Guests and Family FAQ
Your wedding may be small, but the love surrounding you can still be huge.
Whether it is just the two of you, a few favorite people, or up to 30 guests, we want everyone to feel welcome and included. This page explains guest limits, children, babies, witnesses, arrival times, seating, and all the fun ways your family can be part of your Wedding Ceremony.
How Many Guests Can We Invite?
The Cute Little Wedding Chapel specializes in easy elopements and intimate Wedding Ceremonies for two to 30 guests.
Your package is based partly on the number of guests attending, so it is important to give us an accurate guest count before your wedding day.
Our usual guest-count ranges are:
- Just the two of you
- Up to four guests
- Five to 15 guests
- 16 to 30 guests
The maximum permitted guest count may depend on the ceremony space, package, appointment time, and building requirements. Please confirm the final number with our team before inviting additional guests.
Do Children and Babies Count as Guests?
If a child or baby can sit on an adult's lap or remain safely in a stroller, they do not count toward the seated guest total.
If they need their own seat, then yes, they count as a guest.
Please still tell us how many children and babies will be attending so we can prepare the space properly and recommend the correct package.
Are Children Welcome?
Absolutely. Children are welcome, and we love helping couples include them in the celebration.
They may walk down the aisle, carry the rings, hold flowers, give a reading, participate in family vows, join a unity ceremony, or simply stand beside you during the Wedding Ceremony.
Children are also welcome to just be children. If a baby cries or a toddler decides the aisle is suddenly a racetrack, do not panic. We will keep the ceremony moving and make the moment part of the memory.
Can We Have a Flower Girl or Ring Bearer?
Yes. Flower girls and ring bearers are always adorable additions to an intimate wedding. Or make Grandma the flower girl. Let’s make it fun.
They can walk alone, walk together, be escorted by an adult, or enter with one of the people getting married.
Let us know in advance who will be participating so the Wedding Officiant can include them naturally in the ceremony plan.
Can Someone Walk Me Down the Aisle?
Yes. You may be escorted by a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, friend, or anyone meaningful to you.
You may also walk in together, enter separately, or skip a formal entrance completely. It is your wedding, not a marching-band competition.
Tell us how you would like to enter so we can coordinate the music, seating, and ceremony start.
Can Family Members Participate in the Ceremony?
Yes. There are many beautiful ways to include the people you love without turning your intimate ceremony into a three-hour awards show.
Readings
A family member or friend may share a short poem, blessing, scripture passage, or meaningful reading.
Family Vows
Couples blending families may make promises to their children, or children may join in a simple family commitment.
Unity Ceremonies
Loved ones may participate in a sand ceremony, candle lighting, handfasting, ring warming, or another symbolic tradition.
Special Presentations
Children or family members may present the rings, flowers, a keepsake, or another meaningful item.
Please tell us about all planned participants before the wedding so the Wedding Officiant can prepare the ceremony correctly.
Who Can Be Our Witness?
California does not require a specific relationship between the witness and the couple. A friend, relative, adult child, or another person who understands that they are witnessing a marriage ceremony may serve.
The witness must be able to observe the ceremony and sign the license clearly. If you have a question about whether a particular person can serve as your witness, ask us before the appointment.
Is Seating Available for Our Guests?
Seating is available, but the arrangement depends on the chapel space, package, and number of guests.
Please tell us in advance if anyone needs priority seating because of age, pregnancy, mobility needs, or another accommodation.
Guests should not move chairs, decorations, or ceremony items without checking with our team first. We promise there is a plan, even if Uncle Bob thinks he has a better one.
When Should Guests Arrive?
Guests should arrive early enough to park, find the chapel, use the restroom, silence their phones, and be seated before the scheduled ceremony time.
We recommend that the couple and guests arrive approximately 10 minutes before the appointment unless our team gives you different instructions.
Please ask guests not to enter the ceremony space while another wedding is taking place. We want every couple to have their own special moment.
Can Guests Take Pictures or Record the Ceremony?
Yes, unless the couple requests an unplugged ceremony.
Guests should remain seated or stand in a designated area and avoid blocking the aisle, the Wedding Officiant, or the professional photographer.
We love enthusiasm. We just do not need six people standing in front of the couple holding tablets like they are filming a nature documentary.
Can We Invite More Guests After We Book?
Yes, as long as the total guest count does not exceed 30 guests and the correct package is available.
Contact us before inviting more people. Adding guests may require a package upgrade or a different ceremony time.
Please do not arrive with more guests than the number confirmed in your booking. We never want to turn away someone important to you, but we must follow the space and package limits.
Can We Keep the Ceremony Private?
Yes. Your wedding can be completely private with only the two of you and the Wedding Officiant.
If you use a Confidential Marriage License, no witness is required. If you use a Public Marriage License, at least one witness must be present.
Some couples want a room full of love. Others want a few quiet minutes, two rings, and no family group chat. We happily celebrate both.
Frequently Asked Guest and Family Questions
What is the maximum number of guests?
The Cute Little Wedding Chapel accommodates intimate weddings with up to 30 guests, depending on the package, ceremony space, appointment time, and building requirements.
Do babies count in the guest total?
If they can sit on an adult's lap or remain safely in a stroller, they do not count toward the seated guest total. If they need their own seat, they do count.
Can children stand with us during the ceremony?
Yes. Children may stand with you, sit with guests, walk down the aisle, carry the rings, or participate in another meaningful way.
Can both of our parents walk us down the aisle?
Yes. One or both parents, children, friends, relatives, or anyone meaningful to you may escort you.
Can a family member give a reading?
Yes. Keep the reading reasonably short and provide it to the Wedding Officiant before the ceremony.
Can our child be the witness?
A witness must understand that they are witnessing a marriage ceremony and must be able to sign the license clearly. Ask us in advance if you are considering a younger witness.
Can you provide a witness?
In many cases, yes. Tell us before your appointment so we can confirm availability and any applicable witness fee.
Can guests bring flowers, signs, or decorations?
Possibly, with advance approval. Decorations must fit the ceremony space, appointment time, and building rules. Contact us before bringing or installing anything.
Can our guests wait inside before the wedding?
This depends on the day's schedule and whether another ceremony is taking place. Guests should follow the check-in instructions provided by our team.
Can we have no guests at all?
Absolutely. A private ceremony with only the couple and Wedding Officiant is available. A Public Marriage License still requires a witness, while a Confidential Marriage License does not.
Ready to Celebrate With Your Favorite People?
Tell us how many guests you are inviting, whether children will participate, and if you need a witness. We will help you choose the right package and create a Wedding Ceremony that makes everyone feel included.
Call or text: (562) 435-4000
Email: getmarried@cutelittleweddingchapel.com
Cute Little Wedding Chapel
3740 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 201
Long Beach, California 90807
Guest limits, seating arrangements, witness availability, package requirements, and ceremony-space rules may change. Your booking confirmation controls the details of your specific appointment.