Portland Backyard Wedding

Wedding
Written By Eric DePangher
Bride and groom posing on a grassy lawn with three dogs, surrounded by vibrant greenery and flowers, as the bride holds a bouquet of burgundy and blush flowers.

Portland Backyard Wedding | Heather + Jake

Having an intimate summer backyard wedding in Portland, Oregon is what Heather and Jake wanted and lucky for them Heather’s aunt’s property used to be a wedding venue so it was the perfect location. The best thing about backyard weddings is they can be elopements, micro weddings, medium sized, or really large guest count weddings. It really just depends on the size of the property and your dreams. This was such a beautiful wedding from their dogs being in the ceremony to their beautiful little girls being such a joy. We loved the details from beautiful table decor to the delicious dessert bar from Lux Sucre Desserts. 

Black and white photo of a bride smiling while her makeup is being touched up by a friend with a tattooed arm, in a cozy room with a stone fireplace.
Blonde flower girl wearing a gold sequined dress and a greenery flower crown smiles as a woman adjusts her hair in a warm, cozy room with wood accents.
Elegant dessert table covered with a gold tablecloth, featuring cupcakes, cookies, brownies, candy jars, and a chalkboard sign, set against a green outdoor lawn.
Close-up of mini cupcakes topped with fresh berries, including raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries, displayed on a white cake stand at an outdoor wedding dessert table.
Outdoor wedding reception under a white tent featuring round tables with gold tablecloths, navy runners, colorful glassware, and a wooden dance floor on lush green grass.
Elegant wedding table setting with gold tablecloths, navy runners, colorful vintage glassware, gold flatware, white plates, and a centerpiece featuring flowers and a table number.
Group of wedding guests, including a man in a suit holding leashes for three dogs, standing on a grassy lawn with vibrant greenery in the background.
Two young flower girls in white dresses with gold sequined tops and greenery flower crowns twirl joyfully in a cozy room with colorful artwork on the walls.
Man in a navy suit walking on a grassy lawn with a puppy on a red leash, with a red barn and rustic decor in the background.
Bride in a lace gown holding a bouquet walks down the aisle with a man in a suit and a dog on a leash, surrounded by smiling guests seated on white chairs outdoors.
Two flower girls in white dresses with gold sequined tops and greenery crowns walk down the aisle, one holding a basket and the other leading a dog, as seated guests smile and take photos.
Groom in a navy suit with a light tie and pink boutonniere standing with his groomsmen in matching attire, outdoors with greenery and rustic buildings in the background.
Bride and groom hold hands during an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by bridesmaids in pink and burgundy dresses, groomsmen in navy suits, and lush greenery with a rustic backdrop.

Tips for a backyard wedding

In the PNW the best time for a backyard wedding is May-October unless you plan on renting an outdoor tent. Its always a good idea to keep your eye on the weather and have a rain plan no matter what time of year you get married.

If your wedding is over 20 people we recommend getting restrooms for your guests to use. You can get the old school porta-potties or some much nicer (and generally not much more) luxury porta-potties. (They even have heated running water to wash your hands)

If you are only getting one set of chairs but have two different ares (ceremony & reception) assign family/friends who are not in the wedding party (or who are not in photos) to move the chairs during cocktail hour so your guests don’t have to fiddle with them.

Have someone in change of the day, we recommend a wedding planner but a trusted friend with event experience works too. 

Do most of the set up the night before (tables & chairs) or if you are getting them delivered the day of, pay extra to have the company to set it up to ensure you and your family can have a stress free fun wedding day!

Make sure your guests know it's a backyard wedding and to wear appropriate footwear.

Wide view of an outdoor wedding ceremony with the bride and groom at the altar, surrounded by guests seated on white chairs, against a backdrop of greenery and rustic buildings.
Groom smiling warmly at the bride during their outdoor wedding ceremony, with the officiant reading from a book and groomsmen standing in the background surrounded by greenery.
Close-up of a smiling bride in a lace gown during her outdoor ceremony, with bridesmaids holding bouquets in the background and greenery surrounding the scene.
Groom smiling warmly while holding his vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with the bride in the foreground and groomsmen standing in the background.
Bride listening attentively as the groom reads his vows during an outdoor ceremony, with bridesmaids holding bouquets in the background surrounded by greenery.
Bride and groom share a lighthearted moment during their outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by laughing bridesmaids, flower girls, and groomsmen against a backdrop of greenery and flowers.
Bride and groom holding hands during their outdoor wedding ceremony, with the officiant reading from a book, surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery.
Bride and groom celebrate their marriage, holding hands triumphantly as bridesmaids and groomsmen applaud during an outdoor ceremony surrounded by vibrant flowers and greenery.
Groom placing the wedding ring on the bride’s finger during an outdoor ceremony, with the officiant and vibrant greenery in the background.
Bride and groom share their first kiss as a married couple during an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery.
Bride and groom pose with family members and flower girls outdoors, surrounded by greenery and flowers, creating a joyful group portrait after the ceremony.
Black and white photo of the groom smiling as two flower girls in sequined dresses and floral crowns kiss his cheeks during a joyful moment outdoors.
Two flower girls wearing gold sequined dresses and greenery crowns, one smiling under a bridal veil and the other holding a bouquet of pink and burgundy flowers, standing in a garden setting.
Bride playfully held up by the groom and groomsmen, all smiling in navy suits, as she holds a bouquet of burgundy and blush flowers during an outdoor wedding photoshoot.
Groom smiling with a greenery crown as bridesmaids in pink and burgundy dresses pose with their backs turned, holding bouquets behind them during an outdoor wedding photoshoot.
Bride and groom pose together outdoors, the bride holding a bouquet of burgundy and blush flowers, with lush greenery and soft evening light in the background.
Bride kneeling outdoors, holding a bouquet of burgundy and blush flowers, playfully shaking hands with a dog wearing a blue collar.
Bride and groom smiling as they pose together outdoors, with the bride holding a bouquet of burgundy and blush flowers, surrounded by greenery and soft evening light.

