How To Plan a Backyard Wedding

Backyard weddings have a cozy charm that’s hard to beat. They’re personal, intimate, and uniquely yours—whether you’re saying your vows at a family home, private estate, or cozy Airbnb with a view. However, planning one requires more than just picking a pretty lawn. From finding the right space to handling logistics like parking, weather plans, and vendor selection, there’s a lot that goes into planning your seamless backyard wedding day.

The good news is that you have full control over your backyard wedding. From a laid-back dinner cooked by a private chef to an elegant setup with a full vendor team, your backyard wedding lets you customize an experience all your own. In this guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know, from choosing the right property to planning a stress-free celebration you’ll enjoy every minute of.

Backyard Wedding Meaning

A backyard wedding is a wedding held at a home or private property instead of a traditional wedding venue. Despite its name, your backyard wedding doesn’t have to be hosted in your own backyard—it can take place at a family member’s home, a friend’s property, a private estate, or even a vacation rental. What makes backyard weddings so special is the personal, relaxed atmosphere they create.

These weddings are typically small, offering a cozy, intimate feel with a built-in sense of privacy. Without the constraints of a traditional venue, you have the freedom to plan a wedding that feels aligned with you and your partner. Whether that means an elegant dinner under twinkling lights or a laid-back celebration around a fire pit, your backyard wedding can be as simple or intricate as you choose.

Why Choose a Backyard Wedding?

Celebrate at a Sentimental Property

Maybe there’s a home that’s been in your family for generations, a local estate with a meaningful history, or a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting. If you’ve imagined saying your vows among Colorado’s mountains, booking an Airbnb with a clear view of nearby peaks might be the perfect way to bring that vision to life. A backyard wedding lets you host your wedding day in a setting that feels personal and meaningful, whether it’s a place filled with childhood memories or a destination you’ve always dreamed of experiencing together.

Backyard Wedding Budget

A backyard wedding can be a great option to save money since you won’t have typical venue costs or required minimums. There are no mandatory caterers, coordinators, or décor packages—it’s all up to you. You decide what’s essential, whether that’s a simple, no-frills celebration or a fully styled event with a rockstar vendor team.

Depending on the property you choose, your venue could also double as accommodations for you, your partner, and even a few loved ones, cutting down on lodging expenses. Not only is having on-site accommodations convenient, but, in this case, it’s also cost-effective.

That said, a backyard wedding isn’t always the cheapest option. If you’re hiring multiple vendors, renting furniture, planning lavish floral displays, or hiring a full team to manage wedding day logistics, costs can add up quickly. The key is deciding what works for your budget and prioritizing what matters most to you.

For a full breakdown of how to budget for your backyard wedding—including how to track costs and plan for unexpected expenses—check out my guide linked below.

The Intimacy + Privacy of Backyard Weddings

There’s something extra intimate about a backyard wedding. Walking into a traditional venue filled with background noise, bustling staff, and (possibly) multiple ongoing events can feel overwhelming for some people—and that may be why you’re here. If a traditional venue doesn’t sound like your ideal setting, a backyard wedding offers you a private, comfortable space to celebrate.

Unlike a traditional venue, you won’t have to share your wedding day property with other celebrations or extra vendors. It’s just you, your partner, and the people who matter most. Without the distractions of a large venue, the focus remains on your experience – an intimate ceremony under the trees, a quiet moment together after saying your vows, or a relaxed dinner without the pressure of a strict timeline.

Plus, celebrating in a familiar or thoughtfully chosen space naturally puts everyone at ease. Whether it’s a family home filled with memories or a private retreat where you can slow down and soak it all in, your backyard wedding offers the freedom to celebrate on your terms.

How To Plan Your Backyard Wedding

Create Your Backyard Wedding Ceremony Guest List

The first step in planning your backyard wedding is deciding how many people will be there. Your guest count directly impacts all aspects of planning, from the size of the property you’ll need to how many chairs, tables, and meals to plan for. Since backyard weddings are often small and intimate, narrowing down your guest list is an important step in your planning journey.

Whether you’re inviting 20 guests or celebrating with just the two of you, extend invitations out of your true longing for those people to be present—not out of obligation, guilt, expectation, or reciprocity. It’s your wedding, and your guest list should reflect that.

Deciding who to invite (and who not to) can be stressful, and it’s not uncommon for this process to bring up complicated emotions or reactions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I have a full guide that walks you through how to thoughtfully create your guest list and handle any potential pushback. 

