Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Planning & Advice
  4. Wedding Venue Ideas
  5. Your Comprehensive Guide to Getting Married at Home
Martha Stewart Weddings

Your Comprehensive Guide to Getting Married at Home

sarah schreiber martha stewart
By Sarah Schreiber
Skip gallery slides
Pin
pillar paul wedding couple in front of house
Credit: Rachel May Photography

Here's everything you need to know about tying the knot in your backyard.

Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
pillar paul wedding couple in front of house
Credit: Rachel May Photography

Home is where the heart is—which is exactly why many couples choose to tie the knot in their own backyards. Your home is, after all, the definition of a sentimental wedding venue as tying the knot there means you're exchanging lifelong vows on the grounds where you experienced some of life's most significant moments. While your wedding is a celebration of your bright future, it will also feel nostalgic. You, your husband or wife, and family will all reflect on the moments that brought you to the here and now. Add in your childhood home as the setting and that nostalgic feeling goes through the roof (pun intended).

Prepring for your at-home celebration, however, is a huge undertaking, and one that often comes with a high price tag. Your home, in its regular form and layout, likely isn't equipped to handle your many guests, which means blueprinting the space, bringing in virtually every rental type possible, and preparing for unfavorable weather aren't simply optional—they're requirements. To help you navigate the tricky process of planning and throwing a successful home wedding, we tapped several of the industry's leading planners, who've all had experience executing backyard parties.

According to these pros, the challenges of planning home weddings often make them that much more rewarding—the experience alone will make all of those efforts worth it, says Allison Jackson of Pineapple Productions. "Getting married at home allows for a highly personal and sentimental celebration—an experience completely unique to the couple that ends up very naturally having a family focus," she says. "It is a very powerful feeling to be married at home, where so many family memories have already been made and will continue to be made."

If you're set on tying the knot at home, click through for these insiders' must-know tips, from hiring experienced personnel and obtaining the proper permits, to manicuring grassy grounds and renting a tent.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Survey Your Interior Space

outdoor event space
Credit: Courtesy of Lombardi House

One of the most difficult parts of getting married inside your physical home is "seeing a space that you are so familiar with in a different or unexpected way," says Sarah Radasky of Sarah-Allen Preston Designs. Your home is, by default, where your heart is—which means visualizing the kitchen as a cocktail hour space or the living room as a dinner site can often be difficult for couples. Also challenging? Looking critically at your childhood domain. Will highly-trafficked rooms need a new coat of paint? Does the bathroom need to be remodeled? Before you get your sights set on a home venue, ensure that you're holding it to a similar standard you would any wedding location.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

….and Your Exterior Space

fiona-peter-wedding-vermont-venue-963106-d112512.jpg
Credit: Liz Banfield

If the majority of the event is taking place outdoors, it's important to make sure that the grounds are up to par. "New mulch" and "replanted flower beds" are good places to start, says Jackson. 

You might also want to consider inviting your landscaper back post-party, says Laura Ritchie of Grit & Grace: "Having a landscaper come back after the wedding to make sure the garden beds and grass are okay after being danced on, driven over, and possibly demolished should be considered!"

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hire an Experienced Planner

vanessa steven wedding couple house hand holding
Credit: Valorie Darling Photography
21 Questions You Need to Ask Your Wedding Planner

Look for a planner who can "demonstrate that they have frequently planned at-home, tented wedding receptions," says Lynn Easton of Easton Events. Lovely Planning's Kristen Estela couldn't agree more: "They already have an appreciation for the complexities involved and can guide you the whole way through."

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Get Real About the Budget

dani jackson wedding reception lounge in tent
Credit: Erich McVey
Budget Breakdown: How Much to Spend on Each Part of Your Wedding

In short, getting married at home will not save you money, says Ritchie—it will likely cost more than a traditional venue, which is something to keep in mind before you begin planning. "You are essentially creating an entire venue on a property not meant to host, feed, house, and cater to hundred(s) of guests. The logistics, money, and time spent on simply securing the property need to be considered first and foremost." Being realistic (and setting a strict budget!) now will help those often-unexpected expenses feel more manageable when they do crop up.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Forget About Permits

wedding mansion
Credit: The Edges Wedding Photography
What Permits Do You Need for a Backyard Wedding?

Permit requirements vary by region, so visit your local town hall to learn about your hometown's specific regulations. "Some towns require getting a permit for any gathering over 50 people and some locations require nothing at all," says Easton. Permits that you might need encapsulate noise ordinances ("Many couples are disappointed when they find out they can't have their band play until the wee hours of the night—sometimes only until 10:00 p.m.," says Estela), building policies, and parking restrictions.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Get Insurance

mackenzie-ian-wedding-decor-029-s112461-0116.jpg
Credit: Brett Heidebrecht
Do You Need Wedding Insurance?

It's better to be safe than sorry: Invest in liability insurance for personal injury and property damage.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blueprint Your Space

Barn wedding
Credit: Photogen Inc.

"Ideally the ceremony, cocktail, and dinner are all in different spaces," says Easton. "We highly recommend not flipping a space. It puts a level of stress on the entire wedding which is certainly not ideal."

If you do have to flip a space, Jackson recommends hiring a team of experienced vendors to assist. "Also consider adding more staff to facilitate the transition in the time you have to complete it," she says. "An overly-long cocktail hour can feel awkward and cut into your time set aside for dancing." 

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make Renting a Tent a Priority

bessie john wedding tent
Credit: Jose Villa
Here's What Every Type of Wedding Tent Looks Like

Unless the inside of your home can accommodate all of your guests—and every part of your wedding day—you're going to need a tent, says Jackson. Getting hitched in the summer? A tent with air conditioning and fans might also be a welcome addition.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Create a Rain Plan

shelby barrett wedding tent entrance
Credit: Corbin Gurkin
Do You Really Need a Rain Plan?

