Thinking about planning a backyard wedding? I eat, breathe, and live for backyard weddings – they’re truly some of my favorite celebrations I’ve ever photographed!
There are countless reasons to love backyard weddings, including saving on wedding costs, skipping the hassle and stress of finding and booking a venue, designing your wedding timeline exactly how you want, and so much more!
Keep reading to discover tips on how to plan an epic backyard wedding and take a behind-the-lens look at John + Sarah’s colorful backyard wedding in Grand Marais, Minnesota!
Tips from a Wedding Photographer for Planning a Backyard Wedding
Here are my top tips on how to plan an unforgettable, beautiful backyard wedding:
Think about where you’re going to have the ceremony
This is one of the most important things to plan out from the start! Ideally, you’ll want to pick a spot that is a bit more shaded – this makes for better photos versus being underneath direct sunlight, and it will be more comfortable for your guests as well (if you’re planning on inviting guests to the ceremony).
You’ll also want to make sure that wherever you choose to hold your ceremony, there’s enough space for your guests to comfortably sit and face the ceremony site without uneven ground or their views being obstructed.
Choose where you’re going to have your reception
If you’re planning to have your ceremony and reception at the same spot, you’ll also need to think about where you’re going to have your reception. You can choose to bring in long picnic tables for your reception, a tent, etc – the most important thing is figuring out spacing.
Spacing and locations for your ceremony and reception are two of the most important things to plan for before diving into everything else on your wedding checklist.
Embrace the unpredictable weather
The majority of the couples I photograph get married on the North Shore and plan backyard weddings because they want the primary focus of their day to be about them, their friends/family, and Lake Superior. However, one thing to take into consideration with the North Shore (and backyard weddings in general) is that the weather can be unpredictable.
I always encourage my couples to bring along clear umbrellas in case of rain as an alternative option and to embrace the unpredictable weather.
Pro tip: clear or white umbrellas are much better than darker umbrellas, as darker umbrellas can create unflattering shadows in your images.
Rentals
Since you’re having a backyard wedding, you’ll need to supply the rental items, such as tables, tents, and chairs!
Here’s a good starting point for what rentals you’ll want to add to your backyard wedding checklist:
- Chairs
- Tables
- A generator
- Lighting
- Trash and recycling bins
- A dance floor
- A tent
- Decor
- Restroom facilities
Wedding vendors
Once your ceremony and reception location and date are secured, it’s time to start booking your dream team of vendors. Many vendors book months or years in advance, so if there’s someone’s work or service you’ve been eyeing up, get in touch and introduce yourself sooner rather than later!
Here are vendors I’d recommend including in your backyard wedding:
- Photographer
- Hair & Makeup Artist
- Florist
- Videographer
- Rentals
- Officiant (My hubs is ordained! If you book me as your wedding photographer, he can come with and officiate or sign off on your license!)
- DJ (they may be able to provide you with all the sound equipment you need or point you in the right direction for what you need to rent on your own!)
- Caterer
- Bartender
John + Sarah Colorful Backyard Wedding in Grand Marais, Minnesota
John and Sarah planned a colorful and intimate backyard wedding on the North Shore of Minnesota on Lake Superior at a family cabin in Grand Marais, and I loved every moment of their day!
Background on the couple
“We are high school sweethearts and have been dating for close to 9 years now! We connected our junior year after his parents got a puppy, and I just had to come and meet her. I kept using it as an excuse to come over, and here we are. John and I went to 2 proms together in high school, too! We were long-distance for a longggg time while I went to school in Omaha and then worked in the Twin Cities. We moved in together in July 2024, and John proposed on our 8th anniversary at one of our favorite spots along the lake. It was cold and at sunset, and I cried my eyes out.” – Sarah
Ceremony and reception
Sarah and John actually did a complete 180 when planning their celebration, realizing as they began the wedding planning process that a large, traditional wedding simply wasn’t for them.
Instead, they pivoted and decided on a smaller backyard wedding at a family cabin, as they ultimately wanted their day to be centered on love and time spent with their family.
The cabin, lake views, and setting were stunning! You just can’t beat the views of Lake Superior. Also, John built the platform they stood on over the lake during the ceremony to say “I do,” which I thought was so special!
Another memorable part of their day was that during their reception, John and Sarah actually got into swimsuits and jumped into the lake! It was so much fun to photograph, and it was definitely a part of their day they’ll never forget. After they changed into matching sweatsuits, to celebrate the rest of the evening with family/friends.
I love how these two customized their day to fit their personalities, ditching a traditional wedding in favor of something that truly felt perfect for them.
Ready To Hire Your Wedding Photographer?
I hope you found these tips on planning a backyard wedding helpful. Backyard weddings are incredibly special because of the intimacy and customization they offer you. With a backyard wedding, you can truly design everything about your day to look exactly how you want.
Still looking for a wedding photographer for your day? I would love to connect! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in Duluth, Minnesota, specializing in playful, true-to-color photos for couples who love Lake Superior and the North Shore of Minnesota.
You can learn more about my wedding services here or get in touch with me here!
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