How to Plan a Small Backyard Wedding | Tennessee Backyard Wedding
Whether you’re planing a cozy gathering with just your closest friends and family, or an elopement that’s just about the two of you, I’ve got the ultimate guide to help you plan a small backyard wedding that’s bursting with charm and personality!
While this blog covers the specifics of a backyard wedding in Tennessee, you could use it as a guide for any state!
The Perfect Setting
There’s something truly magical about a backyard wedding in Tennessee. As an intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful moments in various settings, but when a couple says “I do” in a place that feels like home to them, well it makes my camera and heart do a little happy dance.
I’m excited to discuss the joys, challenges, and unforgettable moments that make Tennessee backyard weddings so much fun to photograph.
Rolling hills, majestic trees providing a natural canopy, and the soft glow of golden hour list, painting the place you call home in warm, romantic hues. That’s the kind of breathtaking backdrop that Tennessee offers for backyard weddings. Tennessee’s narual beauty provides the perfect setting to transform any outdoor space into a dream wedding venue.
One of the best parts about photographing backyard weddings is the personal atmosphere that they create. Picture you and your partner exchanging your vows in a place that holds dear memories or family significance. Whether it’s a childhood home, a beloved family property, these settings add an extra layer of emotion and meaning to the day. Imagine being able to look out across your yard, years from now, as you both sit down with a glass of wine on the front porch and see the exact place where you promised each other a lifetime of love and commitment.
Planning Tips
Even though it seems as simple as walking out the back door, setting up a few chairs and saying “I do”, there’s actually a little bit of planning involved to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
First off, exactly which backyard space should you choose? Size matters y’all! Ideally, you’ll want an area large enough to accommodate your guests comfortably, with enough flat ground for seating, dancing, and dining. You don’t want Uncle Bob doing the Electric Slide in your petunias! Don’t forget to consider the path of the sun throughout the day- this can greatly affect your lighting for both the ceremony and photos. You don’t want to be squinting your way through your vows! Not sure which location is the best? Ask your photographer for their help! We live and breathe by the sun’s direction.
One often overlooked aspect of backyard weddings is obtaining necessary permits. Depending on your location, you might need permits for parking, noise, or even temporary structures like tents. If you have a homeowner’s association, you can check with them, otherwise, contact your local code enforcement office or community development office well in advance to avoid any last minute surprises. Trust me, nothing kills the romance faster than the cops showing up because your party is louder than a Tennessee Titans touchdown celebration!
Let’s not forget about your vendors! Making sure that they have everything that they need at a home venue can be a little trickier than a wedding venue. For example, you’ll need to make sure that the caterer’s have enough power for their equipment, and if you have a DJ, they’ll also need adequate power. Depending on how many guests you’re having, you’ll need proper restroom facilities, and possibly signs leading the way, so that you’re not constantly being asked where they are. A contingency plan in case of inclement weather is never a bad idea either, especially since pop-up storms seem to be happening more year-round lately!
For info on the legalities on getting married in Tennessee, as well as the perfect times of year for an outdoor wedding, check out my how-to guide for Tennessee weddings and elopements.
Photographic Opportunities
Here’s my favorite section. Oh the photographic opportunities that backyard weddings offer! This setting is so great for candid moments. With guests feeilng relaxed in a familiar setting, there are countless opportunities to capture genuine emotions and interactions. The flower girl having a tea party with the ring bearer? Snapped. The groom’s failed attempt at the work? Immortalized (sorry, not sorry!)
Natural light is a photographer’s best friend, and backyard weddings often provide plenty of it. I love using the natural elements of the backyard- a rustic fence, a blooming flower bed, a charming old tree- as backdrops for portraits.
Backyard weddings are a great place to show off DIY decor and personal touches. From hand-painted signs to family heirlooms incorporated into the decor, these elements tell a couple’s unique story. As a photographer, I love capturing the special details that mean so much to a couple and am always happy to learn the stories about how much love and thought went into everything.
Fun Outdoor Activities
The key to the perfect backyard wedding is to keep things fun, relaxed and true to your style. Here’s a couple of ideas to make your backyard bash one to remember!
- Cornhole tournament
- Horseshoes
- Lawn games galore, giant jenga, croquet, putting green, etc.
