When it’s done right, I love a backyard wedding. As an Arizona wedding photographer, I see how these kinds of days make my couples feel more relaxed all the time. Plus, they include more intentionality and really reflect your relationship, which is always something that makes a huge difference on your wedding day! 

If you’re considering planning an Arizona backyard wedding, this is your sign to do it. Let’s get into my guide that has everything you need to know. 

Why Choose a Backyard Wedding?

Couples are choosing backyard weddings more and more, and I’m seeing it for a lot of different reasons. Here are the main ones: 

• To hold your wedding at a meaningful location

Putting that kind of intention behind your location is always something that gets me. Maybe it’s where you grew up, or maybe it’s your future home, but if it has any sort of special meaning, that’s one of those details that just really sells it. 

• Let’s be real, to save a few bucks

Okay, it’s no secret that weddings are expensive. If you can cut venue costs, I always say do it. Because, I mean, if it feels like you… Why not? 

• For flexibility

Here’s the thing: wedding venues have rules. And if your dream wedding doesn’t fit in the boxes that a traditional venue gives you, that’s totally fine, and it makes a backyard wedding a great option for you! Maybe you want to party later than 10:00 pm (yeah, you’re my kinda people), or maybe you just want to light candles or throw confetti without someone telling you no. And I fully get it. 

A huge plus in my books? You get to bring your furry friends. I’m a big fan of dogs at weddings over here, and while some venues don’t allow it, that’s not something you ever have to worry about in a backyard wedding. Gimme all the puppy love!! 

• To have a smaller, more intimate wedding

Some people don’t want a whole performance. The experience and their best people are the things that matter, so a small wedding is more up their alley. And if that intention sounds like the little whispers going on in your brain during wedding planning, a backyard wedding just might be the right path for you! 

The Logistics Side of Things: Exactly How to Plan a Backyard Wedding

Here’s where we really get into it, because while a backyard wedding is a lot more laidback, it takes some careful planning. Don’t fret, though, because this list has it all: exactly how to plan a day that’s stylish but still feels like real life instead of like your Pinterest feed. 

Hire a Vendor Team That Knows Backyard Weddings

The very first thing to know about planning a backyard wedding is that you need to choose vendors carefully. Since these days work so differently, it’s always a good idea to pick a team that’s worked in them before, who have seen the ins and outs of the logistics. For example, your DJ needs to understand the plug-in options, and your caterer needs to understand the kitchen options. It’s the things like that that’ll really make your day run smoothly! 

Molly and Kelley hired an amazing day-of coordinator, O Honey Events, who carried out the vision for the day beautifully. I’ll always highly, highly recommend hiring a planner or coordinator for a backyard wedding to ensure maximum relaxation and minimum stress. 

Include Intentional Details

If you’re choosing a backyard wedding, you probably care about the small details. Which, you totally should. 

Whether it’s writing letters to each individual guest or getting ready in your childhood bedroom, the things that have meaning behind them will be the things that make the biggest difference in how your day feels. 

Molly and Kelley did this all the way down to where they said, “I do.” They chose to get married in Kelley’s parents’ backyard because it held significant meaning to them. They first started dating in the hot tub there! And get this: they had someone build a platform right over their hot tub, and they made that their ceremony site. How adorable is that?!

Backyard Wedding Decor Ideas

Your opportunities for decorating your backyard wedding? Endless. And when you do it your way, it’s perfect. 

An idea I’ll always love is using furniture or thrifted decor to really drive in that homey, cozy feel. I mean, imagine a piece of your childhood furniture being used to welcome guests to your wedding day. It’s casually stylish and really special, all at the same time. 

One thing, though, is that I always recommend not overdoing the decor. I want your story to be able to actually breathe. Backyard weddings always feel slow and romantic to me, and I think your decor letting that shine is always the way to go! Remember, this isn’t a performance, it’s an experience! 

