How to Plan a Backyard Wedding That Feels Magical
Thoughtful tips for creating an intimate and charming wedding at home.
Backyard weddings have an outdated reputation for being “budget” weddings, but it’s 2025 and those old wedding rules + myths don’t serve us anymore.
If you're planning a backyard wedding in Asheville or somewhere tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, you're already off to a great start. Here’s how to make it feel intimate, charming, and completely you!
1. Find the Perfect Backyard Wedding Location
The magic of a backyard wedding starts with the setting, of course! Maybe it’s your childhood home, grandma’s house, a cozy rental tucked into the woods or a friend’s beautiful property. Whatever you choose, you want a space that reflects your vibe—relaxed, warm, and full of character.
If you’re looking for a wedding-worthy Airbnb in Asheville, consider places with:
-Space to gather comfortably indoor and outdoor (there’s always the chance of rain!) based on your guest count
-Scenic surroundings (think mountain views, summer wildflower fields or a beautiful wrap around porch)
I’ve put together a guide on finding wedding-friendly Airbnbs in Asheville to help with your search! It’s full of insight on planning a wedding here in a dreamy Asheville rental home.
2. Let the Setting Do the Heavy Lifting
One of the best things about outdoor weddings is that nature already does most of the decorating for you. Instead of over-styling, lean into what’s already there and only add in a few personal touches. Some ideas that immediately come to mind…
Mismatched chairs and a simple tablescape with small bud vases
White or colorful ribbons tied to a tree for your ceremony to blow in the breeze
Cute banners strung across the space for a daytime string light feel
Drapey table linens that pool at the end of the long farm tables
Candles paired with string lights for dusk
Childhood photos on the tables or creating a photo wall
The goal is to create an intimate wedding atmosphere that feels effortless—like a beautiful dinner party under the stars, not a staged production. My favorite Pinterest boards are always growing with new ideas:
3. Keep the Food & Drinks Simple but Special
There’s something about backyard weddings that makes food feel extra good. Whether you go for a family-style meal, a chef-led dinner, or something more laid-back like wood-fired pizza or a food truck, keep it abundant but unfussy.
Consider hiring a local Asheville chef or food truck who know how to make it fun. Bonus points for including local ingredients—hello, fresh sourdough, farm cheese, and honey from the Blue Ridge! And when it comes to drinks, a stocked bar cart or a well-thought-out signature cocktail + cute napkins are all you need.
4. Focus on the Experience, Charm > Perfection
A small, outdoor wedding isn’t about strict timelines—it’s about creating a night that feels relaxed and meaningful. Give your guests space to linger over dinner, let the conversations stretch into the night, and don’t stress if everything isn’t perfectly timed.
Set up a cozy spot for guests to gather (fire pits, blankets, or a lounge area) and chat
Curate a playlist that sets the mood without overpowering conversations - and make it last for hours
Skip any wedding traditions that you don’t love, backyard weddings aren’t about obligation, they’re about celebration
5. Choose a Photographer Who Captures the Feeling
You don’t need a traditional wedding to get stunning photos—you just need a celebration that feels true to you. The best backyard wedding photography isn’t about staged moments; it’s about candlelit dinners, bare feet in the grass, happy tears during the vows, and the way the evening light hits just right.
I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography that captures those in-between, heartfelt moments—photos that feel like you’re there, not just watching from the outside. If that sounds like your kind of thing, let’s chat. Often with my couples, photography is the most important investment they’re making for the big day - don’t skimp on the one thing that lasts once the champagne runs out!
A backyard wedding isn’t just a budget alternative—it’s an intentional, deeply personal way to celebrate. Whether you’re getting married on family land, a tucked-away Airbnb, or a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains, embrace the beauty of an unfussy, soulful wedding that’s yours—and let the magic unfold.