Backyard Wedding in Virginia – Is it right for you?
Let’s Explore:
What a Backyard Wedding Is
The Benefits to Choosing an Intimate Wedding
Example Wedding Gallery from a Spring Wedding in Great Falls, Virginia
Based in Norfolk, Virginia – Serving Maryland, Virginia, & Beyond
One of the many memorable events I had the pleasure of photographing was the gorgeous backyard wedding of Steph and Lee. With a DMV spring wedding in May, their wedding was a perfect example of how a backyard wedding can be both intimate AND grand!
After exchanging vows at their local Catholic Church, Steph and Lee welcomed their guests to their stunning property for a reception that was as personal as it was beautiful. With around 100 guests in attendance, they transformed their backyard in Great Falls, Virginia into a magical venue, complete with a large tent and cozy cocktail hour seating. Guests mingled and danced throughout the yard and back porch, enjoying the warm spring evening.
Steph and Lee’s wedding perfectly captured why a backyard wedding might be the perfect idea for you! The setting added a layer of intimacy and comfort, allowing them to celebrate in a place that holds personal significance. The beauty of their property in Virginia really created their dreamy romantic portraits, taken right in their own yard!
Hey, I’m Karlie! A Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer based in the Virginia Beach area, originally from Kent Island – Serving Virginia, Maryland, and wherever your love story takes me. If you’re planning a backyard wedding, or considering it the option to go with for your wedding day, this blog will explain some of the many benefits to a choosing that intimate wedding, as well as take you through Steph and Lee’s intimate day in the spring.
I hope you stay to hang! Reach out to me, or explore more of the website, check it out HERE!
All Photos by Karlie Whitt Photography
Taken as Second Photographer for Amanda McPhee Photography
Let’s Talk About:
The Benefits to a Backyard Wedding
Planning a backyard wedding in the DMV, or Great Falls, Virginia like Steph and Lee, offers an intimate and personal alternative to booking a large venue. Here are some reasons why a backyard wedding might be the perfect choice for your special day:
IT CREATES A PERSONAL AND INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE
A backyard wedding allows you to celebrate in a setting that holds personal significance. Whether it’s your childhood home or a beloved family member’s garden, the familiar surroundings add a layer of intimacy and comfort to your celebration. This is especially appealing in the DMV, where many homes boast beautiful yards and gardens that can be transformed into stunning intimate wedding venues.
When Robbie and I were selecting a location for our wedding celebration, we knew immediately that we envisioned a backyard wedding reception at his parent’s home on Kent Island. Located on the water, it provided the perfect backdrop to the reception at no additional cost to us. Which leads me to budget…
THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE CHOICE
Hosting your wedding at home can be a budget-friendly option. Without the hefty rental fees of a large venue, you have more flexibility to allocate your budget towards other elements, such as décor, catering, or photography. In Maryland and Virginia, where venue costs can be high, an intimate small backyard wedding allows you to create a memorable event without breaking the bank.
ALLOWS FLEXIBILITY IN PLANNING
A backyard setting offers unparalleled flexibility in planning. You can personalize every aspect of your day, from the ceremony setup to the reception layout. Want to incorporate Maryland’s famous blue crabs into your menu? Coastal vibes from the Eastern Shore? Go for it! Prefer a casual barbecue or a formal seated dinner? The choice is yours. A backyard wedding allows you to create a celebration that truly reflects your style and preferences.
YOU CAN HAVE AN INTIMATE GUEST LIST (OR LARGE – THERE’S NO LIMIT!)
For couples who prefer a smaller, more intimate gathering, a backyard wedding is an ideal choice. You can focus on inviting your closest friends and family, creating a cozy atmosphere where everyone can connect and celebrate together. This intimacy is often missing in larger venues, making a backyard wedding a truly special experience. With a backyard wedding however, you have the freedom to invite as many guests as you wish, giving you complete control over your guest list and ensuring all your loved ones can join in the celebration.
PERSONAL TOUCHES ALL THROUGHOUT
A backyard wedding allows you to incorporate personal touches that make your day unique. From DIY decorations to family heirlooms, you can infuse your celebration with elements that are meaningful to you. This personalization is often more challenging in larger venues, making a backyard wedding a perfect choice for couples who want their wedding to reflect their personalities and love story.
With Backyard Weddings, You Can Handle Wedding Day Logistics MUCH Easier
When hosting your wedding at home, logistics can be simpler to manage. You have control over the timeline, setup, and flow of the day, reducing the stress often associated with large venues. While you may have just a few hours to set up at a rented venue, a backyard wedding allows time to plan and experiment with different setups, and host as many rehearsals as needed. Plus, in DMV’s mild climate, especially in the spring and fall, you have the option to plan a beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception with confidence.
In conclusion, a backyard wedding in Maryland or Virginia offers a beautiful blend of intimacy, flexibility, and personal significance. By choosing a backyard setting, you can create a wedding that is uniquely yours, and surround yourself with people, and a location, that’s meaningful and comfortable. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a grand celebration, a backyard wedding might be the perfect idea for your special day.
Check out more of Steph and Lee’s special backyard wedding below!
Hey, I’m Karlie! A Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer based in Norfolk, Virginia. I travel all around the East Coast for weddings, and would love to travel to you! Are you getting married in Virginia, Maryland, or any other surrounding states and in search of a photographer? You found the right place!
CHECK OUT MY OTHER WEDDING BLOG POSTS!
Chestertown, MD Fall Wedding at Piney Grove Events
Bohemian Fall Wedding at Valley Road Vineyards
Vanderwende Acres Wedding in Seaford, Delaware
Independence Golf Club Wedding in Virginia
All Photos by: Karlie Whitt Photography