Backyard weddings in Portland offer a unique blend of intimacy and charm, perfect for couples who value personal touches and a relaxed atmosphere. As a photographer, these weddings are a dream to capture, with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest creating an ideal backdrop. Whether it’s string lights draped over a cozy patio, lush gardens bursting with greenery, or the golden hour glow filtering through towering trees, backyard weddings provide countless opportunities for stunning, meaningful images. Planning a backyard wedding also allows couples to infuse their personality into every detail, from DIY décor to custom ceremony layouts. For those considering a backyard wedding, hiring a photographer experienced in outdoor lighting and candid storytelling ensures every moment, big or small, is beautifully preserved.

Outdoor wedding table with gold sequin tablecloth, white tableware, and illuminated ‘I DO’ marquee letters as decor.
Bride and groom joyfully dancing on a grassy lawn, the bride holding a bouquet of burgundy and blush flowers, with trees and a red barn in the background.
Bride smiling as she hugs a wedding guest under a tented reception area, holding a bouquet of burgundy and blush flowers, with guests seated at decorated tables in the background.
Memorial table featuring framed photos, a painted portrait of a dog, instant cameras, photo film packs, and a guestbook, set outdoors on a navy tablecloth with a backdrop of greenery.
Bride and groom posing outdoors with two flower girls in gold sequined dresses, all standing on a lush green lawn with a large willow tree in the background.
Bride in a lace gown posing outdoors with two smiling flower girls in gold sequined dresses, standing on a green lawn with a large willow tree in the background.
Guests interacting and dining under a tented reception area decorated with string lights, set on a grassy lawn with additional tables and a bar in the background.
Black and white photo of the bride sitting at a table during the reception, smiling and engaged in conversation, with a lively atmosphere in the background.
Bride smiling and chatting with a guest under a tented reception area decorated with string lights, with tables and greenery in the background.
Groom laughing and shaking hands with guests during the outdoor reception, holding a drink and surrounded by a lively atmosphere with string lights and greenery in the background.
Bride, groom, and wedding party laughing and enjoying themselves at the head table during the reception, surrounded by floral decorations and an outdoor evening setting.
Bride and groom laughing together at the head table during the evening reception, with floral decorations and a festive atmosphere.
Groomsman giving a speech during the outdoor reception under a tent with string lights, while seated guests listen attentively in the background.
Bridesmaid in a burgundy dress giving an emotional speech with a microphone during the evening reception, under a tent decorated with string lights.
Bride and groom sharing their first dance under a tent with string lights during the evening reception, surrounded by seated guests and a romantic atmosphere.
Groom dancing with an older woman during the evening reception under a tent with string lights, with a gold sequin-covered table in the background.
Bride dancing with a man in a navy suit during the evening reception under a tent with string lights, with guests and tables in the background.
Groom and bride dancing with two flower girls on the dance floor during the evening reception under a tent with string lights, surrounded by guests and colorful lighting.
Groom interacting with seated guests at a table during the evening reception under a tent with string lights, surrounded by a lively atmosphere and other attendees.
Bride and groom dancing joyfully with two flower girls on the dance floor during the evening reception under a tent with string lights and colorful lighting effects.
Guests dancing and celebrating on the dance floor during the evening reception under a tent with string lights, enjoying a lively atmosphere with music and colorful lighting.
A wedding guest greets a dog on the dance floor at a Portland backyard wedding, surrounded by guests enjoying the celebration outdoors.
Close-up of wedding rings, including a diamond engagement ring and a gold wedding band, resting on a sparkling golden surface with a soft, glowing bokeh background.
Guests dance and celebrate under a lit tent at a Portland backyard wedding, enjoying the lively atmosphere with music, drinks, and laughter.
Eric DePangher
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