Kids or No Kids, What’s the right thing to do for your Wedding Day?
I find that most Couples are either a hard yes or a hard no on this topic, so perhaps this blog is for the few Couples who remain undecided. I’m going to weigh the pros and the cons. I understand both sides and there is no wrong answer when it comes to this topic, only what is right for you and your Wedding Day. I have photographed Weddings with tons of kids and Weddings with zero children and both are equally amazing.
I’m going to organize this by questions every Couple should ask themselves while weighing their options.
Do your favorite friends and family members have kids?
If you’re an Aunt or Uncle I know this could be a hard decision. You want everyone to be there to celebrate but not necessarily the little ones. When you have large families and you are on the fence about having kids attend your Wedding, you are definitely going to ruffle feathers. Parents typically want their kiddos to join them and childcare is not cheap. If everyone close to you has children you’re going to want to prepare yourself for a lot of No RSVPs if you aren’t allowing children.
Is your venue safe to have kids attending?
Are their pools or bodies of water at your venue? Is the Wedding at a fancy hotel or wedding venue with a lot of fragile elements? You have to factor in the fact that the adults will most likely be drinking and not paying attention to the kids. If the venue isn’t safe for kids, consider eliminating them from your guest list.
Would it bother you if a baby was crying during your Ceremony?
Babies cry. Toddlers wander. Kids are not interested. If you as a Couple will be bothered by the behaviors or antics of your friend’s children, you might avoid inviting the littles.
The Weddings I have been to that included children definitely had babies crying and toddlers wandering the aisle during the ceremony – which makes for great candids but as a Couple you have to decide if these things will bother you. Kids are fun on the dance floor during the reception until all the adults are drinking and start stepping on kids.
Could you compromise and have Kids at the Ceremony only?
If you’re afraid of your friends and family reaction to you having a no kids Wedding, could you compromise and include the kids in the Ceremony and then have no kids at your Reception? I’ve seen some Couples hire a nanny or two and have a room at the hotel for all the kiddos to be after the Ceremony. This works well if you’re having your Wedding at a hotel.
Are you okay with some friends and family NOT coming because you aren’t having kids at your Wedding?
Unfortunately having a No Kid Wedding will definitely cause some of your guests not to attend. This might include really close family and friends. Are you willing to sacrifice them not attending at all? These are the questions you have to ask yourself before making this decision.
Pros and Cons of having a Kid Friendly Wedding Day
- Pro: Kids are always doing funny photo worthy things which make great candids
- Pro: You love your nieces, nephews and all the children in your friend circle
- Pro: They make the cutest flower girls and ring bearers
- Pro: You’ll stay entertained all day
- Pro: Your friends and family won’t be mad at you
- Con: Crying & tantrums are disruptive during a Wedding Ceremony
- Con: Weddings are not exactly safe spaces for kids
- Con: Their parents can’t fully enjoy their time at the Wedding
- Con: Adults having to “behave” because kids are present
Pros and Cons of having a NO KIDS Wedding Day
- Pro: Parents can fully enjoy themselves
- Pro: No outbursts (hopefully) during your Ceremony
- Pro: Guests don’t have to censor themselves
- Pro: No guests tripping over the little on the dance floor
- Con: Your Friends & Family might be really angry
- Con: Childcare is expensive and might be an issue for some guests
- Con: The kids in your life miss out on your Wedding
- Con: Your Friends & Family might RSVP no to your Wedding if they can’t bring their kids
Whatever you decide to do for your Wedding Day is the right choice. I have been to plenty of high end luxury Wedding Days that included lots of children and plenty that had a no children policy. Both Weddings are fun and memorable. It honestly just depends WHAT YOU WANT.
Having an Intentional Wedding Day includes making hard decisions like this. Just be prepared for the fallout and/or risks of either decision.
Tiny House Photo © 2026: Saratoga Springs Wedding Photographer
Stephanie is a Capital Region Documentary Wedding Photographer supporting Couples so they have the best day ever.
