Getting married on private properties

Why I recommend getting married
on private properties

That belong to friends or family members

What do I mean by Private Properties?

Well, it can be a friend's yard or property. (which I have filmed at. It was BEAUTIFUL)
It can be an aunt or grandparents property (which is shown below)
Or it can be your own yard/property. (which is shown above)
I also had a Client who's brother owned a building downtown,
and he let my Client use it for her wedding.
[Pictures of that are shown farther down below.]
It was free for her to use, and the perfect size for her small wedding.

You never know who would be willing to share their property with you
to help make your wedding dreams come true.
Let's dive into the pros and cons of private properties.

PROS:

It's budget friendly.
If you're working with a small budget, using a friend or family members property is the best way to go.
Not only is it affordable, they might be willing to let you use it for free. Or if they ask for compensation, it will be thousands less than a venue. 

It's a private property.
So you don't have to worry about being gone by a certain time. There's typically a lot more flexibility with how long you can use their property for. And it makes it easier if you need to come and go a lot.
It comes in handy too if you can only decorate at certain times of the day.
Or like my Clients featured in the picture above, they had their rehearsal at 10:00 o'clock at night. Due to everyone's work schedules, that was when they were able to get together. 

More options.
Sometimes, when using a friend or family members property, you're allowed a little more leeway with your wedding. If it's the number of guests you want, the amount or type of decorations you want, or if it's the type of activities you want to have. (for example, maybe you want doves released at your wedding. In the picture above, my Clients went fishing after the wedding. They planned to have an "open bar" but plans fell through.) Ultimately, talk to your person to see what your wedding day could look like.

I won't say there's "no rules" but I will say there is "less rules, more freedom"
when using a private property that belongs to a friend or family member or yourself.

This Client of mine was able to use this industrial, business property which included a loft space, because her brother owned the building. I believe she was able to have her wedding here for free, as a wedding gift from her brother. It now belongs to someone else and is a different store, but when I drive past it, I reflect on what a beautiful, fun, small wedding it was.

Let's talk about possible "cons" of using someone's private property

CONS:
Property Damage
Let's say you have your wedding at your own house, or a friend's house.
Unless you have a spacious home, your house will get cramped real quick with all your guests.
It can be one moment where someone is trying to pass someone else to get a slice of cake and they don't see the expensive vase on the side table behind them. It can be someone's child getting a little rambunctious and throw something and shatter a mirror. Anything could get damaged when you have a lot of people in your home. That is why it's best to have a smaller guest list, if you are using your home or someone else's home. Unless, the wedding is strictly outside. That is another factor that could prevent a lot of damage and possible theft.

Limited Parking
Sometimes, when using a private property, there can be an abundance of parking (if someone has a lot of acreage) other times, it can be a fight to get a spot. I have seen it both ways. So it's definitely something to take into consideration. Where will your guests park? And will it be easily accessible for anyone working or serving at your wedding?

Noise Control/Complaints
I was at a private birthday party, hosted at someone's home. I was filming and photographing it.
Someone complained about the noise that was coming from the backyard.
I have no idea what happened, but apparently it was resolved.
But I have seen firsthand, that people close by are not afraid to complain if you get too loud.

Animals!!!
Yes, I will say it. Here is the ugly truth. People that have animals may hinder your dream wedding.
Story time: I was photographing a wedding that was hosted by a relative. And the said relative had chickens and ducks. There was also dogs which was no problem and a few cats that stayed away from the party. But the pin with the chickens and ducks was a huge eyesore. So we covered it up.
However, someone decided to set up the reception/dining area close by to this large pin. So when the wind blew, you smelled everything. All the poop. Pee. Any other odors coming from their pins. It was awful. I was trying to eat because I was hungry, but it was very difficult with all the smells that I lost my appetite and gave up. I never thought I would put "animals" as a con, but there it is. 

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In conclusion:

Asking a friend or family member to host your wedding day is a great honor for them.
Should they say yes. It's a wonderful way for them to be a part of your beautiful day,
but they also don't have to be super involved, unless they want to be.

However, when considering a property, you want to look at all the details.

Sure, it's beautiful with a water feature, but is it close to the neighbors? Can they see you?
Is there limited parking? Is there a lot of animals on the property or around it?
Is there shelter if adverse weather happens?

It can be a wonderful opportunity for both you and the person hosting your wedding,
but there is still a lot to consider.

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