How to Have a Backyard Wedding: Tips for Creating a Dreamy Celebration
Planning a backyard wedding doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing beauty, elegance, or fun, it’s about making the day yours and infusing it with your personal style. Just ask Brittany and James! Their stunning backyard wedding in the Fraser Valley was proof that you don’t need an expensive venue to create an unforgettable day. From a spontaneous pool jump before the ceremony to a golden hour photo session with breathtaking views, their day was full of heart, joy, and unforgettable moments.
Backyard weddings are all about freedom, freedom to create a space that reflects you as a couple and freedom to enjoy a relaxed, meaningful celebration with those closest to you! No more worrying about strict venue rules or a hefty price tag. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels intimate, personal, and a little bit whimsical, a backyard wedding might just be the perfect fit!
Why Choose a Backyard Wedding?
Backyard weddings are everything for so many reasons!! Not only do they offer an affordable alternative to traditional venues, but they also provide a blank canvas to truly express your style. Whether you’re drawn to a rustic garden feel or a more modern setup, a backyard allows you to transform your space into something beautiful and completely unique.
Brittany and James’ Fraser Valley backyard wedding was the perfect example of how you can make a backyard fit your vibe, without all the pressure. Their wedding had all the beauty and charm of a traditional venue, but with the personal touch that made it truly special. The location was the perfect reflection of who they are: laid-back, adventurous, and family-focused.
Capture the Unscripted, Fun Moments
What’s one of the best parts of a backyard wedding? The chance to embrace those unscripted, fun moments that reflect your true personalities! Brittany and James’ day was full of these little gems that made their wedding unique and so fun to capture.
- James Jumping in the Pool Before the Ceremony: Let’s talk about how James jumped in the pool before the ceremony, yes, really!! While most people are worrying about getting their tux clean, James was fully embracing the fun side of the day. Not only did it add some hilarious and candid photos to the album, but it perfectly encapsulated the laid-back vibe they were going for. If that’s not a good story to tell, I don’t know what is!
- Brittany Winning the Shotgun Challenge: Another moment that made everyone laugh? Brittany beating all the boys in the shotgun contest! (And you know I was there cheering her on too 😂). It wasn’t just a fun twist to the day, but also a great opportunity for some fun, competitive shots. Who says weddings can’t have a little light-hearted competition, right?!
These are the moments that make a wedding feel authentic and filled with joy. No rigid timelines, no stuffiness, just fun, laughter, and a few unforgettable surprises!
Backyard Wedding Golden Hour Photos
Golden hour is one of those things you can’t recreate, it’s the awesome time just before sunset when the lighting is soft, warm, and perfectly romantic. Brittany and James’ golden hour photos overlooking the Fraser Valley were absolute perfection, and it’s no surprise, golden hour always creates that dreamy, ethereal look that makes every moment feel even more amazing.
For your backyard wedding, plan to step outside with your partner during this time. Whether you’re perched on a beautiful balcony or strolling around your backyard, golden hour gives you a chance to take in the day’s beauty and capture the love and emotion of the moment. These photos will be timeless, and you’ll cherish them for years to come!
Making Your Backyard Wedding Personal and Meaningful
The beauty of a backyard wedding is the ability to inject your personality into every detail! Whether it’s family heirlooms, your favorite flowers, or a custom sign with your initials, you have the chance to make your wedding day yours. Brittany and James’ wedding was filled with meaningful touches that reflected their lives and personalities.
One of my favorite parts of their day was how relaxed and real everything felt. It wasn’t about following trends or trying to impress anyone, it was about celebrating their love in a way that felt true to them. From the DIY décor to the personalized vows, everything was infused with meaning, making the day even more memorable.
How to Make Your Backyard Wedding Dreamy
So, how do you take your backyard wedding to the next level? Here are a few tips that Brittany and James showed us:
- Choose a Beautiful Location: The Fraser Valley backdrop was breathtaking, and it played a huge part in making their wedding feel special! If you’re planning a backyard wedding, pick a spot that’s already beautiful or make use of your surroundings—whether that’s a garden, a scenic view, or a cozy corner in your yard.
- Create an Intimate Atmosphere: A backyard wedding feels naturally intimate. You’re surrounded by people who mean the most to you, and you can really let loose and be yourselves. Brittany and James’ day was full of personal moments, from the pool jump to their intimate ceremony, and it made the whole experience so special.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Add Fun Details: Remember that a backyard wedding doesn’t have to be all formalities, bring in those quirky, fun details that reflect who you are as a couple. Think personalized cocktails, fun lawn games, or even a surprise musical performance!
Client Love
“Sarah is literally the best. She’s been our photographer for 3 sessions now; engagement, wedding & boudoir. She truly is so passionate about what she does, it radiates from her while you’re with her.
During our first session for our engagement shoot, Sarah made us feel super comfortable since this was our first time doing a photoshoot together. And then for our wedding, she captured the day so beautifully! We love looking back on our wedding photos. And finally, I just had my boudoir session with Sarah recently, and again she made me feel so comfortable and confident, and we had a ton of fun together. Plus the quality and amount of the photos she produces is unmatched! We highly recommend Sarah for any of your photography needs – she does it all! We’ll definitely be using her again in the future :)”
Book your British Columbia Wedding Photographer!
If you’re planning a backyard wedding, take a cue from Brittany and James, they made it everything they wanted, with plenty of fun moments, personal touches, and breathtaking photos. A backyard wedding is a chance to create something that feels intimate, personal, and full of joy. And let’s be real: it’s way more fun than stressing over a fancy venue!
Your backyard wedding doesn’t need to be a huge production. Instead, it can be a relaxed and magical day filled with the people and details that matter most. So, embrace the beauty of the space you’re in and make it your own!
Contact me on my website to book your British Columbia wedding and let’s plan an unforgettable experience!
See more of my work on my Pinterest and portfolio!
Check out more blogs on different wedding ideas below!
A British Columbia Wedding at Redwoods Golf Course Wedding Venue
An Okanagan Elopement: Why It’s the Perfect Adventure Elopement Destination
Destination Wedding in Maine: An Intimate Lucerne Inn Wedding in Dedham
