Weddings are getting smaller and more intimate and so there’s no better setting than a backyard wedding. Being in your own backyard or someone else’s can really enhance the energy of the day. From getting ready in the house and only having to take a few steps to walk down the aisle, it’s hugely convenient too.
Perhaps you have a big backyard to work with or maybe something a little smaller. Or maybe you want something extravagant or a bit more laid back… There are so many different options and ways that you can have the backyard wedding of your dreams.
So, if you’re wanting to be inspired for your own wedding or just love looking at all things weddings (which is perfectly fine too!), here are 30+ beautiful backyard wedding ideas to swoon over.
1. Outdoor gathering
If you’re lucky enough to have a property featuring water bodies, make the most of it and set up your ceremony nearby. For a beautiful scene that’s perfectly simple, dress your chairs with a floral arrangement that will make them look like they are part of the outdoor scenery.
2. Tented wedding
If you live on acreage or have a large backyard to work with, a large white marquee tent will look incredible by day and equally as beautiful at night! You can find a temporary marquee for hire online. It’s the perfect setting to hang out with your guests after the ceremony. And if you move the chairs and tables out after dinner, you’ll have yourself an awesome undercover dance floor.
3. Benches and a view
Benches are a great idea for a backyard wedding. They allow your guests to sit side by side and everyone can squeeze in and snuggle up if need be.
4. Cake and champagne
No wedding is complete without wedding cake and champagne! Who wouldn’t love an extravagant 5-tiered cake and flower arrangement like this one?
5. On the d-floor
If you have a deck, make use of it by turning it into a dance floor. One of my favourite things about a wedding definitely has to be the dancing at the end of the night – everyone just has so much fun! Don’t forget to have tables and chairs next to the d-floor area so guests can sit and watch if they’re not yet ready to dance. Now all you need is the band or DJ!
6. Along the garden path
Here is another long table that looks so beautiful in a backyard reception setting! Your guests will definitely be wowed by this scene of festoon lights running through the trees and very uniform and symmetrical seats and table decorations.
7. Confetti station
With confetti and rice restrictions at most venues these days, the backyard wedding option allows you to have as much confetti as you want. You can even set up a little confetti station so guests can easily grab their confetti ready to throw at the newlyweds as they walk back down the aisle together.
8. Triangular arbour
So often we see rectangular or arched arbours. But what about switching it up a bit and using something a little different like a triangular arbour? I love the shape that the wood gives as it almost looks like a teepee among the greenery. This arbour shouldn’t be too hard to make for a carpenter near you.
9. Lakeside “I Do’s”
Here is another beautiful ceremony scene by the water. I love the simple white candles looking elegant on the rustic wooden table. And the flower-covered arbour backdrop is simple yet stunning.
10. Teepee
A teepee should be high on your backyard wedding list. I just think they look so rustic and elegant all whilst making a bold statement. I love the fairy lights that have been wrapped around the nearest trees to provide the perfect twinkle while the sun goes down. This space could be used for so many things; guests enjoying drinks and nibbles, your first dance and even getting the party started later on!
11. Cars on display
Do you love cars? Are cars a part of your love story? Then incorporate them into your backyard wedding! I love the way this Kombi has been decorated with flowers. And it also provides the perfect backdrop for guests to take a picture with a vintage car!
12. Festoon light fence
Sometimes simple is best and less is more. Just arrange festoon lights that along your fences and any beautiful trees, along with striking white flowers covering the greenery. Simplicity at its finest!
13. Bridal suite on wheels
If you’re after something a little different to get ready in, why not beautify your caravan for the big day? It makes for a memorable place to get ready with your crew and could definitely be a cool feature for your backyard wedding! Who knows, your caravan could even turn into a pop-up bar to serve drinks out of in the backyard once the ceremony is over.
14. Mix and match
An eclectic, mix-and-match scene is very funky. Go for a mix of chairs that are made up of colourful velvet with brass finishings, vintage wooden and white ornate styles. To tie the whole look together, your tables can be perfectly styled with items that match the varying chairs collectively. Pops of pink in the flowers, greenery and brass candlesticks will all finish off the styling very nicely.
15. Dining al fresco
Dining al fresco (under the stars) is the way to go when you’re having a backyard wedding. If you have a pool, a table setting right beside it means you can get creative with your décor. For example, you might have floating candles and flower arrangements dotted around the edges of the pool.
16. Food trucks
Full catering can be troublesome, but a food truck parked out the front will eliminate any kitchen issues. There are so many food truck options that will definitely wow your guests! Whether you use the food truck for the main meal or even just for nibbles for your guests with games on the lawn while you go off to take photos, a backyard wedding is made easy with a food truck or two.
17. Poolside happy hour
Another one for those who have a backyard pool. What a great idea to have a poolside happy hour for your guests to congregate around while you’re off having your wedding photography!
