How to Plan a Backyard Wedding

We're sharing a number of backyard wedding ideas – from ensuring thorough preparation to practical tips, such as communicating with neighbors beforehand, making sure you have a proper electricity supply, preparing for inclement weather, and more, making the wedding ceremony memorable and the reception an absolutely perfect backyard wedding.

Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Planning & Design by Geller Events; From Real Wedding: Pretty-in-Pink Wedding at the Bride's Family Home in Beverly Hills

Tips for Planning a Backyard Wedding

Due to space constraints, backyard weddings are most common when the ceremony is held at a church, temple, or other house of worship – or another suitable ceremony venue, with the reception held in the backyard of the couple's house or even the bride or groom's childhood home. Of course, if the home available to you has a private front yard, or a large and well-decorated living room, it may be suitable to have the entire event – both ceremony and reception – in one location. It all depends on if there is an area for friends and family members to enjoy cocktail hour while the backyard is “flipped” for the reception, or if there is a separate spot on the property where the vow exchange can be held.

While a backyard wedding can be viewed by some as a budget-option wedding venue for an outdoor wedding, that is not necessarily the case. After all, pretty much everything will have to be rented, including furniture and other rentals that are often supplied by a more traditional venue. A wedding planner is also of the utmost importance, as well as a setup and cleanup crew, for even a small backyard wedding, as there are a number of details required to make guests comfortable. Renting a generator will also be necessary for all the lighting, you may even need additional restrooms, difficult street parking may require a valet service, fire codes will have to be met, a catering kitchen created, and so on.

Photo by Kaleigh Turner Photography; From Real Wedding: A Luxe Hometown Wedding at the Bride's Family Estate in Akron, Ohio

In addition to expenses, you’ll also have to make sure the home is looking its best, even before the rental company brings in furniture and décor items. Many couples or parents hosting the wedding at their home spend months preparing their property for their lovely guests and friends.

You may want the lawn green and manicured, the flowers blooming (and coordinating with the wedding color palette), and the paint on the house fresh. The ground will also need to be level for tables and chairs, and there will need to be enough space for a dance floor if you have one (note: many at-home weddings will have the pool covered to make room for a dance floor). You’ll also have to look into the possibility of needing additional event insurance on top of a homeowner’s policy, and hosting a backyard wedding reception may require getting a permit for the festivities as well.

Finally, while the location may be relatively convenient for you, that might not be the same case for your wedding guests or even some wedding vendors who had to travel. Are there hotels nearby? How is the parking in the neighborhood? Arranging for shuttles or a valet service may solve potential issues with street parking, but just be sure that you’re not making things difficult for those invited to celebrate your love in the perfect location for you as a couple.

Photo by Michelle Beller Photography; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events, Inc.; From Real Wedding: Summer Backyard Wedding with a Yellow Garden Theme in LA

Benefits of a Backyard Wedding

A backyard wedding offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for couples looking for a unique and personalized experience. One of the most significant advantages is the cost savings since there won't be a site fee. By hosting the wedding at home, couples can often avoid the high costs associated with renting a traditional wedding venue. This allows for more flexibility in the budget, which can be allocated to other aspects of the wedding, such as décor, food, or entertainment.

Another benefit of a backyard wedding is the ability to create a customized and intimate atmosphere that reflects the couple’s style and personality. Unlike most wedding venues, a backyard provides a blank canvas where you can let your creativity shine. Whether you envision a rustic, bohemian, or elegant theme, your own backyard can be transformed to match your dream wedding over time – since you'll be the only couple getting married there.

"With a backyard wedding, there won't be a wedding before or after yours. Your wedding planner will have the flexibility to schedule deliveries and installations without worrying that it will cost you more," shares David Pressman of David Pressman Events. "Depending on the number of guests, the time of the year, and the size of the yard, your wedding planner can create magical spaces while taking advantage of what a backyard has to offer. A new set of eyes is sometimes all that's needed to show us the beauty that's always there."

Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; Planning & Design by David Pressman Events; From Real Wedding: An Outdoor At-Home Wedding with an Organic Feel in Beverly Hills

What to Do Before an At-Home Wedding or Backyard Wedding

Before diving into the details of planning a backyard wedding, there are several key pre-planning considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, assess your yard’s feasibility for hosting a wedding. This includes evaluating the space available, ensuring there is enough room for your guests, as well as identifying any potential logistical challenges. A wedding planner is key to help with these considerations and more to make sure you choose the right venue.

Consider the layout of your yard and how it can be utilized for different parts of the wedding, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, should you choose to have all events on property. "For example, swimming pools can be covered and turned into dance floors, caterers can use outdoor kitchens to prepare late-night snacks, lighting can be used to transform how your guests see everything, and tents can be added for anything from dessert stations to hookah lounges," shares wedding planner David Pressman of David Pressman Events.

