You might have always dreamed of throwing the perfect wedding and want it to be as unique as you are.
So, instead of going the traditional route, you plan to have your ceremony in your backyard. But, have you thought about all the things that go into planning and executing this type of event?
Backyard weddings are a great option if you don’t have the space at your home or business or are just looking for an alternative to the traditional indoor wedding.
This guide will show you how to find and rent the perfect backyard, set it up, and other tips on planning your special day in this gorgeous setting.
You can rent a backyard for your wedding and make it the best venue! Before that can happen, there are many things to put in place, like the permit, budget, etc. Also, you should consider the number of people invited and the space required, but you can get all that done with proper planning.
Do I Need a Permit For a Backyard Wedding?
You may need a permit for your backyard wedding, depending on the size and location of your event.
To find out, contact your local city or county clerk’s office. They will be able to tell you if you need a permit and, if so, how to obtain one.
Each county and municipality has distinct rules for wedding permits, so start early.
It may have repercussions for your end time, whether or not you are allowed to get a band to play at your wedding and other related matters.
Here is the information you have to know about the regulations and permits.
To find out which permit you’ll be needing for your backyard wedding, you need to check these out:
- Verify with your country what permits you to need when planning a backyard wedding.
- Determine whether or not the regulations change if you are utilizing a tent.
- Check-in with the health department.
- Permit for liquor
#1. Country Permit
Parking, noise, and fire safety are the three most important regulations to keep an eye on.
Your county government’s website may find information regarding noise ordinances and other rules.
If you observe the regulations of your neighborhood covering parking, noise, and fire safety, hosting a party in your backyard should not present any difficulties in most cases.
In the case of noise, every municipality and town has its own set of local bylaws that detail the acceptable levels of noise pollution and the times of day by which any outdoor musical performances must end.
Be sure to verify with the firm that you rented the venue from and the City Hall in your area to learn the maximum number of hours you are permitted to play music at your reception; otherwise, you risk your event being cut short.
Check street parking rules when verifying permits. Some municipalities prohibit overnight or certain-time street parking.
Consider employing a valet service if there isn’t enough street parking close to your place. Tell your friends beforehand, so they don’t leave important things in their vehicles.
#2. Tent Permit
As a temporary building, tents may be governed differently depending on the area. The fire department will want permits for party tents and fire hazards, but your vendors can help with this.
According to your county’s requirements, once you put up your tent, a fire marshal may visit your wedding tent.
They check all exits, fire extinguishers, candles, and more. The tent business handles this, so it shouldn’t be a bother to your backyard wedding idea.
#3. Health Permit
It is not very common that you will be required to obtain permits from the health department; nonetheless, some counties demand this for events that bring in portable restrooms.
The company from which you rent the toilets may guide this matter; therefore, there’s no cause for worry about this when planning your backyard wedding.
#4. Liquor Permit
In certain municipalities, obtaining liquor permission is necessary to hold an outdoor wedding.
In the province of Ontario, for instance, if you want to serve or provide liquor to your guests, you need to apply for a Special Occasion Permit. This permit is valid for a single event.
In Washington, you must have a banquet permit to serve and consume alcoholic beverages at your backyard wedding site.
You can receive your banquet permits online. This permit is also valid for a single event. Contact your neighbors two months before your wedding; they can plan a night away.
Give them as many details as possible, such as the time of your ceremony, so they know when you’ll need silence and where your guests plan to park, so they don’t have to worry about street parking.
How To Rent a Backyard For a Wedding?
Why not rent a backyard if you want a unique and personal wedding venue? Backyard weddings are now gaining more popularity as they offer a more intimate setting than a traditional wedding venue.
Plus, renting a backyard for your wedding can be more cost-effective than booking a hotel or banquet hall.
Here’s how to rent a backyard for your wedding:
- Decide on the size of your guest list. It will help you determine the size of the backyard you need to rent.
- Find a backyard wedding venue through word of mouth, online wedding magazines, or by asking around your neighborhood. You can sometimes find ads for backyard venues on Craigslist or other classified ad sites.
- Make an appointment to see if there is a backyard wedding venue you like. Go during daylight hours to get a good idea of what you’ll be able to fit in and see if you require any special licenses or permits for weddings at that location.
- Secure your backyard wedding venue for your wedding date.
- Invite your guests. Guests can tell from your invitation if you have a backyard wedding or a traditional reception, so you’ll want to consider that when sending out invitations.
- Hire a wedding planner or a venue coordinator to help with set-up and cleanup on your wedding day. You’ll also want to book any vendors you‘ll need for catering, entertainment, photography, flowers, etc., in advance so that you can take care of those details early on in your planning process.
How Can I Have a Cheap Wedding In My Backyard?
If you want to save money on your wedding venue, why not host it right in your backyard?
Backyard weddings are getting more attention, and for a good reason! They are more intimate and personal than traditional weddings and can be much cheaper.
Here are some tips on having a beautiful backyard wedding idea on a budget with the best backyard wedding venues:
- Keep the guest list small.
- Consider DIY decorations and favors instead of renting them.
- Eat your food instead of hiring a caterer.
- Use backyard wedding rentals instead of hiring a florist.
- Find free music online instead of hiring a band or DJ.
- Please keep it simple, and don’t overthink it.
How Big Of a Backyard Do You Need For a Wedding?
When choosing a wedding ceremony venue, remember that each guest should have ten square feet, plus twenty to thirty square feet for additional guests, the altar, and the bridal party.
You can use this calculator to estimate how much space you’ll need for your backyard wedding.
Just enter the number of guests you expect and the average amount of space each person will need. You’ll also need additional space for a dance floor, buffet, bar, and restrooms.
A backyard wedding can be as big or small as you want. If you have a large backyard, you can accommodate more guests.
But if you have a smaller backyard, you can still have a beautiful and intimate wedding.
Backyard Wedding Vs. Venue Wedding
Check this table to find the best wedding venues for you, a backyard wedding or a venue wedding.
| Backyard Wedding | Venue Wedding |
|---|---|
| A backyard wedding is more intimate than a venue wedding and is without a contract, i.e., fewer guidelines. | In a venue wedding, you have to abide by the venue’s rules, which are less intimate than your wedding in your backyard. |
| It is very stressful to plan a backyard wedding with all the setting up and cleaning required. | Using a venue for your wedding is less stressful because you won’t have to clean up after the wedding. |
| It is sometimes cheaper to have a backyard wedding because you aren’t paying for the yard. | You have to consider the cost of the venue when having your wedding. |
Conclusion
It is normal to want a backyard wedding venue for your wedding, but there are things you have to consider before going ahead with this plan of yours.
Planning a backyard wedding can be stressful, but it also has perks.
