I'm Katie, your local Edmonton and area wedding photographer. I help couples feel like themselves on their wedding day, in the midst of a busy schedule I take couples away for a few minutes to relax, be close to each other and make magic that you can print out and remember forever.

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How to plan a backyard wedding: Backyard Weddings Ideas for Edmonton Couples

Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog

October 26, 2020

Ahh 2020, what a wild ride. Although I have been photographing Edmonton weddings for a few years now, this year has been one for the books! If you are looking for information on how to plan a backyard wedding – this one is for you! With so many couples needing to reschedule due to COVID restrictions, or deciding to downsize and dealing with new venue restrictions, more and more couples are looking for venues that they can control – like their own backyard! Whether you are planning a small backyard wedding or you have an entire acreage to work with, below are some of my top backyard wedding planning tips for Edmonton wedding couples looking for information on how to plan a backyard wedding!

backyard wedding reception with sweetheart table

 

Edmonton Wedding Photographer

If we haven’t met yet, I am Katie here at Katie Ruegg Photography. If you are looking for an Edmonton wedding photographer, you can read more about me here. I LOVE photographing wedding couples outdoors. If you know me, you know I am obsessed with plants and nature and I believe nothing beats natural lighting. As you can see, I am a natural fit for backyard wedding photography!

backyard wedding decor welcome sign

How to Plan a Backyard Wedding

Regardless of if your backyard wedding (or home wedding) is big or small, the first step with any wedding planning is deciding on your priorities. If you want to plan a first look at another location? Go ahead. Want to rent a tent? Or if you have a very small wedding, your back up plan can be to move everybody indoors.

One of the nicest things about backyard weddings is that you have so much control over the entire day. If you want to have a first look somewhere other than your backyard or home (Edmonton has SO many amazing outdoor spots), we can do that. I am a huge fan of a first look – you can read more about why I think you should have one here. But even without reading, here are some photos to prove it!

Having a first look before your backyard wedding - bride approaches groom

Having a first look before your backyard wedding - bride approaches groom

After a first look when bride and groom see each other

bride cries seeing groom at first look

Couple laughing together before their backyard wedding

Getting ready photos before your backyard wedding!

Just because you are getting married at home, doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful getting ready photography. In fact, because couples are often more comfortable at home, the wedding photos turn out even more beautifully. I have to say, I don’t think anything beats a photo of you and your wedding party hanging out in the kitchen and laughing about all of the good times you have had!
bridal party getting ready at home

bridal party getting ready at home

bridal party getting ready in the backyard

Planning your wedding ceremony

First, don’t forget that just because your wedding is at home, you don’t need an arch or something to focus where you and your future spouse will stand together. You can create a traditional arch or even just frame your space with material. You just need something to make sure your guests know where to focus! If your backyard wedding is going to be larger (over 30 people), I also recommend renting a sound system/mic so that your guests can hear you! Double check how windy your space is as that plays a factor in how well the sound will travel as well.
Backyard wedding ceremony for small guest list

Planning your wedding reception

Don’t forget to have a backup plan! I highly recommend a tent, even if the forecast is supposed to be clear. Edmonton is KNOWN for our unpredictable weather – it can turn in an instant!! Even if you don’t have a tent, you definitely need to have a plan for it it rains. A tent also can keep the heat in if you are getting married in the fall when nights can get chilly here in Edmonton.
Backyard wedding at home with tent
By the way – if you are planning a last minute backyard wedding, you can reuse your ceremony and reception decor quite beautifully. The other nice thing about backyard weddings is that you have unlimited time for set up and take down. You can use things you have around your house without worrying about transporting your wedding decor. You don’t need to worry if you want some DIY backyard wedding decorations that are going to take time. I love when couples add elements of their “real life” and home into their wedding. A wedding should be personal, and this is a wonderful way to include that piece of your relationship.
Backyard wedding reception decor

Are you still wondering how to plan a backyard wedding in Edmonton?

As a wedding photographer, I would love to chat more about your backyard wedding ideas. I’m HAPPY to give you even more advice on how to plan your backyard wedding. You can read more about me here, but as you have likely figured out by this blog post, I am an Edmonton wedding photographer who LOVES photographing couples having fun and beautiful weddings. I like to think I keep it real and make every moment feel like an adventure. I know your wedding day is going to be full of memories that you will want to be documented. Trust me, I am ready for the challenge!

You can read more about my Edmonton wedding photography packages here or contact me here to save the date!

Black and white photo of bride and groom in backyard wedding

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