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How to Plan a Beautiful Back Garden Wedding

A couple dressed in wedding attire stands hand in hand beside a bright turquoise pool, surrounded by greenery and trees, under a clear blue sky.


A guide to creating a relaxed celebration at home

FROM LA TO SAN DIEGO, SANTA BARBARA & BEYOND…

The Space: Making Your Garden Wedding-Ready

Not every garden is wedding-ready straight away, but with a little planning and creativity, even a simple backyard can transform into a beautiful setting.

Guest Comfort

First, think about guest comfort – level ground for seating, shaded areas for hot days, and blankets for cooler evenings.

Weather

Next, plan for weather – a small marquee or stretch tent will give you peace of mind if the forecast turns.
Finally, use what’s already there. Trees, flowerbeds, or even a family barn can naturally set the scene without the need for heavy styling.

The Ceremony: Legalities & Personal Touches

In the UK, a legal marriage must happen at a licensed venue, but there are ways to work around this:

Option 1: Do the legal bit separately – Many couples opt for a simple registry office ceremony before or after the wedding day.
Option 2: Hire a celebrant – Humanist, independent, or family-led ceremonies allow for a deeply personal touch.

The Reception: Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun

Food and Drink Ideas for a Back Garden Wedding

A back garden wedding doesn’t need a formal sit-down meal. In fact, some of my past couples have found that relaxed, communal dining makes the day feel more personal and fun.
A homemade buffet is a lovely way to get everyone involved — guests bringing cakes and dishes adds a warm, family feel. Alternatively, food trucks or BBQs keep things simple and stress-free when feeding a crowd.
Mix-and-match seating also works beautifully. Picnic blankets, long tables, or hay bales instantly create that laid-back, festival-style atmosphere.

Evening Ambience & After-Dark Magic

Couple dancing in parents back garden backyard

The Practical Stuff: Making It Work at Home

While a back garden wedding is personal and cost-effective, there are a few practicalities to think about:

Toilets: If you have more than 30 guests, consider renting an extra bathroom unit.
Parking: Encourage carpooling, or hire a nearby field for overflow parking.
Power: Check your garden has enough electrical access for lighting, music, and catering.
Neighbours: A heads-up (and maybe an invite!) keeps things smooth.

The Photos: How to Capture the Magic

A back garden wedding is all about mood, light, and connection. These weddings naturally lend themselves to warm, nostalgic photography:

Use the garden’s natural features – Overhanging trees, flowerbeds, golden hour light.
Capture the movement – Laughter, kids running around, dancing under string lights.
Embrace the imperfections – The beauty of a home wedding is that it’s real.

I’ve photographed weddings in private gardens, fields, and hidden woodland clearings, and every single one has felt timeless. The images in this post were taken across multiple weddings—some from years ago—but they still feel fresh. That’s the magic of back garden weddings.

CLICK HERE FOR MY BACK YARD WEDDING GUIDE

FAQ


Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Weddings

Usually not — if it’s your own private property and you’re not selling tickets or alcohol, you don’t need a licence. But if you plan to hire a celebrant or have live amplified music, check with your local council for temporary event notices (TENs).

Not yet — UK law still requires the legal part to take place in a licensed venue or registry office. Most couples do the paperwork beforehand and have a symbolic ceremony at home led by a celebrant or friend.

Couple dancing in parents back garden backyard

It depends on your garden size and vibe. Tipis and stretch tents give a relaxed, festival feel and cope well with uneven lawns. Clearspan marquees look classic and elegant. Always allow space for catering, dance floor, and power cables — they take up more room than you think!

Assume it’ll rain — then plan for it!
Have a covered backup space, invest in flooring or matting, and stock up on clear umbrellas and blankets. Guests remember how comfortable they felt, not whether the sun shone.

Lighting and layout.
String lights, candles, and festoon bulbs transform a space at night. Long banquet tables, DIY florals, and mismatched chairs add charm without hiring a stylist. It’s about atmosphere, not symmetry.

Let them know about access, power points, and any restrictions (like noise or drones). Garden weddings often have unique challenges with changing light — an experienced documentary photographer (hi 👋) knows how to adapt and make it look cinematic regardless.

Do I need permission to host a wedding in my back garden?

Usually not — if it’s your own private property and you’re not selling tickets or alcohol, you don’t need a licence. But if you plan to hire a celebrant or have live amplified music, check with your local council for temporary event notices (TENs).

Can I have a legal ceremony in my garden?

Not yet — UK law still requires the legal part to take place in a licensed venue or registry office. Most couples do the paperwork beforehand and have a symbolic ceremony at home led by a celebrant or friend.

What’s the best marquee or tent for a garden wedding?

It depends on your garden size and vibe. Tipis and stretch tents give a relaxed, festival feel and cope well with uneven lawns. Clearspan marquees look classic and elegant. Always allow space for catering, dance floor, and power cables — they take up more room than you think!

How do I deal with unpredictable British weather?

Assume it’ll rain — then plan for it!
Have a covered backup space, invest in flooring or matting, and stock up on clear umbrellas and blankets. Guests remember how comfortable they felt, not whether the sun shone.

How can I make a garden wedding look stylish without spending a fortune?

Lighting and layout.
String lights, candles, and festoon bulbs transform a space at night. Long banquet tables, DIY florals, and mismatched chairs add charm without hiring a stylist. It’s about atmosphere, not symmetry.

What should I tell my wedding photographer before the day?

Let them know about access, power points, and any restrictions (like noise or drones). Garden weddings often have unique challenges with changing light — an experienced documentary photographer (hi 👋) knows how to adapt and make it look cinematic regardless.

Check my availability

EXPLORE MORE INSPIRATION BELOW

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  • A small wooden garden bar with an open door, chalkboard menus, and drink bottles inside—perfect for a back garden wedding—surrounded by lush green trees, flowers, and sunlight.

READY TO

Looking to have photos like these for your wedding?


I’d love to capture your day with the same relaxed, colourful, documentary style. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a big party, close to home or further afield, I’ll be there for the laughs, the chaos, and the quiet moments in between.

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