The Slow Wedding Movement: Why More Couples Are Choosing Meaningful, Intentional Backyard Weddings Over Extravagant Celebrations
December 23, 2024
The Slow Wedding Movement
The Backyard wedding movement is changing the way couples celebrate. More couples are ditching the pressure of extravagant, high-production weddings in favor of intimate, intentional celebrations that reflect their values. Instead of jam-packed timelines, massive guest lists, and cookie-cutter venues, they’re embracing slow, meaningful wedding days that allow them to be fully present
This shift—often called the slow wedding movement—is about quality over quantity. It’s about designing a day that feels right, rather than following traditions that don’t resonate. And one of the most beautiful, personal ways couples are embracing this shift? Backyard weddings.
As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful intimate, slow, and intentional weddings can be. Whether it’s an elopement in Michigan or a backyard wedding with just close family, these celebrations strip away the unnecessary, leaving only what truly matters.
In this post, we’ll explore the slow wedding movement, why backyard weddings are the perfect setting for it, and how to plan an intentional, meaningful wedding that feels like you.
What is the Slow Wedding Movement?
The slow wedding movement is a response to the pressure, expectations, and stress that often come with traditional weddings. Instead of rushing through a packed schedule, checking off a never-ending to-do list, and spending a fortune on things that don’t feel personal, slow weddings focus on intentionality, presence, and connection.
This means:
- Simplifying the guest list to only the people who truly matter
- Choosing a location that feels meaningful—like your own backyard
- Letting go of rigid traditions in favor of moments that reflect your relationship
- Prioritizing experiences over production—more real moments, fewer staged ones
- Focusing on connection with your partner, your loved ones, and yourself
For many couples, the perfect place for a slow wedding isn’t a ballroom or a massive venue—it’s their own backyard.
Why Backyard Weddings Are the Perfect Setting for a Slow, Intentional Celebration
1. Familiarity & Comfort
There’s something undeniably special about getting married in a place that already holds meaning. Your childhood home, your first home together, your family’s backyard—it’s already filled with memories, making it the perfect backdrop for this new chapter.
Unlike a traditional venue, a backyard wedding feels relaxed and deeply personal. There’s no pressure to fit into someone else’s schedule or rules. It’s your space, your way.
2. A Wedding That Feels Like You
One of the biggest reasons couples are choosing backyard weddings is control over the experience. You don’t have to conform to what a venue allows—you get to design a day that feels right. Want to exchange vows under your favorite tree? Have a long, slow dinner with your closest people? Sit by the fire and watch the stars instead of rushing off to a grand exit? You can.
With a backyard wedding, every detail can be intentional. You can:
✅ Choose a ceremony time that feels right (no pressure to fit into a venue’s timeline)
✅ Decorate with meaning, using pieces that actually matter to you
✅ Let the day flow naturally instead of feeling rushed from one thing to the next
3. Backyard Weddings Allow More Time To Be Present
Traditional weddings often feel like they fly by. Between the getting-ready rush, the whirlwind of a ceremony, and a packed reception schedule, many couples barely get a moment to breathe—let alone fully experience the day.
Backyard weddings eliminate that frantic pace. There’s no pressure to rush, no venue pushing you out at a certain time. You can take your time, be present with your partner, and soak in every moment.
4. A Focus on Connection Over Production
Big weddings can sometimes feel like performances—perfectly timed events designed more for spectacle than experience. But slow, backyard weddings shift the focus from how it looks to how it feels.
Instead of spending thousands on elaborate centerpieces and decor, the emphasis is on the people, the emotions, and the real moments.
When you strip away the unnecessary, what remains is real, meaningful connection.
How to Plan a Slow, Intentional Backyard Wedding
A backyard wedding isn’t just a budget-friendly alternative—it’s a chance to create a deeply personal, intentional experience. Whether it’s your childhood home, a family member’s backyard, or the first home you shared as a couple, this setting allows for a wedding that feels like you.