Choose Your Backyard Wedding Venue

Consider what matters most to you in your venue. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting married at a family property or, alternatively, finding a rental property that can host both your celebration and your loved ones overnight. Perhaps you’re envisioning a hot tub under the stars, a sprawling yard for lawn games, or a stunning mountain view. Whatever your vision, there’s a backyard wedding venue out there to match it.

When choosing your space, consider both the aesthetic and practical details. Does the property have enough space for everything you’re planning? Are there restrooms and adequate parking? If not, are you willing to add those amenities? And, of course, what’s the backup plan for weather? Whether you choose to celebrate indoors or rent a tent, having a contingency plan will keep your day stress-free.

Your backyard venue should feel comfortable and personal—a space where you can celebrate in your own way. Rather than accommodate a venue’s rules or rigid packages, your backyard wedding is all about shaping the space to fit your unique vision. If an Airbnb, VRBO, or private Colorado estate sounds like the perfect setting, I’ve put together a list of over 30 properties that I love.

Check Local Ordinances + Permit Requirements

Before moving forward with planning, be sure to check local ordinances and confirm whether any permits are required. Sound restrictions, gathering limits, and rental property policies can all impact your backyard wedding plans, so it’s important to be aware of the rules at your chosen location.

Some Airbnbs have strict no-event policies, while others are more flexible—especially for intimate gatherings like micro weddings and elopements. Always confirm with your host and review local regulations to avoid any unexpected issues. If you’re considering hosting your backyard wedding at an Airbnb, check out my guide with more tips to help you navigate the planning process.

Many towns and neighborhoods also enforce sound ordinances with designated quiet hours. If you’re planning a late-night celebration, check the local regulations and be sure to plan accordingly. 

Plan Your Backyard Wedding Reception Setup

Once you’ve chosen your backyard wedding venue, it’s time to bring your vision to life by mapping out the layout. Think about how each part of your celebration will fit within the space—where you’ll hold your ceremony, where guests will gather for cocktails or dinner, and where your first dance will be if having one. If space is limited, consider how you might transition different areas throughout your day, such as repurposing your ceremony space for dinner or moving furniture to create an open area for dancing.

Beyond aesthetics, logistics play a huge role in ensuring your backyard wedding runs smoothly. If you’re planning an outdoor setup, factor in the need for shade during the day, lighting in the evening, and enough seating for everyone to feel comfortable. Having a solid weather backup plan is just as important—whether that means setting up a tent in advance or having access to an indoor space if needed.

Your reception layout will also depend on the type of dinner experience you want. Would you prefer an intimate, family-style meal with one long communal table, or a different setting with scattered seating and food stations? Thinking through these details now will help ensure a seamless transition between each part of your day for a backyard wedding reception that feels just as intentional as your ceremony.

Find and Book Your Backyard Wedding Vendors

Every couple has different priorities when it comes to choosing wedding vendors—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Maybe you want to dedicate most of your budget to a dream experience, hiring your favorite photographer, or reserving that private estate you’ve had your eye on for years. Alternatively, perhaps you’re envisioning lush floral arrangements, a full-service caterer, or live string music to set the mood.

The key is to make intentional choices based on what feels most meaningful to you and your partner. Not every Pinterest trend or extra detail will enhance your wedding day, and you don’t need to include everything just because it’s expected. Some couples opt for a small, DIY approach, while others bring in a team of vendors for a luxurious experience. There are no set rules—just what aligns with your vision.

If you need help deciding which backyard wedding vendors to book, I have a full guide to walk you through your options. 

Plan for Parking + Restrooms

Parking and restrooms might not be the most exciting part of planning your backyard wedding, but they’re essential to keep the day running smoothly. Since most homes aren’t designed to accommodate a large number of guests, you’ll want to figure out a parking plan that makes arrival and departure easy for everyone.

If street parking is limited, consider designating a central parking area—like a nearby lot or hotel—and arranging a shuttle service to transport guests. If parking on the property is an option, make sure there’s enough space to accommodate all guests without damaging the landscape. You can also encourage carpooling to reduce the number of vehicles.

For restrooms, you’ll need to account for both guest comfort and accessibility. If the property doesn’t have enough facilities to accommodate everyone, renting additional bathrooms is a good idea. Standard port-o-potties work, but a mobile luxury restroom service can provide a more comfortable experience. Whichever option you choose, placing restrooms in a convenient yet discreet location will ensure they’re easy to access without being in the way.

