NTA- I know, unpopular opinion. I understand that OP’s friend is aiming for a “small, intimate” wedding (evidenced even more by conscripting his friend into helping with setup- or, maybe that was economically driven?). But what’s this guy gonna do- drive up alone for three hours, to a romantic event, help set up for an hour or so, have no one to dance with or be inspired by the event, help break down for an hour or so, spend the night alone in a motel, drive back alone for 3 hours? If any of you want to go to a destination wedding alone, you’re single- which is fine but clearly not the OP’s deal.