Backyard Wedding Photography
Your backyard. Your people. Your rules. We capture the magic of intimate at-home celebrations.
Backyard weddings are having a moment—but not because of trends. Couples are choosing at-home celebrations because they want their wedding day to feel like them. No cookie-cutter ballrooms, no venue restrictions, no guest lists padded with people they barely know. Just the people who matter, in a place that matters, celebrating in a way that actually makes sense.
We get it. We hosted our friends' wedding in our own backyard—complete with a pond, ducks, and a raw milk toast. Some of our favorite images come from these intimate, personal celebrations.
Why Couples Choose Backyard Weddings
Backyard weddings aren't about cutting corners—they're about cutting the guest list down to people who actually matter and celebrating somewhere that feels like home.
It's Personal
This is where you've built your life together. The tree you planted, the patio where you had your first date, the kitchen where you cook Sunday breakfast. No venue can replicate that.
Complete Freedom
No vendor restrictions, no time limits, no rules about which caterer you have to use. Want a raw milk toast? A taco truck? Your dog as ring bearer? It's your backyard.
Guest Comfort
Your guests get to be in your space—not shuttling between ceremony and reception. Kids can run around. Grandma can sit in a real chair. Everyone relaxes.
Budget Smart
Skip the venue fee entirely and put that money toward what matters: great food, beautiful flowers, an excellent photographer. Or just keep it and start your marriage ahead.
What Makes a Backyard Photograph Beautifully
We've photographed weddings everywhere from sprawling estates to cozy urban patios. Here's what makes a backyard shine on camera:
Natural Light Windows
Open shade under trees creates the most flattering portraits. We look for spots where dappled light filters through—soft, dimensional, and forgiving. No harsh sun, no squinting.
Personal Details
The hammock where you read together. The vegetable garden you built. Your grandmother's patio furniture. These aren't generic venue details—they're your story.
Movement & Flow
Backyard weddings feel relaxed because guests move naturally between spaces. We capture that flow—conversations on the deck, kids playing in the grass, quiet moments in corners.
Golden Hour Magic
That warm light right before sunset hits different in a backyard. We know exactly when to pull you away for portraits while your guests enjoy cocktail hour.
Real Backyard Wedding: Naima & Avery
This one was personal. Avery's dad is one of our best friends, and we've watched Avery grow up over the years. When they described what they wanted—trees, nature, a dock over a pond, ducks, about 50 guests—we offered our own backyard.
Their wedding was held at Casa Futrell, and my best friends worked the day with me: Jon Noeth on video, and Chase and Parks DeLa Cruz live streaming the ceremony for Naima's mother in Austria who couldn't make it due to last-minute travel issues. These two are raw milk enthusiasts and sealed their vows with a raw milk toast after some heartfelt speeches. Getting to photograph them here, at our home, surrounded by the people we all love—it doesn't get better than that.
View Full Gallery: Naima & Avery →Planning Your Backyard Wedding
A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what we've learned from photographing dozens of at-home celebrations:
Scout the Light
Visit your backyard at the same time of day you're planning your ceremony. Where does the sun hit? Where's the shade? We can help you plan a timeline around the best light.
Create Defined Spaces
Even a small yard benefits from clear zones: ceremony area, cocktail space, dinner seating, dancing. Guests flow better when they know where to go.
Have a Weather Plan
Tents are worth the investment. Even if you don't need rain coverage, they provide shade, define space, and look beautiful with string lights at night.
Think About Sound
Backyards don't have built-in sound systems. Plan for portable speakers, wireless mics for vows, and consider noise ordinances if you're in a neighborhood.
Restroom Reality
For more than 30 guests, consider renting nice portable restrooms. Your home bathroom will thank you, and guests won't have to traipse through your house.
Parking & Access
Think about where guests will park, how they'll access the backyard (side gate?), and if you need signage. Valet or shuttle service can elevate the experience.
Backyard Wedding FAQ
Common questions about at-home wedding photography
Probably! We've photographed beautiful weddings in surprisingly small spaces. A cozy patio for 20 guests can feel more intimate and intentional than a sprawling lawn for 200. The key is matching your guest count to your space—and being realistic about what fits comfortably.
Good! Generic wedding venues all look the same. Your backyard has character—a vegetable garden, a treehouse, mismatched patio furniture, your dog's favorite spot. Those details are what make your photos uniquely yours. We find the beauty in real spaces.
Natural light is our favorite light, and backyards are full of it. We look for open shade under trees, soft window light near your house, and that golden glow in the hour before sunset. For evening receptions, string lights and candles create warm, romantic ambiance. We bring minimal flash equipment and use it subtly when needed.
This is why we always discuss weather backup plans. A tent is the best insurance—even a clear-top tent keeps everyone dry while preserving the outdoor feel. If you don't have a tent, consider whether your home's interior can accommodate your guest count, or have a rain date. We've also done gorgeous rainy backyard weddings with umbrellas—sometimes the unexpected moments make the best photos.
Usually not, since it's private property—but check your local regulations. Some neighborhoods have noise ordinances, parking restrictions, or HOA rules. If you're renting equipment like tents or porta-potties, those vendors usually handle any required permits.
It depends on your timeline. Backyard weddings often have a more relaxed pace—guests arrive, mingle, ceremony happens, dinner flows into dancing. We typically recommend 4-6 hours for an intimate celebration, though some couples want getting-ready coverage too. Let's talk through your day and find what makes sense.
Planning a Backyard Wedding?
We've photographed celebrations everywhere from sprawling estates to cozy patios. Let's talk about your space.
Get in Touch