Couples planning to tie the knot face potential increases in material costs due to recent tariffs. A backyard wedding ceremony offers future newlyweds an affordable and flexible alternative that also lends itself to a more intimate setting.
The research team at This Old House analyzed data from The Knot to uncover the cost differences between traditional and backyard weddings. Our analysis includes an in-depth look at how to prepare your backyard for such an event, including ways couples can save money without sacrificing meaningful aspects. The experts we consulted with also provided guidance on planning and executing a backyard wedding without overspending.
Preparations for a backyard wedding often begin well before the ceremony and center upon the physical space itself. Proper lawn care ensures a beautiful backdrop to the pending nuptials. With time, the same area could also host a baby shower, birthday parties, and many more gatherings to come.
Key Takeaways
- Basic expenses for a backyard wedding start from just under $15,000–$25,000 or more, depending on a couple’s resources and desire to tackle do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.
- In addition to basic lawn maintenance—which averages $300 annually—couples should level and clear event areas to prepare for the upcoming wedding.
- Renting essentials like a tent, restrooms, and tables and chairs can add $4,000–$13,000 to your backyard wedding budget—even though the venue itself is free.
- Experts say by using DIY decor, existing furniture, growing your own flowers, and thoughtful lighting, couples can elevate the look of a backyard wedding without overspending.
Getting Your Yard Wedding Ready
Outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity, both among homeowners and couples preparing to say “I do.” Backyard weddings can cost anywhere from just under $15,000 to upwards of $25,000, depending on which elements the bride and groom choose to repurpose and what projects they either tackle themselves or hire a professional to complete. Below, explore the essential projects every backyard wedding plan and budget should include—and how you can optimize your spending for long-term benefits.
Essential Projects
Before you make any elaborate wedding plans, verify you can host such an event in your backyard, especially if you live in a homeowners association (HOA)-regulated community. Review the HOA guidelines for specifics regarding backyard use restrictions, permissible structures, occupancy limits, parking, noise restrictions, and liability insurance. Even if the rulebook doesn’t include a courtesy heads-up to your neighbors, the gesture can help minimize any potential friction.
Level and Clear Event Areas
A safe and memorable backyard wedding venue starts with a solid foundation, not unlike a lasting marriage. Plot out how and where you’ll arrange the tent, platform, guest seating, and any other elements. Determine how much it will cost to repair and improve your lawn to smooth uneven areas, remove stumps and large rocks, and fill in holes.
Lawn and Landscaping Maintenance
Meticulous landscaping provides a verdant canvas upon which couples can make their wedding come alive. Consult with a lawn care specialist several months in advance to address trouble areas and gain insight into post-ceremony care. Basic lawn care services average $300 annually, but the cost of one-time services vary.
Power and Lighting
Decorative landscape lighting helps give any backyard wedding ceremony a twinkling glow. However, like the DJ station, catering equipment, climate control, restrooms, and many other integral elements, lights require power. Thankfully, there are several budget-minded ways you can upgrade your outdoor lighting with sustainable options, including solar-powered LEDs for path lights, tabletop mason jar lights with LED votives, or a reflective pool complete with floating LED lights.
Tents and Shade Structures
Backyard weddings remain at the mercy of local weather patterns, so tents or shade structures are a must for all four seasons. Renting a tent for your wedding day can cost anywhere from $2,000–$10,000, depending on the size and type of tent you want, according to The Knot. Yet, savvy couples can enjoy backyard shade on their special day and every day thereafter by investing in a deck awning or a roof over the existing patio.
Upgrade Projects
Preparing for a backyard wedding also gives couples a chance to upgrade the existing landscaping. A cohesive landscape redesign incorporates a mix of hardscaping (non-living) and softscaping (living) elements that complement the home’s aesthetic.
