Wedding At Home: How to plan a Beautiful Event

Wedding Venue

Are you thinking about having your wedding at home? If you are lucky enough to have a home or garden big enough to cater for this special event, then why not? I speak from experience. When my husband and I got married, we had our service in the local church and held our wedding reception at home. Now, if I could turn back time and the options had been available to us, I might well have chosen to have our ceremony at home too, although some of our ‘old school’ relatives would have been outraged by the idea!

Let’s face it: there’s something magical about having a wedding at home. Most of us have a powerful connection to our homes. There is nowhere more peaceful and reassuring to be.

Whether you hold it in the garden where you played as a child or the family farm, like my couple, Louisa and Dan, with amazing barns and the rolling landscape, more couples are choosing to get married in spaces that really mean something special to them. Even celebs like Stacey Solomon and Josh Swash are joining in this rising trend; they held their wedding at their delightful home, Pickle Cottage.

So, what is the appeal? I find that a wedding at home offers real intimacy, flexibility, and, of course, a personal touch that no traditional venue can even come close to. And, naturally, with the help of a wedding celebrant, you can have a heartfelt, unique wedding ceremony that reflects your beautiful love story, even if your home isn’t a licensed venue.

That’s right, your home does not need to be licensed for a celebrant-led wedding ceremony.

So, if you’re dreaming of a relaxed, joyful wedding day, a personal celebration of your relationship, then here’s how you plan a wedding at home, so it runs smoothly and fulfils your vision. I’ve included what you’ll need to organise, and some insights I have picked up from the many garden weddings I have been lucky enough to officiate.

Why Choose A Wedding At Home?

As Dorothy, from The Wizard of Oz stated, ‘There’s no place like home.’

The Americans and Australians have been doing it for years. Now, finally, more and more UK couples are embracing the idea of having a wedding at home. Why? Because: 

• It’s deeply personal: Your surroundings already tell part of your love story, and you’ll feel like your surroundings are wrapping their virtual arms around you both.
• You have full creative control: There are no “venue rules”; it’s just your vision for a very special event.
• It can be more cost-effective: Sometimes! You can make your wedding at home more economical than a hired venue by utilising the help and talents of your family and friends. From homemade decorations to a wedding cake created by a clever relative, there are many ways you can prevent wedding costs from spiralling. I love the sense of community a wedding at home creates; it certainly makes a wedding day feel even more special.
• It feels more relaxed: You’re at home, where love resides, memories are created, friends and family belong, and laughter never ends.

Just take a look at Grace and Elijah’s wedding. It was held at Elijah’s mother’s home. I officiated their wedding in the courtyard, surrounded by farm buildings with a fountain in the middle. With the sun shining brightly, it felt very Italianate. The reception took place under a large stretch tent in the garden. Despite the massive amount of hard work leading up to their special day, everyone was very calm and relaxed. That’s why a wedding at home is so perfect.

So, from romantic garden ceremonies to festival-style celebrations on family land, I’ve been lucky to attend them all. Having a wedding at home offers endless possibilities. You are only restricted by your imagination!

How Does the Legal Side Work?

Let me explain briefly the legalities of having a wedding at home.

In the UK, you can’t legally marry at home unless your property is a licensed venue. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you can’t have your dream ceremony at home.

Many couples register their marriage at the Registry Office (a simple legal appointment with two witnesses), in the same way someone registers a birth or death. Then they hold their main wedding ceremony (where you say your vows and exchange your rings) and have a celebration at home, led by a wedding celebrant, like me.

For some couples, getting their family on board with the idea that this is the perfect option for them can be difficult. I remember Charlotte and Oscar’s wedding. Charlotte’s dad, being very ‘old school’, took a bit of persuading! Originally, he wanted them to have a traditional church wedding; however, on the day of the wedding, he absolutely loved it! He adored just how personal the wedding ceremony was, and how much it reflected their relationship together. And, it was what they really wanted.

I’ve written a very informative blog that explains the legalities in more detail; you can read it here.

This is What a Celebrant Offers:

• A fully personalised, non-legal ceremony that focuses on being completely authentic and personalised to you.
• Freedom to include religious, cultural, or symbolic elements
• Vows, readings, and rituals crafted around your love story
• Flexibility to marry wherever and however you choose

Whether the ceremony takes place under a tree, by a lake, or in your back garden by the flower beds, a celebrant ensures your wedding at home is meaningful and a truly memorable part of your day. Read on for more details….

What You Need to Organise for A Wedding At Home

Planning a wedding at home is exciting, but because you’re essentially creating your own venue, it can be a lot of hard work too. Here are some practical elements you need to consider:

Shelter

• Marquee, tipi, or stretch tent hire is vital, especially for our unpredictable UK weather. Remember Charlotte and Oscar? Unfortunately, the weather was not kind on their special day. The ceremony took place in a marquee, rather than the garden, however, the marquee looked beautiful! Adorned with flowers, it felt very intimate. The good news is that there are some fantastic companies across the UK with a magnificent range of marquees in all different shapes and sizes. Here are the links to a few companies I’ve been lucky enough to work with: Stretch Tents South West, DP Marquees, Bohemia Canvas
• Choose one that suits your guest list and style. I love the traditional pitch pole marquee – giving the true country wedding/fete vibes, or at the other end of the scale, the magnificent wooden structures taking their inspiration from Victorian glasshouses. Of course, tipis give a rustic, boho vibe that’s perfect for an informal, forest-style wedding. 
• Don’t forget you need flooring, sides, and heaters (again, we are back to the great British weather!).