It’s also essential when planning a backyard wedding to research local regulations and permits required for hosting a large event at home. Some areas may have noise ordinances, parking restrictions, fire codes, or other regulations that could impact your wedding plans. Make sure to check with your local authorities to ensure you are in compliance with all necessary requirements.

Photo by Lucas Rossi Photo; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; From Real Wedding: Luxury Backyard Wedding with a European Feel in Camarillo, California

Logistics and Rentals for Backyard Weddings

When it comes to logistics and rentals, careful planning is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable backyard wedding. Start by researching and renting a tent (if you choose to have a built-in backup plan for inclement weather) that can accommodate your guest list and provide adequate shelter from the elements. This is especially important for outdoor weddings, as weather can be unpredictable. In addition to the tent, you’ll need to rent tables, chairs, linens, and other essential items to ensure your guests are comfortable – even for a small wedding.

As mentioned, parking is another critical consideration when planning a backyard wedding. Depending on the size of your guest list and the layout of your neighborhood, you may need to hire parking attendants or arrange for a shuttle service to transport guests to and from the wedding. Additionally, you’ll need to think about restrooms. Renting portable toilets or luxury restroom trailers can provide a convenient and sanitary solution for your guests.

Power is another logistical aspect that cannot be overlooked. Renting generators will ensure that you have enough power for lighting, sound systems, and any other electrical needs. It’s also essential to plan for garbage removal and disposal to keep the environment clean and safe for your guests. Hiring a cleanup crew can help manage this aspect, allowing you and/or your family member hosting the wedding to focus on enjoying the special day.

Inspiring Backyard Weddings on InsideWeddings.com

Take a look at some of our favorite backyard weddings featured in Inside Weddings and on InsideWeddings.com to inspire you while you're planning a backyard wedding. Click the link below each photo from your favorite wedding day to see more from these beautiful backyard weddings!

Photo by Ira Lippke Studios; Entertainment by Gold Coast Events; From Real Wedding: Contemporary, Backyard White Wedding Under Clear Tent in Chicago

Photo by Simply Splendid; From Real Wedding: Los Angeles Rams NFL Player Brandin Cooks' Backyard Wedding

Photo by Haley Richter Photography; From Real Wedding: A Classic, Intimate Blue & White Backyard Wedding in Pennsylvania

Photo by Natalie Watson Photography; Planning & Design by Evoke Design & Creative; From Real Wedding: Black-and-White Luxe Backyard Wedding with Modern Minimalism Style

Photo by John Cain Photography; From Real Wedding: Luxury At-Home Backyard Wedding of Dallas Blogger Krystal Schlegel

Photo by Kristyn Hogan; Entertainment by EastCoast Entertainment; From Real Wedding: The Luxurious Backyard Wedding of Country Star Alan Jackson's Daughter

Photo by Foolishly Running In; From Real Wedding: The Backyard Wedding of 5 Seconds of Summer's Michael Clifford & Crystal Lauderdale

Photo by Amy & Stuart Photography; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events, Inc.; From Real Wedding: Intimate, Backyard Indian Wedding at the Bride's Family Home in Bel-Air

Photo by Theo Milo Photography; Floral & Event Design by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design; Planning & Design by Evoke Design & Creative; From Real Wedding: Luxurious, Intimate Backyard Ceremony & Tent Reception in Virginia

Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography; Planning & Design by Rikki & Mal; Registry: Gearys; From Real Wedding: An Intimate At-Home Ceremony + Backyard Reception in California

Photo by Maya Myers Photography; From Real Wedding: At-Home Wedding at the Bride's Family's Estate in Beverly Hills

Photo by John Cain Photography; Entertainment by EastCoast Entertainment; Floral & Event Design by Bella Flora of Dallas; From Real Wedding: At-Home Dallas Fête Inspired by San Miguel De Allende Weddings

Photo by We The Romantics; From Real Wedding: A Garden Wedding at the Couple's Historic Home in Texas

Photo by Mary Rosenbaum Photographs; From Real Wedding: Spring Ceremony at Bride's Family Home + Country Club Reception in Nashville

Photo by Virginie Carolina; From Real Wedding: Formal Garden Wedding at the Groom's Family Home in The Hamptons

Photo by Vicki Grafton Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Wedding at the Bride's Family Home in the Cayman Islands

Photo by Callaway Gable; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events, Inc.; From Real Wedding: Luxury Desert Wedding at Groom's Family Vacation Home in La Quinta, California

Photo by Chris Bailey Photography; Planning & Design by Ann Whittington Events; From Real Wedding: Open-Sided Tent Wedding at the Bride's Family Ranch in Texas

Photo by Tec Petaja; Floral & Event Design by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design; From Real Wedding: Childhood Friends Celebrate Wedding at Marriott Family's Lake House