Planning A Wedding In Your Garden: Is It Possible?

Dreaming of a wedding in your own garden? You're not alone. Research shows that many couples are planning a garden wedding, and it's easy to see why. A garden wedding is a great way to connect with nature and create a relaxed, intimate, and unique celebration. However, there are a few things you should know before making any plans.

First, it's important to note that in some places, such as England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you cannot legally get married in your garden. You must register your marriage at a licensed venue, although you can still have an informal ceremony in your garden conducted by a celebrant after the legal formalities. In Scotland, however, you can get married in your garden, but COVID measures and number limitations will apply.

If you're determined to have a garden wedding, there are a few things to consider. You'll need to plan out spacing, ensuring you have enough room for the ceremony and reception, as well as parking for your guests. You'll also need to think about rentals, catering, alcohol services, and other vendors. It's a good idea to hire a wedding planner or day-of coordinator to help with the many logistics involved.

While a garden wedding requires a lot of planning and may not be legally recognised in your area, it can be a magical and personalised way to celebrate your special day.

Legalities: In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you can't legally marry in your garden

If you're planning a wedding in your garden in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you'll need to be aware of some legal restrictions.

Firstly, it's important to note that you cannot legally marry in your garden in these jurisdictions. To have a legally recognised marriage, the wedding must take place in a venue with a full and legal marriage licence from the local authority. These venues typically include churches, stately homes, or registry offices, and some of them offer outdoor options like gazebos or fields.

The process of requesting a licence for your garden will be costly and time-consuming, and it is unlikely to be approved for a one-off occasion. Even if you obtain a licence, ancient laws require that the register be signed under a stable roof.

However, there are alternative options to consider. You can legally register your marriage at a registry office and then hold an informal wedding ceremony or blessing in your garden, conducted by a celebrant. A celebrant is a self-employed professional who can help create a personalised ceremony but cannot perform the legal part of the marriage.

Another possibility is to apply for a marriage venue licence for your garden. However, this option is complicated and requires permanent and 'immovable' premises on your property that can accommodate at least six people and are used regularly to conduct weddings. Most residential properties are unlikely to meet these requirements.

While a legally binding garden wedding may not be feasible in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you can absolutely host a terrific wedding celebration in your garden after the legal formalities are completed elsewhere.

Blessing: You could have a blessing in your garden after a small ceremony at a registry office

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you cannot legally marry in your own garden. However, you can have a blessing in your garden after a small ceremony at a registry office. This is a great option if you want to keep costs down or have a very personal occasion.

A registry office wedding is a non-religious, government-led ceremony that usually takes around 10-15 minutes. You can choose to have your ceremony in a registry office near you, or in a location that holds a special place in your heart. You'll need to give notice at your local registry office at least 29 days before your wedding, and no more than 12 months before. This costs around £35 per person. The basic ceremony rate is around £57, or you can hire a larger ceremony room for up to £200. You'll also need to pay for a marriage certificate, which is £4 on the day or £10 afterwards.

After the legal formalities at the registry office, you can continue the celebrations in your garden. A garden blessing is a wonderful way to express your personalised wedding vows in front of your loved ones. It's also a lot more flexible than a traditional wedding ceremony. You can choose anyone you like to perform the blessing, or hire a professional from the Humanist Association to officiate. They can advise on the structure of the ceremony and help you prepare your vows, readings and music.

You can host a wedding breakfast and reception in your garden, with festival-style decorations, a vintage tea party, or any other theme you choose. If your garden is big enough, you could even have a live band and guests can camp overnight.

Planning: Backyard weddings require extra planning, including spacing, permits, and insurance

Planning a backyard wedding comes with a unique set of considerations. Here are some essential planning tips to keep in mind:

Spacing

When it comes to spacing, it's crucial to choose a backyard venue that can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Consider whether there is enough room for guests to move around, enjoy the festivities, and access essential amenities. If you're setting up a tent, ensure it fits well within the available space without feeling cramped. Additionally, think about creating dedicated areas for specific purposes, such as a kids' play area or a space for guests to relax away from the heat or cold.

Permits

Permits are a critical aspect of planning a backyard wedding. The requirements vary depending on your location, so it's essential to check with your local county or municipality. The most common restrictions to look out for are parking, noise, and fire regulations. If you're using a tent, there may be additional permit requirements, as they are often considered temporary structures. It's also a good idea to consult with your neighbours beforehand to ensure they are aware of your plans and to address any potential concerns.

