The Truth About At Home Weddings

So, you’re thinking about getting married at home.
The backyard. The family land. That sweet little spot your grandma always loved.

We get it, it's romantic, a little nostalgic, and sounds like a smart way to save some cash. And you’re not wrong! Backyard weddings used to be popular back when lawns were massive, guest lists were modest, and neighbors didn’t mind a little noise.

But fast-forward to now: home weddings can be just as complicated (if not more) than traditional venues. We're not here to scare you off, we just want to make sure you go in with eyes wide open. So before you commit, ask yourself these questions.

Do you have the space?

Be honest. Can your backyard actually fit your guest count, ceremony setup (unless you’re ceremony is at a church), cocktail hour, AND room for dinner and dancing? Or are people going to be crammed between the grill and the dog’s favorite pee tree?

What’s your Plan B?

Rain happens. And the weather? Unpredictable at best.
If the skies open up, do you have space for a tent? Or are you bringing 75 semi-soggy guests into your living room? (Pro tip: don’t count on the sun.)

Where’s the power?

DJ? Needs power.
Caterer? Needs power.
Photobooth? Yep.
Your photographer’s battery bank? Also yes.

Backyards rarely have enough outlets in the right places. You might need generators, extension cords, and a plan to avoid blowing a fuse mid-toast.

Who’s handling the cleanup?

Real talk: after everyone leaves, it’s just you. Are you ready to collect trash, break down tables, and clean the bathroom your uncle “missed”?
You’ll need trash cans, bins, and ideally a dumpster. Seriously, wedding trash is no joke.

Are you ready for things to go missing?

We’ve seen it all: centerpieces swiped, glassware taken home, even rental items “borrowed” as souvenirs. If you're using personal items or family heirlooms, protect them. Guests will go searching in your house for “the bathroom” and how well do you really know your cousin’s new partner? Be sure to have your valuables locked away somewhere safe.

Liability Is Real

Here’s the part no one wants to think about:
If someone gets hurt on your property (or gets a little too lit and crashes into your fence) you might be liable. We always recommend event insurance, especially at-home weddings.

Also: noise ordinances are a thing. Don’t let your dance floor get shut down by the HOA or a grumpy neighbor. Be sure to look up what your local noise ordinances are and have your guests leave on time.

So… should you still have an at home wedding?

Absolutely! If your home has meaning, you love the idea, and you're prepared for the logistics, we’re 100% here for it. We've planned some of our favorite events in backyards and front porches.

But if you're doing it to save money, just know that rentals, staffing, restrooms, and weather plans add up quickly. At-home weddings require extra prep and a rock-solid plan. But don’t worry - that’s kind of our thing.

Thinking about a backyard wedding?
Let’s walk the space and make a plan. Book a free consultation by Scheduling a Call.