Planning a Backyard Wedding That Feels Magical
Thoughtful tips for creating an intimate and charming wedding at home.
I’ve been photographing backyard weddings for years and they have become my absolute favorite.
If you're planning a backyard wedding in Asheville or somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you're already on the right track. Now, let’s make it dreamy. The goal? A celebration that feels effortless and inviting, never cheap or overdone.
1. Find the Perfect Backyard Wedding Location
The magic of a backyard wedding starts with the setting, of course! Maybe it’s your grandma’s house, a cozy rental tucked into the woods or a historic home. Whatever you choose, you want a space that allows you to add in personal touches. Mountain views are amazing but not required.
-You need enough space to gather comfortably indoor and outdoor (there’s always the chance of rain) for all guests. Or consider a tent!
-Where’s the best lighting? As you figure out the setup, consider how the sunlight sets in the evenings. People often underestimate this but beautiful natural light makes a huge difference in your photos - which is why we encourage clients to avoid midday harsh sun.
-You’ll want scenic surroundings such as autumnal trees, summer wildflowers, a sweet brick patio with a banner or a beautiful wrap around porch with string lights.
I’ve put together a guide on finding wedding-friendly Airbnbs in Asheville to help with your search! It’s full of insight on planning a wedding here in aa Asheville rental home. Head here for logistical insight on pulling off a backyard wedding - is there enough parking?!
2. Let the Setting Do the Heavy Lifting
One of the best things about outdoor weddings is that nature already does most of the decorating for you. Instead of over-styling, lean into what’s already there and only add in a few touches. Aim for classic over trendy; trendy tends to look cheap whereas classic feels timeless and nostalgic in the best ways.
Some ideas that come to mind…
Mismatched chairs
Small bud vases down the middle of the farm table
Ribbons tied to low tree branches to blow in the breeze
Pennant banners strung across the patio for a charming touch
Hang a big white sheet and project a fun old movie or a personal photo slideshow to play in the background after dark
Drapey table runners that pool at the end of the long wooden tables
Childhood photos on the tables or creating a photo wall for your guests
Homemade sign with your names or a simple “Cheers!”
My favorite Pinterest boards are always growing with new ideas:
3. Keep the Food & Drinks Simple but Extra Delicious
Food for a backyard wedding of 60 people is more delicious than food for 200 people in a banquet hall - it just is! Whether you plan a family-style meal, a chef-led dinner or wood-fired pizza from a food truck, keep it abundant but manageable.
Hire an Asheville-based private chef or food truck to make it fun. Sunshine Sammies, please!
4. Focus on the Experience, Charm > Perfection
A small, outdoor wedding is about creating a night that feels relaxed and meaningful. Give your guests space to linger over dinner and don’t stress if everything isn’t “perfect” - perfection isn’t something to chase, joy is.
Set up a cozy spot for guests to gather (fire pits, blankets or a lounge area).
Curate a playlist that sets the mood without overpowering conversations and make it last for hours (always add more music to a playlist than you think is necessary).
Skip any wedding traditions that you don’t love because backyard weddings aren’t about obligation, they’re about celebration!
Expecting lots of kiddos running around? Have crafts and/or games available. I’ve seen simple bubble wands be the biggest hit.
5. Guide Your Guests to Set the Tone
Just because you’re having a backyard wedding doesn’t mean people should be in jeans and baseball hats. Guide your guests and staff to set the tone for your celebration! These tips will also improve your candid photos greatly.
Include info on your website and in your invitation suite:
Provide a simple dress code for your guests: “spring garden party” or “Sunday brunch dress-up, no jeans please” or “cocktail dresses + sneakers”. Your guests will appreciate the guidance, especially any notes on footwear as the terrain is a mystery to guests traveling in.
If you have a bartender serving guests and/or a live band, ask them to dress in nice matching uniforms or dress nicely to coordinate the style.
5. Choose Vendors Who Get It!
You don’t need a traditional wedding venue to show your guests an incredible time or to get stunning photos - you just need little touches of sweetness and smart planning.
Here are a few more tips from this photographer’s perspective:
Don’t treat a backyard wedding the same as a backyard party, treat it like the special event it is - hire professionals to set up, serve guests, clean up at the end to make for a fun day, not a DIY nightmare.
Only set out as many chairs as there are guests for the ceremony. You don’t want 7-12 empty chairs in the photos of your ceremony.
Remove ugly distractions before photos begin! No need for trash bins to be in the background.
Including your pup in the festivities? Love it! Make it unproblematic.
This type of wedding is intimate and filled with emotion, consider going unplugged for the ceremony.
The best backyard wedding photography isn’t about staged moments; it’s about candlelit dinners, bare feet in the grass, happy tears during the vows, and the way the evening light hits just right. I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography that captures those in-between, heartfelt moments, photos that feel like you’re there all over again. If that sounds like your kind of thing, let’s chat.
Whether you’re getting married on a friend’s land, a tucked-away Airbnb, or a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains, embrace the beauty of an unfussy, soulful wedding that’s yours.