When my sister got married in 2016, I offered to help her find a venue. At that time, I had zero aspirations of owning a wedding venue - I didn't know anything about the process. We traversed all over Pittsburgh and the surrounding area looking at gorgeous spots for her to hold her wedding. However, it seemed so expensive!! After a long exhausting day, we went back to our parent's house and looked around - couldn't THIS be our venue?? There's a barn, space, and it has sentimental meaning. It's worth considering!
We looked at what it would take - cleaning up the barn, adding more parking, building a ceremony arch, renting tables, chairs, linens, lighting, and hiring some staff for the day to coordinate and handle service......then we sat with the price tag. And we sat with the WORK. It was heavy. We started to worry that we might not get a chance to ENJOY this wonderful day.
The next day, we had some more venue tours lined up - suddenly, they seemed WAY more affordable and the costs associated with them made way more sense. It also helped us realize which ones were more expensive than we wanted to consider - helped us know which ones we were paying for the real estate versus the service and the amenities. We realized that we were NOT backyard wedding people. We were NOT do-it-yourself to the extent of BUILDING a wedding venue. Building some centerpieces, sure, building a photobooth backdrop, yeah ok...building a wedding venue? absolutely not.
Ultimately, she chose a beautiful barn, with a ceremony site in the forest. The location and the landscape made total sense for her, and there were lots of other amenities that wouldn't have existed at our backyard venue...getting ready suites (what were we gonna do, get ready in our childhood bedrooms?), golf carts to get our family members around, and we didn't have to do any of the clean up!!
That venue (no longer operating, unfortunately) became my standard, and when I found New Park, with the gorgeous forest backdrop, it brought back all of those beautiful memories of her wedding.
We ran the numbers for us - let's look at what the numbers would be for YOU, if you were to build a wedding venue. We won't even consider building a venue to the same extent of New Park - we will just assume that you have a beautiful, meaningful piece of land that you want to hold your wedding at.
Sidenote, if building your own venue is what you REALLY want to do - if that's what's in your heart - go for it. We will cheer you on. I just want to make sure your eyes are OPEN to all it involves. The logistics of creating a full-scale wedding venue from scratch can often surprise couples with both the effort involved and the costs.
Building a Backyard Venue from Scratch: The Costs Add Up
When you opt for a backyard wedding, you’re essentially taking on the role of venue owner and event planner. This means sourcing and coordinating every single detail that a professional venue would normally provide. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay to create 3,000 square feet of event space in your backyard:
Tent Rentals
One 20x80 Tent, including setup/takedown (160-170 person capacity; or 100 person plus dance floor): $1050 (Rick's Rental)
Smaller catering tent, for staff to prep food: Approximately $400
Total Base Tent Cost: $1,450
But tents aren’t just poles and fabric. You’ll also need:
Tent Sides for Weather Protection: About $320
Edison String Lights: $1.31 per foot, roughly $400 for 3,000 sq. ft.
Draping for Elegance: Around $0.50 per square foot, adding up to $1,500.
Chandeliers: About $150
With these additions, tent-related costs can reach $3,820
Bathroom Facilities
Unless your home has enough restrooms for 100+ people (and you have a super strong septic system), you’ll definitely want to get a restroom trailer. Renting one for the weekend typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500.
Tables, Chairs, and Dance Floor
Chairs: $1.50–$6 each. For 100 guests, that’s $150–$600.
Tables: About $8–$15 per table, averaging $150 for a medium-sized wedding.
Dance Floor: $300–$2,000, depending on size and material.
Wedding Coordinator
Coordinating all these moving parts is no small feat. You will absolutely need a wedding coordinator - otherwise you're going to spend your entire day directing people, with no time to get your hair done, hang out with friends and family, DANCE, etc. A professional wedding coordinator will typically cost between $1,200 and $5,000, depending on their level of involvement.
Amenities
Golf carts rent for about $300-600. Ceremony arches rent for $200-600.
The Total Cost of a DIY Backyard Venue
For 3,000 square feet of event space, the price range for a backyard wedding (including the essentials above) can land between $5,000 and $10,000—and that doesn’t include extras like catering rentals, sound systems, and flowers.
Why New Park Is Easier (and Even More Magical!) Than a Backyard Wedding
When you choose New Park for your wedding, you’re stepping into a place intentionally designed to make your big day unforgettable. Unlike a backyard wedding—where you’re responsible for creating an event space from scratch—New Park offers everything you need for a seamless, stunning celebration. Here’s why hosting your wedding at New Park is the ultimate choice for ease, beauty, and even budget-friendliness.
1. Everything You Need Is Already Here
At New Park, you won’t have to worry about renting tables, chairs, lighting, draping, chandelier or even a dance floor—they’re already part of our space. Not to mention bathroom trailer, golf cart, champagne wall and ceremony arches (multiple choices). That’s thousands of dollars and countless hours of coordination saved. Plus, our venue is expertly designed to look breathtaking without the need for over-the-top décor, letting you focus on personal touches rather than starting from scratch.
2. Expert Coordination and Vendor Support
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but at New Park, you’re not on your own. Our experienced coordinators, like Sara, Amy, and Rebecca, are here to guide you every step of the way. From recommending trusted vendors to helping you develop the best possible layout, we take the guesswork out of the process. This means no logistical headaches on your wedding day—just effortless enjoyment.
3. Built-In Comfort and Convenience
Unlike a backyard, New Park offers all the facilities your guests need, including on-site restrooms, spacious parking, and cozy overnight accommodations. Forget about renting restroom trailers or worrying about guest parking; we’ve thought of it all. Our charming accommodations also give your wedding a summer camp vibe, making the celebration feel like a getaway for everyone.
4. Stunning Ambiance with No Extra Effort
New Park’s serene Finger Lakes setting provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding. With rustic yet refined architecture and natural beauty in every direction, the space feels magical as is. No need to spend extra time or money on extensive decorations—New Park is ready to shine for your big day.
5. Stress-Free, All-Inclusive Experience
The biggest gift New Park offers? Peace of mind. We’re ready for anything—rain, last-minute changes, or other unexpected challenges. While backyard weddings can require extensive planning and preparation, New Park is built for weddings, meaning we’re already prepared for anything your day might bring. You get to relax and soak in every moment while we handle the details.
The Big Question: Build It or Walk Into It?
At the end of the day, you’re going to need a venue for your wedding. The question is: do you want to construct one piece by piece in your backyard, or step into a place like New Park that’s specifically designed for weddings?
Choosing New Park means choosing ease, elegance, and an unforgettable experience. From breathtaking surroundings to expert support, every aspect of your day is taken care of so you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating with the people you love.
New Park Is More Than a Venue—It’s a Celebration Space Designed Just for You
At New Park, you’re not just getting a location—you’re getting a thoughtfully designed space, a team of passionate professionals, and a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime. When you walk into New Park, everything is ready and waiting for your dream day.
So why stress over tents and restrooms when New Park offers everything you need and more? Let’s make your wedding day magical, effortless, and uniquely yours.
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