On that note, it's also critical to prepare for the possibility of unfavorable weather—renting a tent, even as a Plan B, should be in your budget, says Radasky: "You might be planning to get married on the back patio, but have a tent ready for a rain plan just in case."

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Load Up on Rentals

kendall nick wedding lounge
Credit: Abby Jiu Photography

According to Estela, if you're getting married at home, you're essentially building a venue from the ground up. "Everything is needed, from tables, linens, and china, to lighting, ovens, and barware," she says. "The rental bill can get quite high," so you'll want to choose your vendors wisely.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Be Mindful of Formality

pillar paul wedding tables
Credit: Rachel May Photography
What Does It Really Mean to Throw a Black-Tie Wedding?

An at-home, backyard wedding can absolutely be black-tie. If you do want to amp up your event's formality level, consider starting the festivities later in the evening, notes Easton—this allows for cooler temperatures, which better suits full tuxedos and floor-length gowns. You'll also want to add in sturdy flooring, notes Ritchie, to ensure that stilettos aren't aerating your grass. A casual vibe works just as well, if that's more your style—just be upfront about proper dress long before your guests arrive. "A wedding website is a great place to communicate details on what guests should expect," says Jackson.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Think About Lighting

twinkle lights canopy over reception tables in italian courtyard
Credit: Declan Devlin
Everything You Need to Know About Bringing in Wedding Lighting

"A project couples often forget about is lighting," says Estela. "You want to make sure your guests can see where they are going, so we have to install some kind of lighting to facilitate that." If you're installing lighting, you also have to think about a back-up power source (like a generator) to ensure that your home's electrical map can take the extra strain. "You have to make sure you aren't going to blow out the power with the band and your lighting," says Radasky.

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Consider Officiant Limitations

pillar paul wedding ceremony
Credit: Rachel May Photography

Book your officiant as soon as you set a date and disclose your location upfront—many religious officials aren't able to perform ceremonies outside of their place of worship.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Think About Your Neighbors

molly ed wedding venue sheep farm
Credit: Erin McGinn Photography

Give your neighbors fair notice of your wedding plans. Best-case scenario, they'll offer up their driveway for parking (or at least vow to shut off their sprinklers!). Even better? Invite them.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Arrange Transportation

charles andrew maine wedding trolley
Credit: Abby Jiu Photography
The Dos and Dont's of Wedding Transportation

If you're getting married on a huge piece of family property, like a multi-acre ranch or farm, getting guests to and from can be challenging—especially if you don't want to ask them to get back in their cars and schlep to the reception area following the ceremony. Or, perhaps you can only fit 100+ cars on a piece of land outside of a comfortable walking distance. If either is the case, you might have to consider some degree of big-day transportation, like a bus or trolley.

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Consider Security

leah michael wedding brick house exterior venue
Credit: Gui of Weddings by Nato

This comes down to personal preference, but most of these experts recommend some degree of security—especially if your house won't be part of the big-day line-up. "If you don't want guests inviting themselves into the house then a security guard at very accessible entrances could do the trick," says Ritchie. Looking for a more laid-back, but still-effective approach? "We have also had the house locked up and just us have a key for emergency access."

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spray for Bugs

leila joel wedding venue
Credit: Erich McVey
6 Tips for Dealing with Mosquitoes at Your Outdoor Wedding

Believe us—if guests spend the majority of your wedding battling mosquitos (and losing the war), that's what they'll remember. Spraying for bugs is non-negotiable, notes Easton. As for the best way to keep the critters away? "There are a variety of approaches," says Jackson. "Some couples choose to work with an exterminator on a long-term plan, beginning several months prior to the wedding day. Other couples prefer tactics like removing standing water, having plenty of fans on hand, avoiding fragrant flowers and sugary drinks, and using things like citronella candles and insect repellant to keep guests comfortable."

You'll also want to take precaution against any other local, unwelcome critters, like garden snakes, notes Radasky.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Don't Skimp on Bathrooms

portable bathroom for wedding
Credit: Charlotte Jenks Lewis
The Ultimate Guide to Portable Bathrooms at Weddings

Chances are, your two-and-a-half bath home isn't equipped to handle 200 people's bladders. "Restroom trailers are 'must have' in my opinion," adds Estela, who says to avoid Porta-Potties and spend a little extra for a full-service bathroom station with running water and lighting. "For a little more money, it's well worth it—and your guests will be grateful they can wash their hands, flush the toilet, and actually see what's going on when it gets dark at night (it gets very dark!). "

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sarah Schreiber

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Prince William Didn't Watch Kate Middleton Walk Down the Aisle at Their Wedding—Here's Why He Missed This Moment
    • These Brides Brought Their Romantic, Secret Garden-Themed Wedding to Life at an Art Museum
    • 5 Ways You're Jeopardizing Your Relationship With Your Daughter- or Son-In-Law—and Your Child
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19
    2 of 19 Survey Your Interior Space
    3 of 19 ….and Your Exterior Space
    4 of 19 Hire an Experienced Planner
    5 of 19 Get Real About the Budget
    6 of 19 Don't Forget About Permits
    7 of 19 Get Insurance
    8 of 19 Blueprint Your Space
    9 of 19 Make Renting a Tent a Priority
    10 of 19 Create a Rain Plan
    11 of 19 Load Up on Rentals
    12 of 19 Be Mindful of Formality
    13 of 19 Think About Lighting
    14 of 19 Consider Officiant Limitations
    15 of 19 Think About Your Neighbors
    16 of 19 Arrange Transportation
    17 of 19 Consider Security
    18 of 19 Spray for Bugs
    19 of 19 Don't Skimp on Bathrooms

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Your Comprehensive Guide to Getting Married at Home
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.