- “We dedicated a portion of our budget to landscaping. Flower beds, new shrubs, landscape lighting, and fresh sod created a beautiful backdrop for our photos, while adding curb appeal that lasted long after the wedding day.” —Laine P., North Carolina Resident and Backyard Wedding Bride
Hardscaping Features
- Anchor hardscaping features like walkways, patios, and retaining walls with trees, flowers, grass, shrubs, and other softscaping, starting around $200.
- Decorative elements such as pergolas, arbors, ponds and fountains, fire pits, and outdoor seating can also bring life to a backyard wedding.
- The average patio set ranges from $250–$400 and works well for smaller gatherings of close family and friends.
- A professionally built fire pit averages $2,400, but couples can also construct their own using a paver fire pit kit that starts around $400.
- Expect to spend anywhere from $250–$2,500 to construct your own water feature, or significantly more if you opt for a backyard pool and the multifaceted expenses that come with it (such as permitting, installation, maintenance, etc.).
Softscaping Elements
- Digging up, separating, and relocating the existing plants in your backyard can help you spend under $500 on landscaping renovations.
- If you don’t already have plants in your backyard or they’re too small to split up, native plants offer a cost-effective and viable solution for homeowners who prefer low-maintenance options.
- “Rather than spending a significant amount of money on flowers, planning your wedding around what will be in bloom in your backyard creates a beautiful, organic feeling that can align with the overall design feel of your wedding,” says Marisa Ritter, assistant professor at High Point University.
Wedding Day Costs
Even without a formal venue, couples still need to account for the cost of inherent elements, like restrooms, tents, lighting, sound, parking, and rentals.
“While it’s possible to keep a backyard wedding budget-friendly with thoughtful planning, couples should be prepared for these extra expenses to avoid surprises,” says Jessica Ballard, professional in residence professor at Utah Valley University.
However, savvy couples can optimize their spending to increase their return on investment.
“The great thing about hosting a wedding at home is that the funds you put into improving your backyard get to be enjoyed long after the wedding day,” says Jessica Bishop, founder and CEO of The Budget Savvy Bride.
The Real Price of “Free”: What You Take On Without a Venue
“Wedding venues are designed to accommodate a large amount of people in one space. They come with restrooms, a kitchen, power, and parking,” says Serena Fournier, co-founder of The Wedding Duo, “People often underestimate the cost of bringing in those necessary elements.”
The average wedding costs $33,000, according to The Knot. However, the chart below demonstrates how specific expenses can vary between traditional and backyard weddings. For example, elements provided by a traditional wedding venue—such as a tent, restrooms, and tables and chairs—can cost anywhere from $4,000–$13,000 when rented separately for a backyard wedding.
| Item or Service | Traditional Venue | Backyard Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Venue rental | $12,200 | $0 |
| Tent | Often included | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Rentals | Often included | $2,000 |
| Restrooms | Often included | $150–$300 per rental |
| Catering (food) | $10,000 ($80 per person for 125 guests) | $10,000 ($80 per person for 125 guests) |
| Permits and insurance | Included | $75–$550 |
| Officiant | $240 | $240 |
| Cake | $540 | $540 |
| Essential items total | $23,000 | $15,000–$25,000 |
You may also consider common optional expenses for an outdoor wedding, including entertainment and amenities like a DJ, live band, and dance floor. The chart below shows how these extra expenses can add up whether you opt for a traditional venue or a backyard wedding.
| Item or Service | Traditional Venue | Backyard Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol and bar | $2,800 | $2,800 |
| Music (DJ or band) | $1,700–$4,500 | $1,700–$4,500 |
| Photographer | $2,900 | $2,900 |
| Dance floor | Often included | $200–$1,000 |
| Flowers | $2,700 | $2,700 |
| Decor | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Wedding planner | $2,100 | $2,100 |
| Transportation | $1,075 | $1,075 |
| Add-on items total | $15,000–$18,000 | $15,000–$19,000 |
You may also run into unexpected expenses that can add to the cost of your wedding, such as insurance protection.
“Liability insurance is another key consideration—it’s often recommended to increase coverage through the home insurance policy or get a specific event liability insurance policy for the wedding day to protect both the couple and the property owners in case of injuries or other incidents at the event,” says Ballard.
