pub with bags of character. If you’re thinking of ditching the traditional big white wedding and doing something more intimate, cool, and totally ‘you’, keep reading.
The Venue: The Garibaldi Hotel – A Pub with Personality
Tucked away in Northampton, The Garibaldi (or The Gari to the locals) is everything you want from a proper pub – a warm welcome, quirky decor, and a lively atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples who want a wedding that feels relaxed but still full of energy. There’s no pretentious nonsense here, just good vibes, great drinks, and a space that transforms effortlessly into a cosy, alternative wedding venue.
The Vibe: Relaxed, Fun & Full of Love
From the moment the couple arrived, it was clear this wasn’t going to be your typical wedding. No rigid schedules, no awkward seating plans – just a celebration with the people (and one very special pup) who matter most. Speaking of special guests, their dog, Dave, made a brief but important appearance, stealing hearts and sniffing out canapés before heading home for a well-earned snooze.
With a smaller guest list, the whole event felt intimate, personal, and totally stress-free. The couple said their vows surrounded by close friends and family, raising a glass in a venue that felt more like a home away from home rather than a stuffy wedding hall.
Why Smaller Mini Weddings Are the Way Forward
If you’re feeling the pressure to go big or go home with your wedding, let this be your sign that smaller is often better. An intimate wedding means:
- More time with the people who actually matter (instead of making small talk with distant relatives you barely know)
- More freedom to choose a venue that actually suits your vibe (like a killer pub rather than a generic hotel ballroom)
- Less stress, less planning, and more fun
- A budget that stays sensible, meaning more money for the honeymoon, house, or just treating yourself
Thinking of an Alternative Wedding in Northampton?
If a mini wedding with bags of personality sounds right up your street, you’re in luck. Northampton and the surrounding counties are packed with brilliant, alternative venues that offer something a bit different from the usual. Whether it’s a pub wedding like this one, a festival-style do, or an elopement with just the two of you, I’d love to capture it for you.
Your wedding, your way – with no rules, no pressure, and no nonsense. Just great photos of a day that actually feels like YOU.
Let’s chat about how we can make your alternative wedding dreams a reality!
