17 Small Backyard Weddings That Prove Home is Where the Heart Is

New Haven, CT

This young couple thought they would have to postpone their wedding due to COVID-19. Luckily, Celebrity Wedding Planner David Tutera teamed up with PartySlate to create a beautiful backyard-tent wedding with plenty of virtual guests in attendance. Peach and baby blues set the winning color palette, while small cocktail tables allowed guests to socially distance in style.

Parkland, FL

A pandemic can’t stop true love. This couple transformed their backyard into the wedding venue of their dreams with vibrant uplighting and artful floral centerpieces. And although the couple stayed close to home that night, a sparkler “send off” made for a beautiful photo op and lifelong memories.

San Francisco, CA

You’ve put a lot of energy into making your backyard inviting and picturesque. With a little imagination (and the right design team), it’s a small step to transform your garden into the perfect wedding venue. This happy couple took advantage of the lush landscaping for their beautiful ceremonial backdrop. Even the wedding cake was right at home with its crown of lavish foliage.

Los Angeles, CA

A wealth of white petals scattered over freshly mown lawn creates an all-natural (and incredibly beautiful) wedding aisle. Terraced landscaping also offers an impressive ceremonial backdrop, while lucite seating keeps nature at the forefront of your celebration. Even the luxe reception table at this backyard wedding fit in harmoniously with the environment with its neutral palette and clusters of lavish white blooms.

Kenilworth, IL

Ethereal tenting offers guests the intimacy and seclusion of a secret garden. We especially love how bright yellow centerpieces are paired with sky-blue and cloud-white drapery for a look that evokes pure summer sky. Other dreamy details from this backyard-tent wedding include personalized lemon décor, wicker plate chargers, and crisp-white linen.

San Francisco, CA

After being forced to cancel their original wedding plans due to COVID-19, this couple chose to exchange vows and celebrate in the beauty of their backyard. With the help of an esteemed event planner, this backyard space became an idyllic backdrop filled with artful floral displays, woodsy foliage, and glittering candlelight.

Shelter Island, NY

This couple exchanged vows amidst tranquil lakeshore views and endless blue sky. The wedding reception was equally charming with rustic details and summery floral arrangements. We especially love how monogrammed face masks and personalized-agate wedding favors made guests feel loved and cared for — even in uncertain times.

Los Angeles, CA

When your backyard leads down to the ocean, a backyard wedding becomes the obvious choice. This small backyard wedding wowed guests with modern seating and iridescent flooring. We also love how tropical foliage created a rich contrast with the contemporary décor. The reception was especially mesmerizing with glistening candlelight and sunset views.

Los Angeles, CA

Antique décor, rustic details, and dark woods made this small backyard wedding both stylish and romantic. Guests loved the sumptuous lounge areas and suspended lantern light. Other unique details from this dreamy wedding included a larger-than-life wooden menu and vintage bar area.

Swampscott, MA

Although COVID-19 forced this couple to postpone their original wedding plans, it couldn’t take away from the beautiful private ceremony and intimate wedding reception that followed. After exchanging vows on their back porch (with gorgeous Atlantic views), this beautiful couple headed indoors for an elegant dinner that proved once and for all how “home is where the heart is.”

Jupiter, FL

This small backyard wedding had guests reaching for their cameras at every turn. Mod tablescapes evoked “Kate Spade” with sleek pops of pink décor. We are also swooning over the acrylic pool covering, gold-rimmed glassware, and black-and-white striped wedding cake.

Carefree, AZ

Winter in Arizona has never looked so magical. This small backyard wedding has us dreaming of the winter holidays with its evergreen table runner and crimson-red décor. Deep-red goblets glisten amidst plenty of candlelight, while bright-red roses and baby’s breath add a unique look to the traditional wedding cake.

Lake Forest, IL

This backyard-tent wedding boasted both beauty and creativity. We love how the wedding party walked down the aisle with the wedding arbor in hand. Talk about a dramatic entrance. Other fun details from this intimate wedding include trees wrapped in photographs of the couple, as well as artistic (and delicious) cuisine.

Los Angeles, CA

This small backyard wedding ceremony was a favorite with all guests — including the pup of honor. Simple (yet picturesque) wreaths hung outside the upstairs windows, while beautiful landscaping set the scene for a meaningful ceremony and heartwarming memories.

Bellaire, TX

Creative lighting can transform your backyard into a top-notch venue. This modern backyard wedding — filled with crisp whites and lucite décor elements — became an enchanted garden come nightfall with a greenery-strung canopy complemented by foliage of pure light. Click to see other enchanting details from this at-home wedding like minimalist lounge area with an overhead floral installation. Talk about “wow.”

Washington, D.C.

While social-distancing precautions begin to ebb, we are still taking our cues from so many COVID-19 weddings — and the creativity that came along with them. We are obsessed with how this ordinary street became a joyous dance floor at this “front” yard wedding. Click to see how the front porch served as the perfect space for an exchange of vows thanks to unique décor elements like an orange chuppah (with orange face masks to match).

New York, NY

A small wedding (with a smaller guest list) means you can devote more time (and budget) to each individual guest. We love how guests found more than just their seats at this intimate lakeside wedding. Thoughtful gifts awaited each individual — making an already special event even sweeter. Make sure to see other thoughtful details like individually-packaged cupcakes and other desserts here.