Brittany and Brandon tied the knot in the backyard where Brittany was raised, located in Ferndale, California. They turned the yard into a full-service wedding venue. This took a lot of work and some help from family, showcasing how a childhood dream can become a real celebration. The couple built a custom arch, converted a playhouse into a bar for wedding reception, and crafted lanterns for the tables themselves.
A backyard wedding often looks magical, but the costs can be surprising. Landscaping can run $1,000 to $5,000 alone, and pest control adds a few hundred. To set boundaries, temporary fencing or privacy screens cost a few hundred dollars more. Rentals for portable toilets—especially nice ones—can reach $1,500. A large tent and its sidewalls and climate control accessories can add $2,000 to $4,000, plus a little bit more for heating or cooling. Renting linens, chairs, and tables often costs $3,500 to $4,500 for a hundred guests, and lighting can add another $500 to $1,000.
Food and drinks are another cost. Caterers often charge $20 to $40 per guest, plus $800 to $1,200 for the bartenders needed. Couples may face permit fees for parking, noise, or temporary structures, which run from $100 to $300. Cleanup costs add a few hundred dollars, and inclement weather can require further costs for sidewalls, generators, or heating. Lastly, some municipalities require event liability insurance that many venues would normally provide. Putting all of this together could range from $15,000 to $20,000, which is what budget venues often charge for a total package.
California has specific zoning and permitting requirements. In Ventura County, outdoor events are only allowed in designated agricultural, open space, or commercial planned development zones; events are prohibited in residential zones unless a temporary outdoor event permit is issued. In Butte County, a minor use permit, a use agreement, and liability insurance are all needed for agricultural or residential zones. Each city or county has its own permit requirements. Couples should “contact the local planning department early” to get the details of “questions for your wedding venue”.
Some costs can be offset by family and friends, but many professionals are still needed. In Brittany and Brandon's wedding, Brittany’s aunt baked the cake, her twin sister crafted décor, and Brandon's father officiated. They hired the photographer, florist, caterer, and DJ. The playhouse turned bar for wedding reception, an ice-cream truck, and other specialized touches were added by paid vendors. Some couples search for “private wedding venues near me” or “intimate ceremony venues” because they may not have family or friends able to assist.
For couples considering a backyard wedding, the essentials include having a realistic budget of landscaping, rentals, insurance, and contingency plans; setting a timeline for permits, vendor contracts; and deciding which tasks family can handle versus those needing professionals.
Brittany and Brandon's story shows it is possible and meaningful to celebrate one’s family home. Personal touches are possible to create a charming event—but practical realities include costs, legalities, and trained staff. By meeting hidden costs, permits, and blending family and professionals, the couple created a venue that honored family tradition and their new life together.