- Live music
- Photo scavenger hunt
- Firefly catching contest
- Outdoor movie screen
- Whisky or moonshine tasting station
- Pie eating contest
- Lawn twister
- Beer pong
- Sack races
- Frisbee golf
- Water balloon toss
Real Wedding Showcase: Anita and John’s Backyard Wedding in Dover, Tennessee
To give you a better idea of what a Tennessee backyard wedding looks like through my lens, let me just show you the beautiful story of Anita and John’s beautiful celebration in the beginning of summer.
Anita and John live in a gorgeous farmhouse just outside of Dover, with a beautiful yard surrounding it. Having their wedding at a place they love so much just added to the beautiful memories that they’d already made together in their home.
From the moment I received their inquiry, I knew family was THE most important thing to Anita and John. All 8 of their children, PLUS their grandchildren were in their wedding party, and it was the most adorable and fun blend of personalities! Not only could you see how much this family loves each other, but you could feel it too.
The day dawned bright and sunny, as it usually does in Tennessee in June. It was a HOT ONE! Anita and her bridesmaids got ready in their full basement with snacks and mimosas, while John and his groomsmen got ready on the second floor of their home. After everyone got ready, we went outside in separate groups for photos. Anita and her bridesmaid’s brought their flasks for a little nip.
Anita and John had a first look before their ceremony. John was so excited to see Anita that instead of looking around for a small item that could be used as a blindfold for his walk out to the yard where she was waiting, he just grabbed a fleece throw off the couch, wrapped it around his head, grabbed his daughter’s arm so she could lead him and practically ran down their front steps.
The ceremony took place against a tree line and in front of a giant wooden arbor that John handcrafted just for their wedding. Anita decorated it with florals and flowy terracotta and burgundy fabrics. As Anita walked down the aisle, the look of pure love and adoration on John’s face was a moment that I will never forget capturing.
After the ceremony, guests mingled on the lawn and found seats under the large white tents that provided welcome shade from the sun while the newlyweds and I snuck away for some portraits. We used the shadiest spot in their yard for a backdrop for most of their photos, which also was against a beautiful tree line. But, we also did photos in some of their favorite spots as well, such as the front porch and the swing that John built for the grandkids.
Anita and John’s shared love of hunting added such a personal touch to their day. Anita made the bouquets for the entire wedding party and incorporated small antlers into her arrangement. And the cakes and cupcakes? Adorable! They were the perfect reflection of one of their favorite pastimes.
From first dances to cake cutting and heartfelt toasts, every moment was picture-perfect. These two sure knew how to throw an unforgettable celebration!
Why Choose a Backyard Wedding
- It’s cheaper than a ticket to Bonnaroo, and you get to be the headliner!
- Want to party till the cows come home? In your backyard, you make the rules!
- It’s more personal than your grandma’s secret recipe book.
- The relaxed vibe means more genuine smiles and less cheesey faces.
- Unique photo ops that will make your Instagram followers green with envy.
How to Make it Special
Want to kick it up a notch and ensure that your day is as unique as you are? Here’s a few ideas for you:
Overcoming Potential Challenges
While backyard weddings are wonderful, they do come with their own set of challenges. Here are a few potential issues to be aware of, along with solutions:
Weather
The biggest concern for any outdoor wedding is always the unpredictability of the weather. I always recommend having at least one solid backup plan. In this case, you could rent a tent big enough to house the entire Nashville Predators team.
Parking
Residential areas might not be equipped for a large number of vehicles. Consider hiring a valet service or arranging for shuttle transportation from a nearby parking area or charming your neighbors into lending their driveways.
Nosy neighbors?
Invite them! Nothing stops the complaints like free cake.
Bathrooms
Your home’s facilities might not be sufficient for a large number of guests. Renting luxury portable restrooms can solve this problem so that you don’t have lines longer than the ones at Hattie B’s on a Saturday night!
Wear and tear
Protect the lawn by using flooring, rugs, or other ground protection in high-traffic areas. Your grass will thank you!
Remember though, your wedding day is about celebrating in exactly the way that you and your partner want to. If the thought of a backyard wedding makes you both go, “that’s so us!” then go for it! Your wedding day should be like a good country song- tells a story, tugs at your heartstrings and makes you want to dance. And if you’re looking for someone to document your day authentically, I’d love to chat!
