5 steps to planning your backyard marquee wedding in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough

Backyard and marquee weddings are absolutely hands down, 100% my favourites to photograph.

They are personal, relaxed, and deeply connected to your story. Often they take place on family land, sometimes the very property you grew up in. The whakapapa is strong.

For an intimate celebration with less than 20 people, up to 200 of your family and friends, backyard and marquee weddings are fantastic choices.

Before you commit to a backyard wedding, it helps to weigh up both the benefits and the challenges. Here are some of the key pros and cons to keep in mind as you plan.

Pros of a backyard wedding

• Deeply personal and connected to your family and whakapapa

• Freedom to design the day exactly how you want it

• Natural, scenic backdrops that need little decoration

• Relaxed, intimate atmosphere

• Potential savings on venue hire costs

Cons or things to be aware of

• Weather is unpredictable and can affect comfort and logistics

• Extra costs for marquee, toilets, generators, lighting, flooring, crockery/cutlery, hire items etc.

• More planning required for parking, access and waste management

• Noise restrictions and council permits may apply

• Setup and pack down can be stressful without help

  
  

If you are planning a backyard marquee wedding in Nelson, Tasman or Marlborough, here are five important steps to help make it both meaningful and stress free.

Step 1: Choose the right location

The most special backyard weddings happen in places that already hold meaning. That could be your own or your parent's home, family land that has been cared for over generations or a property that has great meaning to you. Think about the stories in that space. The old tree, the view to the hills, the garden your grandmother planted. These things already give the day personality and authenticity.

When choosing your location, also think practically. Is there enough room for a marquee, parking, and guest movement? What is the ground like in wet weather? How far is it for guests to travel from their homes or accommodation?

Step 2: Decide on a marquee or shelter

Weather in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough can be stunning, but it is also unpredictable. Where will your guests eat and shelter from the sun, rain or wind? Inside the house or on the veranda might be a lovely option, especially for weddings of 20 people or less.

A premium marquee or stretch tent provides both shade and rain cover outside. There are excellent local hire companies who can provide everything from traditional marquees to modern stretch tents.

• Truly Yours - founded and operated by Sophie & Jamie, providing modern weddings marquee and furniture hire in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.

• Got It Covered - based in Stoke, Nelson. From the smallest detail to the grandest event, Got It Covered can take care of all the details. The largest hire range in the region and a professional team of event stylists who love helping create memorable events.

• Continental Event Hire - large range of marquees plus everything else you could possibly need to hire. Crockery, linen, dancefloor right down to portaloos! Nelson and Blenheim locations.

  
  

When booking, ask about flooring, side walls and heating. These extras can make a big difference to your and your guests’ comfort.

Step 3: Plan the boring logistics

A backyard wedding often looks effortless, but behind the scenes there is a lot to think about.

• Toilets and handwashing stations

• Parking and safe pathways

• Power for lighting, music and catering

• Access for vendors to set up and pack down

• Waste and recycling facilities
  

Cost can also creep up quickly once these items are added, so keep track of your budget. A good idea is to write a list of everything a venue normally provides, then work out what you need to hire in. Working with a wedding planner and/or a day-of-coordinator can be an incredibly valuable investment in time, stress-reduction and overall budget management.

Step 4: Choose your people wisely

Backyard weddings give you the freedom to work with the people you truly want rather than being tied to a venue list. This includes DIY and trusting experienced friends and family with special roles suited to their skills. Is your sister-in-law a hairdresser? Perfect! Has your woodworking uncle offered to make your ceremony arch? Excellent! Are you a whizz at crafting bunting and table decorations? Fabulous! Surround yourself with people and vendors who understand your vision and are comfortable working in unique settings.

Some excellent local vendors include (this is not an exhaustive list there are literally SO MUCH TALENT in our regions!):

• Lucalia Photography - (that's me!). I provide outdoorsy couples who hate awkward poses with documentary wedding photography in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough

• Magnolia Events - beautiful range of ceremony arches and decorative hire pieces based in Blenheim

• Perfect Wedding Planning - Tracey is a certified Wedding Planner, and provides planning services and on-the-day coordination for weddings in Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman

• Blicks Blooms - Kate opens her family-run spray-free micro flower farm each Spring. Pick-your-own flower buckets for weddings based in Renwick

• Jann Hook Celebrant - Based at Te Mahia Bay Resort in the stunning Marlborough Sounds, Jann travels throughout Marlborough crafting bespoke ceremonies for couples

• Nourish Catering - Founded by Chante, Nourish Catering are committed to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and have a passion for creating extraordinary experiences.
  

Step 5: Embrace the atmosphere

The best part about a backyard wedding is how relaxed and personal it feels. You are not confined by venue rules, so you can shape the day to truly reflect you. Think about meaningful ways to use the space: a ceremony under a tree, fairy lights strung across the garden, children running barefoot through the grass.

Backyard weddings are not about perfection. They are about connection. If the weather shifts or a few details go differently than planned, it often makes the story of the day even better. Those unscripted, joyful moments are what your guests will remember and what I love capturing most.

Final thoughts on your backyard marquee wedding Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough

Planning a backyard wedding in Nelson, Tasman or Marlborough does take extra effort, but the reward is a celebration full of heart and meaning. With the right location, shelter, logistics, and vendors, you can create a day that is both comfortable and unforgettable.

If you're a couple who hates awkward poses, planning an outdoorsy wedding in Nelson, Tasman or Marlborough, feel free to check out my documentary wedding photography.

Lots of love,

Sarah XX