18. Tree feature
If you’re not sure about the look of an arbour but want something at the end of your aisle, then how about using a tree as the feature? You can drape sheer white fabric across the branches and add lanterns that are topped with flowers and hang so beautifully.
19. Backyard bonfire or firepit
I just love a backyard bonfire or fire pit area on chilly winter nights – they are so cosy to sit next to. So why not incorporate one at your wedding? Guests will enjoy hanging out by the fire, reminiscing about all their funny memories with you and dreaming about the future. Who knows, perhaps you could all finish the night toasting marshmallows or singing a campfire song or two!
20. Petal aisle
Here is another idea that would work for any size backyard wedding. Create a flower petal aisle! You might have white petals lining the sides and in a much thicker arrangement to define the path. Then add pink and red petals randomly scattered throughout. A petal aisle will always make any scene look so romantic.
21. Amongst the greenery
One of the many positives to having a backyard wedding is all the beautiful greenery that you will be surrounded by. I love this white and ice blue backyard table setting that is the perfect backdrop for pictures.
22. Rustic, elegant and timeless
If you’re wanting to create a rustic look in your backyard wedding, wine barrels will always do the trick! You can use two barrels for the base of a table top to holding the cake, drinks and nibbles. Add sophistication with white hanging chandeliers and even a large lit-up LOVE sign that will continue to light up the area, even as the sun goes down.
23. Neon sign
Speaking of signs, even though you are having your wedding in the backyard, it is still important to add those welcoming little touches! I just love this neon love sign that is the perfect welcome for guests entering the backyard. Having bespoke signage will always make the day fee a little more special.
24. Fairy light spectacular
Weddings are simply made for fairy lights. Hang them so they look like they are draping above the scene, just like a curtain covering. Fairy lights are able to make lots of different areas look dazzling – just take a look at these fabulous fairy light ideas.
25. Simple and sweet
Small and simple definitely doesn’t mean that your wedding setting can’t be special. In fact, a lot of the smallest, simplest weddings that I’ve seen are some of the most romantic. If you’ve got your most favourite people around you, that’s really all you need.
26. Picnic tables
If you like rustic, then adding picnic tables in your backyard reception is a great idea! You can string lights to go across the whole area and ensure everything looks really beautiful at night! You could add tables with regular chairs for guests who are a little older and need the back support while the picnic tables could be a cool place for the younger ones to hang out.
27. Hexagonal arbour
Another great alternative shape for an arbour is a hexagon! Drape and wrap white material around the arbour, so it almost looks like an extravagant extension of the bride’s veil wrapping around the scene! Subtle pops of pink and green through the flower arrangement on the arbour could also add a beautiful touch.
28. Repurpose old doors for an arbour
Here’s another creative idea for an arbour. Find two vintage wooden doors, the more intricate their design the better. Place side by side and decorate with flowers and voila! You have a charming and completely unique arbour for your wedding.
29. Pop-up bar
A pop-up bar will really make your backyard wedding feel more like an event than just a simple backyard get together. Have your guests help themselves, or have a bartender manning the bar – it’s really up to you! This is also a great spot to display your cake so that guests know where to go after dinner.
30. Balloon display
A trend that is so popular for events at the moment is balloon installations. Muted neutral colours always work well for a wedding but you can really go for any colour palette that you like.
31. Fancy up your back door
Make your backyard wedding truly special by decorating the back door to your house. I love this cute sign which reads “It was always you”, but you’ll obviously want to choose something that is meaningful to you. And naturally you can’t go wrong with floral arrangements. Just make sure your house façade is clean and free of cobwebs!
32. Garden gazebo
Have a little garden gazebo? Make the most of it by adding festoon lights and flower arrangements and there you have yourself the perfect first dance destination. Plus, as a gazebo is completely open, guests will be able to stand around the scene watching your waltz from all different angles.
33. Colourful details
How pretty are these colourful details? If you’re not sure what theme you want to go with, then go all out with bright colours! This scene has been very tastefully styled with the colourful flowers, glasses, white crockery and a simple wooden table and chair arrangement. Whether you have a big backyard to install a temporary marquee or a smaller backyard, this colourful styling will work for any size!
34. Recycle décor
Finally, a great wedding tip that I’ve heard before is to incorporate items in your day that you already have or things that you could use as decor once the day is over. For instance, a beautiful rug can really defines the area for the couple to stand on and can be used afterwards in your home as well.
So there we have it, 30+ beautiful backyard wedding ideas to turn your boring backyard into the wedding venue of your dreams! I absolutely love the backyards with fairy and festoon lights throughout. What were your favourites? Leave a comment and let me know below!
Ready to move forward with your backyard wedding plans? You’ll want to find a wedding planner, marriage celebrant and perhaps make everything easier by finding someone to help with event set up and cleaning.
Curious of how much does a wedding planner cost, check out our easy-to-refer wedding planner cost guide today!