Unlike traditional venues, a backyard wedding lets you move at your own pace, focus on what matters most, and eliminate unnecessary stress. But how do you actually plan one? Here’s how to create a slow, meaningful backyard wedding that’s effortless and unforgettable.
1. Choose the Right Backyard for Your Wedding Vision
The beauty of a backyard wedding is that it can be anywhere that feels special. Whether it’s your own home or a loved one’s, the key is to choose a space that aligns with your vision, logistics, and guest count.
Things to Consider:
✔️ Size & Layout: Does the space comfortably fit your ceremony and reception setup?
✔️ Privacy & Noise: Will you need to consider neighbors or city noise restrictions?
✔️ Weather Preparedness: Is there space for a tent or covered area in case of rain?
✔️ Natural Beauty: Can you use the existing landscaping as part of your décor?
For a true slow wedding experience, choose a space where you can be fully present and at ease—not just what looks good in photos. If your own space doesn’t quite fit the bill, Airbnb has plenty of great options!
2. Create a Relaxed, Flexible Timeline For Your Backyard Wedding
One of the biggest perks of a backyard wedding? No rigid timelines. You don’t have to fit into a venue’s schedule or worry about a grand exit by 10 PM. You can take your time, savor each moment, and let the day flow naturally.
A Sample Slow Backyard Wedding Timeline:
🌿 Morning: Wake up slow, drink coffee, and write private vows
☀️ Midday: Get ready at home, with no rush or stress
💍 Afternoon: Have a first look or quiet moment together before the ceremony
🌅 Evening: Exchange vows at sunset, followed by a long, intimate dinner
🔥 Night: Cozy up by the fire with your closest people, share stories, and soak it all in
The focus is on presence, not production. No strict schedules, no feeling rushed—just you, your partner, and your people.
3. Curate an Intentional Ceremony & Reception Space
A backyard wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or atmosphere. In fact, less is more when it comes to a slow, intentional wedding.
Tips for Creating an Effortless, Meaningful Setup for your Backyard Wedding:
✨ Use the landscape: Let nature do the decorating—trees, gardens, or even string lights can create magic.
🪑 Keep seating intimate: Instead of rows of chairs, try a circle setup or a cozy lounge area.
💡 Focus on soft, natural lighting: Candles, twinkle lights, and lanterns add warmth and intimacy.
🖋 Personal touches: Handwritten vow books, family heirlooms, or DIY details make the space feel uniquely yours.
Your space should feel comfortable, inviting, and authentic—not like a Pinterest-perfect setup that stresses you out.
4. Make Dining an Experience, Not Just a Meal
A slow wedding means ditching the rushed reception timeline and making the meal an experience in itself. Instead of a formal plated dinner or a buffet that’s over in 30 minutes, opt for something more relaxed and engaging.
Backyard-Friendly Slow Wedding Dining Ideas:
🍷 Family-Style Dinner: Pass dishes around like a cozy dinner party
🔥 Outdoor Pizza Oven or BBQ: Cook together and turn mealtime into an experience
🍇 Long, European-Style Dinner: Multiple courses, wine, and conversation under the stars
🎶 Acoustic Music or Vinyl Records Playing: Set a relaxed, intimate tone for the night
This is about connection, not catering. A backyard setting allows you to linger over good food, laugh, and be present.
5. Prioritize Meaningful, Candid Photography
A slow wedding deserves photography that captures the real moments—not just staged ones. Documentary-style wedding photography is a perfect match for this, focusing on emotion, connection, and the in-between moments that tell the real story.
How to Ensure Your Photos Reflect the Day’s Intimacy:
📸 Choose a photographer who understands documentary-style storytelling
🌿 Plan moments where you can just be together without a camera in your face
🕯 Let lighting be natural—sunset, candlelight, and soft evening glows
🚫 Ditch the pressure for stiff posing—just be in the moment
Backyard weddings create the perfect backdrop for raw, emotional, and timeless imagery. The best photos come from being fully present, not worrying about looking perfect.
