I could talk about how much I love backyard weddings all day. There are of course a unique set of challenges that come with planning a backyard wedding, but that’s a problem for future you. Right now, let’s focus on the top 5 reasons to have a backyard wedding.

Top 5 Reasons to Have a Backyard Wedding

1. Save money on a venue

If you’re someone who would love to splurge on your wedding but you’re not totally obsessed with any venues, this is reason enough to throw a backyard wedding. With the money saved on a venue, you can allocate funds to other services. Splurge on your favorite caterer, your dream photographer, amazing florals/decor, etc. You will have to rent tables and chairs, but there will be a significant amount of $$ saved.

Using your home as your venue also allows you to feel so much more, well, at home. Your guests can explore freely, and you can relax knowing your comfy bed is only a few footsteps away.

2. Get the date you want

Traditional wedding venues will often be booked up to 2 years in advance. This may leave you with very few options for dates, even if other vendors are available for more dates. When your venue is your backyard, that date obstacle (and headache) is removed.

You can instead focus on when your favorite vendors are available, and rest assured knowing you’ll get the date you want.

3. Total control of the space

Once you determine street parking, sound ordinances, and any other rules, you can pretty much do whatever you want with your space.

Wanna set off fireworks/use sparklers? Do it.

Have a pool and want to go for a midnight swim? You can do that too.

Feel like hanging string lights in every nook & cranny? Live your life.

You get the gist.

4. Backyard games

How often do you get to have all of your closest friends and family in one place? Might as well take advantage of the opportunity and set up a little corner for games and general riff raff.

5. Work with local vendors

Some venues may only allow you to work with an approved list of vendors, and this makes it hard to support smaller local businesses.

If you have a backyard wedding, you can hire your favorite bar’s bartender to make your drinks. You can order treats from a local bakery. There’s also nothing stopping you from ordering a ton of BBQ from your favorite local spot. There are no limits.

When your home is your venue, everything instantly becomes that much more meaningful and sentimental. The memories of one of the best days of your life will always connect to a place you know and love.

More planning tips:

7 Things to keep in mind for your outdoor wedding

10 Things you need to know to plan your wedding day timeline

Wedding Photography Style Guide