Your wedding day will be one of the most joyous and celebrated occasions of your life—a day filled with love, laughter, and a flurry of cherished moments. But amid all the hugs, photos, and heartfelt toasts, it’s easy to forget to pause and truly take it all in. That’s where a private wedding meal for newlyweds comes in—a small but meaningful part of your big day that ensures the two of you have the opportunity to connect and share an intimate moment together.
At Butler’s Courtyard, we believe the best weddings are those that feel as unique and special as the couple themselves. A private meal for the newlywed couple isn’t just a luxury—it’s a practice we highly recommend (and include in our packages) for every couple we work with. Here’s why this simple yet profound wedding idea is quickly becoming a favorite moment among our couples.
Why a Private Meal Matters
While your wedding is one of the most beautiful celebrations of your relationship, it can also be busy and a chaotic day. You are separated the night before, or early that morning and then all the prep begins! You’ll have glam with the ladies, you’ll have lunch plans with the fellas. Then there are the pre-ceremony photos and lots of hustle and bustle getting to the ceremony. That’s why Butler’s Courtyard has built in this moment for our couples.
An intimate wedding dining experience offers newlyweds something most guests don’t see coming—an opportunity to pause and savor the moment together. Just the two of you, seated at a cozy table away from the hustle and bustle, sharing your first meal as newlyweds. You can take a deep breath away from everyone and just enjoy connecting after the ceremony before we transition to reception mode.
These private meals help create some of the best moments of the wedding, allowing couples to reflect on the day, exchange heartfelt words (some couples even do their own private vows at this time), and enjoy the delicious food that your reception meal has to offer.
For many, these moments often become the ones they cherish most when looking back on their wedding day.
Real Couples, Real Memories
Countless couples who have experienced a private wedding meal describe it as a highlight of their entire day. Take Emily and Jonathan from May 2024, for example, who celebrated their love with an all-inclusive wedding at Butler’s Courtyard.
“We did it and we are truly glad we did! We chose to have a private meals because we wanted a chance to have time just us, as a newly married couple, before going back into party mode. Most of the day was a blur but the private dinner is still something I fully remember.”
Or consider Sonya and Michael from October 2019, who rave about their intimate wedding dining experience.
“We chose to have a private meal because we wanted to make sure we actually ate the delicious food we picked for our guests ! It gave us an opportunity to take a minute to slow down and talk to each other. My husband and I were able to joke and laugh with each other and enjoy our first moments as newlyweds.”
These stories remind us how powerful it is to steal a moment for yourselves on the most important day of your lives. It’s a great way to incorporate personal traditions too.
‘OBVIOUS, we did it!’ And are so glad, sharing our first meal, shot of Patron and Corona Premier as we talked about our ceremony, how we couldn’t believe we finally could say we are married and screamed to the top of our lungs, (literally) is one of the most memorable moments of the entire greatest experience of our Lives! Thank you Butler’s Courtyard Family!
Molly and Contessa, April 2024
You might regret skipping this treasured tradition!
We have never had a couple tell us they regret taking the 15 minutes to themselves for this experience. However, most couples that skip this opportunity have big regrets.
“We did not do the private meal even though Miss Janice (Founder and Coordinator) told us we should. We ended up not having time to sit and eat and had to take a limo through a fast food place late at night just to eat something. I tell everybody make sure you eat away from everybody because you will not make time. I also tell people to just do whatever Miss Janice says.” ~ Adria, 2008 wedding
Wedding Planning Tips: Your Private Wedding Meal
If you’re exploring unique and meaningful intimate wedding ideas, this is your sign to include a private wedding meal in your plans. Here’s how to make it happen seamlessly:
- Work with a Full-Service Wedding Venue
Choose a venue that includes thoughtful practices like a private meal as part of their wedding planning advice. At Butler’s Courtyard, our team makes this a standard tradition for every couple.
- Coordinate with Your Wedding Planner
Communicate your desire to have a private meal with your wedding planner (included in your Butler’s Courtyard packages) or venue coordinator. They’ll arrange the timing and setting to fit perfectly into your day.
- Set the Scene
Your meal doesn’t have to be elaborate—but it should feel special. A candlelit table, beautifully set in a private area of the venue, can create an intimate yet grand atmosphere.
- Keep It Simple Yet Delicious
Make sure the meal is easy to eat and something you’ll enjoy. Think signature dishes from your caterer alongside flavors that match your preferences.
- Don’t Worry About the Timeline
A seasoned all-inclusive wedding venue will ensure your schedule remains intact—even with time carved out for this special dining experience. At Butler’s Courtyard we know how to make this flow perfectly during your event so your guests aren’t missing you and you get a much needed break after the stress of photos.
- Enjoy Every Bite and Every Moment
This is your time to breathe, reflect, and relish the day’s joy. Laugh, cry, or simply soak in the silence together—without any expectations or responsibilities.
Supporting the couple’s quiet moment together is a gesture that every parent, friend, or wedding planner can contribute towards. It’s a small act that leaves a lasting impression.
A Thoughtful Tradition at Butler’s Courtyard
AtButler’s Courtyard, we’ve been hosting unforgettable weddings for over 20 years—and we consider a private meal for the newlyweds to be a crucial part of what makes the day so magical.
Our full-service wedding packages include thoughtful touches like this, ensuring every couple has the time, space, and support to soak in their special day. It’s just one of the many ways we prioritize our couples, contributing to the intimate and joyful celebrations we’re known for.
If you’re planning your wedding and want to create unforgettable moments, plan your wedding with Butler’s Courtyard and the private meal is standard practice for our couples.
Contact Us to Learn More and Start Planning Today
Your wedding is one of life’s most cherished events. With a private meal for you and your partner, you’ll make it even more meaningful—a moment of shared love and reflection that no one else gets to see but the two of you. It’s your day—why not savor it together?
Thanks so much to our friends at EventSmith Productions for supporting this tradition and helping us seamlessly build it into the flow of events. Plus, the photos are SO cute!
Here are a few other venues that put their couples first and value tradition and romance: The old Barns at Dry Run Farms, The Bella Rosa, Notting Hill Farm, Events by Bliss Barn, Green Clover Farm, The Venue at Murphy Lane, Burlap & Lace, Talula Mesa, Oaks of Devonaire, Bluestone Estate
