A Western-themed wedding + a small wedding = my fucking dream. 

Seriously, though, Bethany and Clayton’s day was the BEST. I’m a Tennessee wedding photographer who loves all things a little funky, a little nontraditional, and TOTALLY you, and that’s exactly what this day was!! If you’re looking for small wedding ideas for a Western-themed wedding… You basically just struck gold. Keep reading to learn how to plan your day just like this, babes!! 

Small Wedding Ideas for a Cool AF Western-Themed Wedding

Bethany and Clayton brought their damn A-GAME to wedding planning. They’re from Texas and wanted to honor that with a Western-themed wedding, and I couldn’t be more obsessed with how everything turned out!!! 

Here are all of my FAVORITE small wedding ideas, right from their Western wedding to yours: 

Have a Western Wedding Guest Dress Code

Okay, I’m ALLLL about wedding guest dress codes. It’s one of my absolute FAVE wedding trends right now, and Bethany and Clayton’s Western take on it had me gaggeddd!! They had all of their guests wear Western attire, and now every time I close my eyes I see cowboy hats and leather and denim (and I’m RIGHT where I wanna be). 

Make Your Reception Full of Line Dances (Duh)

First of all… How cute is it that these two love to line dance together?? I’m obsessed!! They used their love of that to FILL their reception playlist with line dances, and it was HELLA fun. It’ll go down in history as one of those wedding receptions I’ll never forget!! 

Unique Western Wedding Favor Ideas

Cigars + candy cigarettes as wedding favors forever and ever, please & thank you!! That’s what these two did, and it was a HIT. 

Ideas for Western Wedding Centerpieces

A good Western-themed wedding is filled with all things wooden and green and rustic, and that should go RIGHTTT into your centerpieces. I always love anything that’s wood, leather, or suede material, plus tons of greenery!! 

As a tip from a Tennessee wedding photographer who captures a ton of weddings, going simple is sometimes the answer. White tablecloths and a centerpiece made of greenery?? Always a 10/10. 

Where to Have a Small, Western-Themed Wedding in Tennessee 

Maybe I’m biased, but I think Tennessee is one of the most GORGEOUS places everrrr for a wedding. There are SO many options for where to have a Western-themed wedding here, but a few of my favorites are: 

• Big Ridge State Park – where Bethany and Clayton’s was!! 
• The Great Smoky Mountains – for iconic AF mountain views. Check out an elopement I captured there recently for inspo!! 
• Graceland’s Chapel in the Woods – if you’re looking for an indoor option, this one is DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS. 

Wedding Attire Inspo for a Western-Themed Wedding

Western-themed weddings call for HELLA FUN attire. Think feathers, turquoise, leather, boots, denim, lace, and unique AFFF self-expression!! 

Where to Find Western-Style Wedding Dresses

If you’re looking for Western-style wedding dresses… You know I gotchu!! I’m SO obsessed with: 

• Rue de Seine – check out Margot and Renea!!
• Grace Loves Lace – Noah and Nathalia have my damn HEART. 
• Daughters of Simone – because Lo and Recy? They’re INSANE!!

Men’s Western Wedding Suit Retailers

For Western wedding suits, you HAVE to check out Cavender’s and H Bar C. They have the best options!!! 

Custom Cowboy Boots

Of course, no Western wedding wear is complete without a good pair of boots!! And you guys each having a pair that’s unique to you?? It melts my little Western-loving heart!! Be sure to check out The Austin Boot and The Wild Magnolia for inspo. 

Why Small Weddings Just WORK for Western Weddings

Small weddings get me every damn time. They’re always so special and full of meaning, and I see how they let couples ACTUALLY stay present!! So, if you’re planning a wedding like this, know that having your closest people surrounded by nothing but the mountains and wide-open spaces fits it so well. Because not only do you get those peak rustic vibes, but you get the kind of meaning that makes connection feel hella easy. And I love that for you, babe!! 

You can see my guide that makes planning a small wedding fun AND easy right here. You’re welcome. 

Bethany and Clayton’s Small, Western-Themed Wedding

This is a day that’s gonna be living rent-free in my brain FOREVERRR. Their design was focused on making THEM the star of the show; every detail was planned to have meaning, and every moment felt real. And that’s my favorite kind of day!! 

They had the sweetest first look during the ceremony (and yes, I was crying in the club), a small guest list that somehow had some of the loudest cheers I’ve EVER heard after their first kiss, and details everywhere that were thoughtful as hell!! One of their friends wrote and performed their first dance song, and Bethany’s mom made her bouquet of gemstone flowers plus banners as decor. That kind of meaning?? IT’S EVERYTHING!! 

Wild Alchemy | Tennessee Wedding Photographer

If this kind of wedding is up your alley… We’re gonna get along JUST fine. Because a wedding that’s totally unique is the BEST kind of day!! 

Ready to get started?? Inquire about booking me here!!