Plan a Timeline That Gives You Room to Breathe

Something that’s so great about a backyard wedding is that you don’t have any strict timelines or schedules to follow, so when you’re planning your timeline, I always say to give yourself some wiggle room to connect and also, like, breathe a little. 

Molly and Kelley built a lot of extra time into their day for one of their top priorities: getting photos at some of their favorite spots throughout the neighborhood. And being able to get those without being stressed about time? Yeah. It was a game-changer. We hit the gym area for their first look, the clubhouse for the wedding party and family photos, and then drove up the mountain to get sunset portraits. See for yourself, but… So worth it. 

Have a Good Inclement Weather Plan

Backyard weddings can be tricky when we talk about weather, but as an Arizona wedding photographer, I know that rain here is pretty rare. Despite that, though, I still recommend having a tent rented just in case you need it. I mean, we all know the heat gets pretty crazy here, so having a plan B is always better than not! 

Have a Good Parking Plan

Use the layout of your space to map out where guests will park and communicate this in advance. You definitely don’t want anyone confused and accidentally running into your ceremony site… Trust me. 

Have a Good Bathroom Plan

While we’re on the topic of making good plans… Make sure there’s a bathroom accessible for guests. These are the things people don’t really think about, but they make a huge difference. Toilet trailers are a great option for this, and any backyard weddings that use them never regret it! 

Need Guidance on Obtaining Permits for a Home Wedding?

As your Arizona wedding photographer, I’m literally always here to help you with the not-so-fun stuff, like navigating permits specific to your day. For the purposes of this blog post, though, I’ll tell you that the best way to go is to reach out to your local government to see if there are any permits, insurance, or noise ordinances for a backyard wedding in your location! 

FAQs About Backyard Weddings

What Kind of Catering Works Best for a Casual Backyard Reception?

If I’m being so honest… A simple buffet is always the move for a casual backyard wedding reception. Popping up a table with some good food options on it and letting guests serve themselves? Super easy, super casual. And that’s my jam. 

What Are the Best Outdoor Lighting Options for a Backyard Wedding? 

This is one I get all the time, and luckily, you have a ton of options. Here are a few of my favorites that work well every time: 

• String lights – specifically solar-powered ones attached to posts, hanging over the reception site. Love! 
• Chandeliers – they’re always so cute hanging from trees or from a tent!
• Candlelight – let’s be real, the vibes are always immaculate from a candlelit wedding reception.
• Solar-powered lanterns or posts – these are especially great for walkways to avoid any accidents! 

What Vendors Do I Need for a Backyard Wedding? 

Any and all vendors you want there are great to have for a backyard wedding, but I specifically recommend: 

• Planner
• Photographer (hey!!) 
• Videographer
• Content Creator
• Officiant
• Caterer
• Florist
• Hair and Makeup Artist

Molly and Kelley’s Arizona Backyard Wedding

Molly and Kelley did a backyard wedding 100% right. Their day was equal parts intentional, sentimental, and fun, and that’s exactly what a backyard wedding should be!

Their decor was amazing (with their color palette inspired by Arizona sunsets), the views were incredible, and the emotions? Don’t even get me started. I’ll be thinking about this one forever and ever. 

Vendors: 

Hair and Makeup Artist: EGlow Boost Beauty

Florist: Element Design & Events

Caterer: Gallery of Food

DJ: Edin Priganica

Dress: Locket Brides

Suit: Rye51

Kali M. Photos | Arizona Wedding Photographer

If you’re still looking for some tips, my ultimate guide to planning an Arizona wedding should help answer any other questions! And if you’re looking for local photographers specializing in intimate outdoor weddings… I’m your girl. You can learn more about me here to see if we’re a good fit, and click here to inquire about booking me as your Arizona wedding photographer! 

Client love: “We had the most amazing experience with Kali and Tyler. They went above and beyond what we had expected and truly made our wedding day so much more enjoyable. We are so happy with how our photos and videos turned out! I highly recommend.”