Furniture

• You’ll need to hire tables, chairs, and possibly lounge seating if you wish to set up a relaxed area. Alternatively, just like Louisa and Dan’s wedding, you can utilise bales of hay! (see image above)
• Remember to plan for both the ceremony seating, dining space, and catering. You may also wish to include extras like a cake table or a bar setup.
• Don’t be afraid to chat to your friends and family. Collectively, you may be able to cater for the day with an eclectic mixture of seating from them all, after all, a wedding at home is very much about your community coming together.

Power & Lighting

• It might be worth considering hiring a generator for the additional lighting, catering equipment, music, and more.
• Use a mixture of lighting, but don’t forget fairy lights; they create a stunning, magical atmosphere.

Toilets

• It’s an essential, I’m afraid, but try to hire luxury portable toilets (much nicer for comfort and cleanliness!).

Catering

• Here you are spoilt for choice. Decide between traditional caterers, food trucks, BBQs, or a homemade buffet. It all depends on your budget and theme. Naturally, if you opt for a homemade buffet, you can call upon the skills of ‘Aunty Flo’, ‘cousin Jen’, your best friends, and your neighbours to create a scrumptious offering, fit for any royal garden party!
• If caterers are coming to your home, remember they’ll need space for prep and service (undercover, of course).

Drinks

• Provide your own alcohol (no corkage fees!). Why not hire a mobile bar? There are some fantastic ones available for special events. Alternatively, you may wish to create your very own DIY drinks station!
• You can hire glasses and don’t forget ice.

The Ceremony

One of the most exciting and fantastic benefits of a wedding at home is how personal your ceremony can be, especially when led by a professional, independent wedding celebrant. Wait until you talk to me on the phone, you will feel my excitement the moment we speak. I love just how special celebrant-led weddings are. Well, you just have to look at the photos on my website to see the joy at every one!

You see, with a celebrant, you’re not confined to a scripted, one-size-fits-all legal ceremony. You won’t stand in front of a stranger as you exchange your vows. Instead, you’ll work with your celebrant, who gets to know you as a couple and helps you shape a ceremony that reflects your journey, values, and personality.

This could include:

• Your love story: From how you met to the moment you said ‘yes’!
• Personal vows: Write your own promises in your own words — romantic, heartfelt, funny, or all three. (Your celebrant can help you with this if you have writer’s block or you are unsure where to start.)
• Family & friends’ involvement: You can invite loved ones to do readings, poems, or blessings.
• Symbolic rituals: These may include handfasting, candle lighting, or tree planting.
• Cultural and spiritual elements: Combine cultural traditions that matter to you, add or adapt any religious elements you would like, or create new ones!

Remember, you can hold the ceremony anywhere on your property: under a favourite tree, beside a pond, in the vegetable garden, on the lawn with an arch, or even indoors by candlelight with floral decorations. There’s no pressure, no rules, just the freedom to create a moment that truly feels special to you.

And because it’s non-legally binding, there’s no rush or bureaucracy (unlike a registrar, a celebrant doesn’t have to dash off to the next ceremony!). You can take your time; you can really savour the moment and make this the emotional centrepiece of your wedding celebration.

Tip: Work closely with your chosen celebrant so that together you can co-create a ceremony that brings joy and meaning to everyone there. It’s not a legal formality, like one led by a registrar, but a lasting memory of your special day.

Practical Bits – Very Important Though!

• Parking: Where will your guests park? Will you need signage or maybe a shuttle bus to ferry guests to your home?
• Neighbour notification: Let them know in advance and be considerate of noise, of course, if they are friends of the family and attending the wedding, you might get them involved, helping with catering, parking, or essentials like seating!
• Insurance: Public liability and wedding insurance are highly recommended.
• Waste disposal: Arrange for bins and rubbish removal for after the event.
• Wet weather backup: Even with a marquee, walkways can get slippery and consider umbrellas to help your guests stay dry (I know, I’m obsessed with the weather!)
• Hot weather plan: shade is key especially for a ceremony when your guests are seated and unable to move to shade

Personal Touches That Make A Wedding At Home Special

What makes a wedding at home so memorable is the freedom to fill it with personal details. I love the feeling of community with a wedding at home. There is a sense that everyone has pulled together to make the day happen (often the case!).

Here are some simple ideas I have experienced, during my 8 years as a wedding celebrant in Devon, that can add a personal touch to proceedings:

• DIY decorations like handmade bunting, signage, or floral centrepieces
• A memory table with family photos and keepsakes
• Your dog as part of the ceremony, so adorable!
• Garden games and a chill-out zone for guests
• Fire pits and marshmallows for a cosy evening touch, throw in some blankets, and your guests will be very happy
• Umbrellas – for that unhelpful and unexpected shower
• Bottles of water for the heatwave

I’m sure you have a head full of fun, innovative ideas you can add into the mix, but isn’t it exciting to think you have the freedom to do all of this?

Final Thoughts on Planning A Wedding At Home

As I hope you can tell, I’m a massive cheerleader for garden weddings. A wedding at home is filled with charm, warmth, and authenticity. You’re not just renting a space for a few hours; you’re building your celebration in a place that already holds love for you. You are adding to the history of your home with your special day.

Yes, it does take more organisation, but the reward is a wedding day that truly reflects your story, your style, and your heart. With a trusted wedding celebrant and the right support at your side, your home can be transformed into the most unforgettable wedding venue of all.

Planning Your Own Home Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding at home, I’d love to help make your ceremony unforgettable. After all, weddings at home with a Celebrant are a match made in heaven!

Please get in touch for a chat about a celebrant-led wedding at home.  I can also offer supplier recommendations and everything you need to bring your vision to life, from vows in your garden to dancing under the stars.

Photo credit for feature image: Sharron Gibson Photography