Having your wedding at home can be a great way to create an intimate and personal atmosphere - you can secure any date you like, and have full control over the space and decor. However, it's not something to be entered into lightly as it may see you involved in more arrangements than a traditional venue.

Whether you’ve already decided, or still in the decision-making process, we've added the top things to think about.

Logistics

Do you plan to have all of your wedding at home? If so, think about the spaces available - it can be good to hold the ceremony & reception in separate locations to help the day flow and save you re-arranging furniture. The spaces you decide on will also determine the maximum size of your guest list!

Speaking of the ceremony, for your marriage to be legally binding your venue needs to have a marriage license. It's possible to apply for a temporary one, but there are no guarantees and it can take a while. A lot of couples choose to visit a registry office ahead of time to legally get married, and have a celebrant do a blessing at their at-home wedding.

Transport

If your ceremony is taking place elsewhere, like a church or registry office, think about how you’ll transport everyone back to your house, you could hire a bus or have everyone drive themselves. Be clear to guests in advance whether there'll be space to park, and if not, let them know about nearby parking or local taxi companies, as well as accommodation options nearby.

Weather

While an outdoor wedding in your parent's garden may seem perfect, with the unreliable British weather you should always have a backup plan. Hiring a marquee or tent allows guests to still enjoy the fresh air and atmosphere without getting wet, it'll also keep people warm if the evening gets a little chilly. Browse our top marquee & tent suppliers here.

Decor

Having a wedding at home gives you total freedom when it comes to decor, but you don't need to go overboard. Simple touches like flowers, fairy lights or lanterns can create a wonderful ambience and are easy to take down and store once the wedding is over. Check out some of our incredible florists on hand to help transform your home.

Food

When it comes to food there's lots to think about about - if it's a small enough wedding you might be able to cook, but typically you'll need to hire some caterers. They'll be able to let you know the options available, but if using a domestic kitchen, we recommend discussing with them any additional equipment they might need. If you're having canapés, you may also need to hire some staff to help serve. Have a browse of our caterers and staff available in your postcode.

Or, for a real conversation starter, a street food truck parked outside is a great option. Whether it's pizza, bbq, tacos or bao buns, we've got plenty of delicious trucks to give your wedding that edge.

Drink

If you plan to sell drinks to guests you'll need an alcohol license, so we recommend having an open bar - it's also more affordable as you can pre-pay for alcohol at prices you're comfortable with. Want something a bit more special? How about setting up a bar on site or a mobile bar? We've got plenty of exciting mixologists and bars you can pre-pay for who can make themed cocktails and serve drinks on your big day.

Photos

Hire a photographer to capture your day, your memories, and tell the story of your special day! Let them know in advance any meaningful areas of your home to ensure they capture the best spots that are special for you and your family. Browse our photographers and videographers here.

While it can be incredible to host indoor or outdoor weddings at home, they can be a huge undertaking to plan solo. Book a call in with one of our Event Experts and they can help source suppliers for you, keeping all your quotes and communications centrally in your dashboard. Just fill out a quick form and our team will get searching!