How to Plan a Slow, Intentional Backyard Wedding
A backyard wedding isn’t just a budget-friendly alternative—it’s an opportunity to create a deeply personal, intentional experience. Whether it’s your childhood home, a family member’s backyard, or the first home you shared as a couple, this setting allows you to design a wedding that truly feels like you.
Unlike traditional venues, a backyard wedding lets you move at your own pace, focus on what matters most, and eliminate the stress of rigid timelines or outside expectations. But how do you actually plan a slow, meaningful backyard wedding without it feeling overwhelming?
Let’s break it down.
1. Choose the Right Backyard for Your Wedding Vision
The beauty of a backyard wedding is that it can be anywhere that feels special. Whether it’s your own home or a loved one’s, the key is to choose a space that aligns with your vision, logistics, and guest count.
Things to Consider:
✔️ Size & Layout: Does the space comfortably fit your ceremony and reception setup?
✔️ Privacy & Noise: Will you need to consider neighbors or city noise restrictions?
✔️ Weather Preparedness: Is there space for a tent or covered area in case of rain?
✔️ Natural Beauty: Can you use the existing landscaping as part of your décor?
Once you find the right space, everything else starts to fall into place. The key is to choose a location where you can relax, be fully present, and create new memories in a place that already holds meaning.
2. Create a Relaxed, Flexible Timeline
One of the biggest perks of a backyard wedding is that there’s no rigid schedule to follow. You don’t have to fit into a venue’s timeline, rush through your first dance, or worry about being kicked out by a certain time.
With a backyard wedding, you can slow down and let the day unfold naturally. Instead of cramming everything into a strict schedule, you can create a timeline that actually allows you to be present.
A Sample Slow Backyard Wedding Timeline:
🌿 Morning: Wake up slowly, enjoy coffee, and write private vows together
☀️ Midday: Get ready in a familiar space with no rush or stress
💍 Afternoon: Have a first look or share a quiet moment before the ceremony
🌅 Evening: Exchange vows at sunset, followed by a long, intimate dinner
🔥 Night: Cozy up by the fire with your closest people, share stories, and soak in the magic
Rather than feeling like you’re on a production schedule, the entire day feels fluid, natural, and deeply meaningful.
3. Curate an Intentional Ceremony & Reception Space
A backyard wedding doesn’t have to mean over-the-top decor or elaborate setups. In fact, the best backyard weddings embrace simplicity, allowing the space itself to shine.
Tips for Creating an Effortless, Meaningful Setup:
✨ Use the landscape: Let nature do the decorating—trees, gardens, or even string lights can create magic.
🪑 Keep seating intimate: Instead of rows of chairs, try a circle setup or a cozy lounge area.
💡 Focus on soft, natural lighting: Candles, string lights, and lanterns add warmth and intimacy.
🖋 Personal touches matter: Handwritten vow books, family heirlooms, or DIY details make the space feel uniquely yours.
When the focus is on the experience rather than the production, your wedding space becomes a reflection of your relationship—not just a staged event for photos.
4. Make Dining an Experience, Not Just a Meal
A slow wedding isn’t about getting through the reception as quickly as possible—it’s about savoring every moment, including the meal. Instead of a rushed dinner or a traditional plated service, consider making dining part of the experience.
Backyard-Friendly Slow Wedding Dining Ideas:
🍷 Family-Style Dinner: Pass dishes around like a cozy dinner party
🔥 Outdoor Pizza Oven or BBQ: Cook together and turn mealtime into an experience
🍇 Long, European-Style Dinner: Multiple courses, wine, and conversation under the stars
🎶 Acoustic Music or Vinyl Records Playing: Set a relaxed, intimate tone for the night
With no strict reception timeline, you can linger at the table, soak in the conversation, and enjoy every bite—just like a perfect night at home, but elevated.