Insurance

Obtaining wedding insurance is highly recommended to protect yourself financially in case of unforeseen events. Wedding insurance typically covers the venue, vendors, wedding items, and sickness or injury before or during the wedding. It can also cover extreme weather conditions, vendor no-shows, and sudden illness or injury for the couple or immediate family members. There are two main types of wedding insurance: liability insurance, which protects you from financial liability arising from accidents or incidents, and cancellation insurance, which reimburses you for financial losses if the wedding is cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. The cost of wedding insurance can vary, but it typically ranges from $75 to $550 for a basic policy, depending on the provider and the desired coverage level.

Vendors: You'll need to find vendors, including a wedding planner, rentals, photographer, and caterer

While you can't legally marry in your garden in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you can still host a wedding celebration there. Here are some tips for finding the right vendors for your garden wedding:

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner can help you manage the complexities of planning a wedding and ensure that your big day runs smoothly. When choosing a wedding planner, look for someone with experience in planning outdoor weddings and expertise in using online tools to streamline the planning process. When choosing a wedding planner, look for someone with experience in planning outdoor weddings, as they will be able to anticipate and address any unique challenges that may arise. Ask for references or read online reviews to get a sense of their expertise and style. It's important to find a wedding planner who understands your vision and can help you create your dream garden wedding.

Rentals

To create a magical setting for your garden wedding, consider renting items such as plants, small shrubs, miniature evergreens, small fountains, and garden décor. These elements can enhance the natural beauty of your garden and create a whimsical atmosphere. Look for rental companies that offer a wide variety of options to choose from and ensure they can deliver and pick up the items within your desired timeframe. Compare prices and ask about any additional fees, such as delivery and setup charges, to get an accurate estimate.

Photographer

When choosing a photographer for your garden wedding, look for someone with experience in outdoor wedding photography. They will know how to work with natural light and capture the beauty of your garden setting. Ask to see examples of their previous work, especially in similar outdoor venues, to get a sense of their style and skill. Discuss your specific needs and expectations, such as the number of photos, delivery format, and any additional services like photo editing or albums.

Caterer

Catering is an important aspect of your garden wedding, ensuring your guests have a delightful culinary experience. When choosing a caterer, consider their expertise in creating a menu that suits your theme and budget. Ask for tastings to sample their cuisine and assess their ability to accommodate any special dietary requirements. Discuss the logistics, such as setup, serving, and cleanup, to ensure a seamless experience on your wedding day. Also, don't forget to inquire about their availability and book them in advance to secure their services for your special day.

Budget: Backyard weddings can save money on venue hire, but rentals are a significant cost

Backyard weddings can be a great way to save money on venue hire, but they do come with some significant costs. Firstly, it's important to note that in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you cannot legally marry in your own garden. You would need to register your marriage at a licensed venue, and then hold an informal ceremony in your garden. This means that you will likely need to pay for two locations, which can be costly.

If you live in Scotland, you can get married in your garden, but COVID measures and number limitations will apply. To legally marry in your garden in other parts of the UK, you would need to apply for a marriage venue license, which can be complicated and costly. You would need permanent and 'immovable' premises on your property that can hold at least six people and be used regularly to conduct weddings.

Even if you decide to hold just the reception in your backyard, there are still some significant costs to consider. One of the biggest expenses will be rentals. Depending on your setup, you may need to rent a tent, tables, chairs, and other items. These costs can quickly add up, especially for larger weddings. You may also need to rent a generator if you don't have enough electricity supply for all your vendors.

Another cost to consider is catering. Most caterers are used to working in venues with plenty of space and outlets, so you may need to pay extra for them to set up in your backyard. You will also need to think about alcohol permits and whether you want to provide a bar or make the event bring-your-own.

Other costs to factor in include extra insurance, permits, and requirements from your county or city, such as fire codes and noise restrictions. You will also need to ensure accessible bathrooms are available, which may mean renting portable toilets. Finally, don't forget about transportation and parking for your guests, which can also add to the overall cost.

While backyard weddings can save you money on venue hire, they often come with their own set of expenses. It's important to carefully consider and plan for these costs to ensure your big day stays within your budget.

Frequently asked questions