What to Know About Planning a Wedding in a Barn or Backyard
The best thing about barn and backyard weddings is the flexibility! Unlike practically every other venue, barns are almost always in wide open spaces with plenty of parking and easy access for vendors and unique services.
Barn and backyard weddings are popular for being the type of venue where you have the fewest rules to follow (i.e. no noise ordinances, no cap of guest count, etc.), and allow you to include so many memorable experiences like food trucks, photo booths and live entertainment.
Booking considerations
There are a couple important things to consider when planning your wedding in a barn or backyard:
❤️ Logistics are huge, particularly when it comes to bringing in your rentals, having them setup, and getting your guests there and away.
❤️ You’ll likely need to rent a generator and portable restrooms (pro tip: you’ll need twice as many as you think you’ll need.)
❤️ You’re going to need a team to put together and take down the event, so don’t underestimate the costs!
❤️ Keep in mind weather and sun. Even if it’s not going to rain, you’ll want to make sure your guests are well protected from the sun.
❤️ We strongly recommend you get a planner early for this type of wedding, to make sure they can help you accurately budget out all of the services you’ll need. If you’re not going with a planner, we recommend you work with your caterer to organize staffing to help with your logistics.
❤️ Make sure there is adequate parking and your guests understand what footwear to bring to get to the site.
How backyards/barn venues score in our Venue Quiz
Traditional vs. Non-Traditional 👉 Awesome non-traditional option!
Guest count 👉 Depending on the size of the venue, most barn venues and backyards can support all sizes. If your party exceeds the maximum capacity of the barn or home, they typically open the doors and seat guests outside.
Fancy vs. Casual 👉 Barns and backyards make the perfect canvas for a casual and laid-back design and schedule.
Urban vs. Nature 👉 Perfect solution for nature lovers.
Location 👉 There are plenty of backyards and barn venue options all over California, and most other states.
Elderly/Special Needs 👉 Super 50/50 here! Most backyards and barn venues are wide open and flat, but there are a select few on hills with no ADA compliance, and of course are often in the dirt.
DIY vs. Turnkey 👉 Typically, backyards and barn venues are very "DIY". With the likelihood of being rural, and the commonality of being basic in their amenities, organizing an elegant event on farmland is no easy task.
Outdoor vs. Indoor 👉 This outdoor option can't get anymore nature-friendly.
Personal Style 👉 Backyards and barn venues win the Dynamic, Rustic & Warm style in our Stylegram™. Learn more about personal style and how it relates to your wedding here.
Budget Range 👉 With backyards and barn venues usually having the bare minimum in terms of amenities, you do not often save much money. But it is totally possible to stay frugal as long as you have the right venue and connections.