5. Prioritize Meaningful, Candid Photography
A slow wedding deserves photography that captures the real moments—not just posed ones. Documentary-style wedding photography is perfect for backyard weddings because it focuses on emotion, connection, and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed.
How to Ensure Your Photos Reflect the Day’s Intimacy:
📸 Choose a photographer who specializes in documentary-style storytelling
🌿 Plan quiet moments where you can just be together without distractions
🕯 Let the lighting be natural—sunset, candlelight, and soft evening glows
🚫 Ditch the pressure for stiff posing—just be in the moment
Backyard weddings naturally lend themselves to genuine, emotional, and timeless photography. The best photos come from being fully present, not worrying about how you look.
How to Make Your Backyard Wedding Feel Even More Personal
One of the most beautiful things about a backyard wedding is that it’s already personal. You’re not walking into a venue that’s hosted hundreds of other couples—you’re stepping into a space that holds meaning for you. But to make the day feel even more intentional, here are a few ways to infuse your personality, values, and love story into every detail.
1. Design a Ceremony That Feels Authentic to You
Because you’re not tied to a traditional venue, you have complete freedom over how your ceremony unfolds. You don’t have to follow a template or stick to outdated traditions—you can create a moment that feels like yours.
Ideas for a Meaningful Backyard Wedding Ceremony:
💌 Write personal vows instead of using standard ones
🌿 Incorporate nature—stand under a favorite tree, face the sunset, or surround yourselves with candles
🎶 Have a loved one officiate to make it feel even more intimate
🎨 Blend cultures or traditions that are meaningful to your relationship
This is your chance to slow down, breathe, and truly take in the moment instead of rushing through a scripted ceremony.
2. Infuse Your Love Story Into the Details
A backyard wedding already feels warm and intimate, but you can take it even further by weaving in details that reflect your relationship.
Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Day:
📸 Display old photos—your first trip together, the moment you got engaged, or childhood snapshots
🍷 Serve food with meaning—a dish from your first date, a family recipe, or something that reminds you of home
📝 Handwritten notes for guests—a personal touch that makes each person feel truly valued
🎶 Curate a playlist together—choose songs that bring back memories instead of relying on a generic DJ list
It’s these little touches that make a backyard wedding feel uniquely yours.
3. Plan for Slow, Meaningful Moments
Traditional weddings often feel like a blur—a packed schedule, a revolving door of guests, and a constant rush from one event to the next. But a slow wedding allows you to pause and actually take it all in.
Ideas for Creating Moments of Stillness:
✨ A private first look before the ceremony, just the two of you
🔥 A quiet moment by the fire after dinner, sipping drinks and stargazing
📝 Journaling together before the wedding, reflecting on what the day means to you
🎶 Ending the night with a slow dance—no audience, no pressure, just you two
When you build in moments to breathe, connect, and be present, the day becomes even more meaningful.
4. Let Go of Perfection & Just Be Present
One of the most important things about a slow backyard wedding is remembering that it’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.
The flowers might not be arranged perfectly. The weather might not cooperate. A dog might bark during your vows. And that’s okay. Those are the moments you’ll remember.
When you’re in a space that feels like home, surrounded by people who love you, nothing else matters.
So let go of the pressure. Be in the moment. Enjoy the beauty of a slow, intentional wedding day that’s designed for you—not for anyone else.
The Magic of Backyard Weddings & Slow Celebrations
Backyard weddings aren’t just a trend—they’re part of a bigger movement toward intentional, meaningful wedding days. They’re about stripping away the unnecessary, focusing on what truly matters, and creating a celebration that feels like you.
When you choose a slow, intentional backyard wedding, you’re giving yourself the freedom to:
✔ Ditch the stress of a packed timeline
✔ Create real, lasting memories in a place that holds meaning
✔ Be fully present with your partner, your loved ones, and yourself
And as a documentary-style wedding photographer, I’m here to capture those moments exactly as they unfold. The real, raw, beautiful moments—the ones that make this day yours.