- If you have a small home or few bathrooms, consider working a portable bathroom into your budget to prevent guests from crowding or waiting in your home.” —Laine P., North Carolina Resident and Backyard Wedding Bride
What’s Worth the Splurge (and What’s Not)
Ultimately, the decision to spend more or less on certain wedding features varies from couple to couple. Create a list of services or items that are vital to your wedding vision and determine the corresponding portion of your budget dedicated to those elements. “Invest in your top priorities and go minimal elsewhere,” says Bishop.
Couples looking to simplify celebration-related selections often appreciate the services of a wedding planner.
“One way to help with the planning process is to hire a wedding professional with experience in specifically backyard or outdoor weddings. They have the expertise to help brides and grooms spend money effectively and can make sure that these details aren’t missed or overlooked,” says Ritter.
When hosting a backyard wedding, thoughtful planning goes a long way. Experts share why lighting, weather prep, and a solid backup plan are essential for keeping the celebration both beautiful and stress-free: “If the event extends into the evening, professional lighting is crucial for both ambiance and guest safety,” says Ballard.
Regardless of the date, time, and location of where you say “I do,” local weather patterns can also significantly impact a backyard wedding.
“No matter the season, always have a weather contingency plan. Renting a tent might not be the most glamorous expense, but it can save your day and your sanity!” says Bishop.
What Can You Do To Save?
Future newlyweds can significantly reduce their backyard wedding expenses by preparing well in advance to avoid rush fees and related upcharges vendors tack on when given short notice.
“To keep costs in check, start by collecting price quotes from multiple vendors, but also ask if any offer bundled services or discounts for booking several items together. Renting the bulk of your items—like tables, chairs, and linens—from one company can simplify logistics and often reduce delivery fees,” says Ballard.
Vetting vendors ahead of time also gives couples the flexibility to arrange services and lock in a corresponding price that they can then incorporate into their larger wedding budget.
Below are examples of ways couples can spruce up their backyard living space and prepare for their upcoming wedding without breaking the bank:
- Repurpose existing furniture: Refurbish old picnic tables for a rustic or playful vibe. “Bistro lights are another budget-friendly option that add instant charm and warmth to any outdoor setting. Layering rugs, using candles or lanterns, and incorporating simple floral arrangements from local gardens or even grocery stores can also make a big impact without a big price tag,” says Ballard.
- Get creative about decorative elements: Upcycle old matching dining chairs for a custom bench. “Tap into your community—borrow items, recruit talented friends, or explore DIY projects. And don’t forget, nature already provides a beautiful setting, so you don’t need to overdo the décor,” says Bishop. For example, incorporate existing trees into the decor with simple tree-hugging seating.
- Assemble your guest list carefully: Vendors typically base pricing on the number of guests, a list Bishop recommends couples keep realistic because it’s “truly the biggest cost-saver across the board.”
Permitting restrictions and square footage also influence the number of attendees. Couples should also consider how many people can safely and reasonably fit into the space. “Most backyard events are manageable if they are limited to 50 people or less,” says Fournier.
- “String lights, simple fabric drapes, and thrifted or borrowed decor can work wonders to create a romantic, magical vibe. Incorporate items you already own, like cozy throws, lanterns, or even potted plants, to give your celebration a warm, personal touch. Bonus points if you add a DIY photo backdrop or a cute chalkboard sign. DIY allows you to make things look Pinterest-worthy without a large price tag.” —Jessica Bishop, founder and CEO of The Budget Savvy Bride
The Bottom Line: A Backyard Wedding That Fits Your Home—and Your Budget
Backyard weddings allow engaged couples greater flexibility in managing celebration-related expenses, often opening the door to more intimate and cost-effective ceremonies. Planning a backyard wedding can also help future newlyweds align on what’s most important to them, from exchanging marital vows to navigating major life decisions. As you finalize your backyard wedding, consider aspects that fit your home, your budget—and your future plans.