Set Up Your Backyard Wedding Decor

One of the best parts of a backyard wedding is the creative freedom to design a space that truly embodies your vision. Setting up your décor is an exciting part of the process, giving you the chance to bring your ideas to life and make the space entirely yours. Whether you’re celebrating at a rental property or in your own backyard, planning ahead will make the setup process much smoother.

If you’re renting an Airbnb or private estate, plan to arrive at least a day early to give yourself plenty of time to set up. This ensures you’re not rushing and can handle any last-minute adjustments without added stress. If you and your loved ones are setting up the décor yourselves, make sure everyone knows the plan—what needs to be done, who’s responsible for each task, and how the final setup should look.

If certain areas will be repurposed throughout your wedding day—such as transforming your ceremony space into a reception area—set up as much as possible in advance to keep transitions seamless. And if you’re tackling DIY decor, start early! The last thing you want is to spend the night before your wedding in a mess of ribbon, glitter, and hot glue. Having everything prepared ahead of time will save you stress and allow you to be fully present for your wedding day.

Backyard Wedding Ideas

Use the Full Property of Your Backyard Wedding Venue

One of the best parts of a backyard wedding is having the freedom to spread out and make the space your own. Whether it’s the great room, front yard, backyard, a nearby field, or even a mountainside, create different areas for your ceremony, reception, and wedding day activities. This not only maximizes the space but also adds variety to your wedding experience and makes transitions smoother.

Include Your Dog

If your dog is comfortable in new situations and your backyard wedding venue allows, include your pup in your celebration! They can walk down the aisle, wear a floral collar, or just enjoy being part of your day. If you’re renting an Airbnb or private estate, make sure to check the pet policy before RSVP’ing “yes” for your fur-baby.

Set Up Yard Games

Give guests a fun way to mingle by setting up classic backyard wedding games like cornhole, bocce, or horseshoes. They are perfect for keeping the energy light and entertaining guests during cocktail hour or in-between events.

Have a Long Family-Style Dinner

A backyard wedding already creates a warm, intimate atmosphere, and a long family-style dinner enhances that sense of connection. Gather everyone around one big table to share a meal, enjoy great conversation, and make lasting memories together.

Set Up Nostalgic Photos

Make your backyard wedding feel even more personal by displaying old family photos alongside your engagement pictures. Whether you hang them on a string of lights, place them on a welcome table, or create a gallery wall, this small detail adds personalization, warmth, and nostalgia.

Repurpose Furniture

To add an extra personal touch to your backyard wedding, incorporate meaningful furniture pieces from your home or family, like a vintage table, heirloom chairs, or a well-loved bench. Not only does this add charm and character, but it also could save you money.

Hire a Private Chef

For an intimate backyard wedding, consider hiring a private chef to create a customized meal for you and your loved ones. This unique touch elevates the dining experience while allowing you to enjoy a high-quality, personalized meal in the comfort of your own space.

Stargaze

One of the best things about a backyard wedding is that there’s no rush to leave at the end of the night. Take a quiet moment with your partner to sit under the stars, reflect on the day, and soak in the whole experience together.

Enjoy the Property Amenities

If you’re hosting your backyard wedding at a rental property, take full advantage of its amenities! Relax in the hot tub, explore nearby hiking trails, or even set up an outdoor movie night. Whether you’re unwinding after your ceremony or celebrating with a weekend stay, enjoy everything the space has to offer.

Have a Bonfire

If your backyard wedding venue has a fire pit and local fire restrictions allow, wrap up the evening with a cozy bonfire. Guests can gather around, share stories, and make s’mores for a memorable end to your celebration. Colorado has strict fire regulations, so be sure to check the rules beforehand—you don’t want a hefty fine putting a damper on your wedding day!

Let’s Plan Your Dream Backyard Wedding

A backyard wedding has a special kind of intimacy—one that feels comfortable, intentional, and deeply personal. Whether you’re exchanging vows at a sentimental location or transforming a private estate into the perfect setting, your backyard wedding is about creating a celebration that’s aligned with you and your partner.

I don’t just show up with a camera—I’m with you from the start. From helping you choose the perfect space to connecting you with trusted vendors, I’m here to bring your vision to life. With a 100+ page client planning guide and over 40 resources to walk you through every step, your journey to “I do” doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

If a backyard wedding in Colorado is your dream, let’s make it one you’ll never forget. Reach out below—I’d love to help you bring it all together.