Backyard weddings are one of the longest standing traditions in wedding photography! Think back to Father of the Bride, Meet the Parents, and many other classic movies – the ups and downs of a wedding at your childhood home are very real! They take a considerable amount of planning, but the appeal of marrying in a personal, meaningful location is very real. As a Cincinnati wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed quite a few of these backyard weddings and I know exactly what it takes to make them successful.
Why Couples Love Backyard Weddings
Intimate and Meaningful
Celebrating at home (or at a parent’s home) is a meaningful place to celebrate your wedding. Couples love the intimacy of starting their lives together in a place that holds so much emotion. Not only this, the comfort of home is unmatched, it’s a relaxed atmosphere full of personal touches and memories.
More Flexibility
Since there are no restrictions (other than possibly a noise ordinance) you’d have the freedom to create your own timeline, starting as early and ending as late as you want! You would also be able to choose any vendors you feel are best – no preferred vendor lists or other rules to comply with.
Potential Cost Savings
Anyone will tell you that venue rental is not cheap, it is the of the largest expenses you’ll encounter on the wedding day. By saving money on the venue itself, you’ll be able to prioritize your budget to fit what’s most important to you.
Endless Design Possibilities
You can choose from so many different ideas that best suit the property you’ll be celebrating on! You can choose a tented reception, an open air ceremony spot, wed under a big tree, or create any number of lounge areas.
The Cons of Hosting a Backyard Wedding
You’re Creating a Venue from Scratch
There are so many things that go into creating the perfect party atmosphere. Renting a tent, tables, chairs, linens, etc. can quickly add up. And don’t forget about the infastructure needs to keep your guests comfortable – restrooms, lighting, fans, heaters, generators, etc. Plus most venues come with staff that can help you with logistics on the day of, from setup to serving meals to bartending to teardown. When you book a ready-to-go venue, many of these issues are not a concern!
Weather Can Be Unpredictable
As with any outdoor venue, weather can be a concern. Cincinnati is known for storms and unstable weather systems, and although rain on your wedding day is considered lucky you want to have plans in place to accommodate wash out weather.
Logistics Can Be Complicated
Most homes aren’t set up to accommodate a crowd – you’ll need to think about where all the cars will park and how you are going to move people from one place to another. Be sure to consider accessibility needs for your older or disabled guests, as walking on grass can be difficult for some. You’ll also need to consider noise ordinances, bar rules, liability insurance, and other legal matters. And I mentioned this before but don’t forget restrooms!
More Responsibility Falls on Family
Without the help of venue staff and coordinators, more responsibility falls on the family – setup, cleanup, groundskeeping, etc. will be your family’s problem. Consider how much you want them to work vs celebrate and enjoy the day.
10 Expert Tips for a Smooth Backyard Wedding
1. Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator
- One of the best investments you can make
- Keeps the day running smoothly
- Handles vendor communication and timelines
- Allows family members to enjoy the celebration
2. Create a Backup Weather Plan
- Rent a tent, even if rain isn’t in the forecast
- Consider fans, heaters, or shade depending on the season
3. Hire a Professional DJ
- Keeps the reception flowing
- Provides microphones for ceremonies and toasts
- Coordinates key moments throughout the evening
- Creates energy on the dance floor
4. Rent a Dance Floor if Your Reception Is on Grass
- High heels and uneven ground don’t mix
- Guests are much more likely to dance
- Creates a designated party space
- Protects shoes and prevents muddy feet
5. Think Through Lighting
- Bistro lights create a magical atmosphere
- Extra lighting helps guests move safely after dark
- Better lighting also enhances wedding photos
6. Consider Guest Comfort
- Portable restrooms for larger guest counts
- Plenty of seating and shade
- Bug spray stations and blankets for cooler evenings
7. Plan for Parking and Transportation
- Shuttle service if parking is limited
- Signage to direct guests
- Neighbor communication and noise considerations
8. Rent More Than You Think You’ll Need
- Tables and chairs
- Linens and dinnerware
- Lounge furniture
- Tents and generators
9. Build Extra Time Into Your Schedule
- Setup often takes longer than expected
- Leave room for relaxed portraits and family photos
- Avoid rushing from ceremony to reception
10. Trust Your Vendor Team
- Experienced vendors know how to solve problems before they happen
- Communication is key
Is a Backyard Wedding Right for You?
A backyard wedding can be beautiful, intimate, and unforgettable. However, it requires thoughtful planning and a strong vendor team. With the right preparation, you’ll create a day that feels personal, relaxed, and uniquely yours.
For Mia and Benji, the couple pictured here, having a backyard wedding on their parents’ property was the perfect answer to the where-to-wed question! I loved photographing their intimate and very sweet wedding day.
Planning a Backyard Wedding in Cincinnati?
As a Cincinnati wedding photographer, I’ve photographed weddings at private homes and outdoor venues throughout the area and know how to help couples create a timeline that allows them to enjoy every moment. If you’re planning a backyard wedding and want timeless images that tell the story of your day, I’d love to connect.
