Best Cities for DIY Outdoor Weddings Unveiled for 2026

Couples look to ditch expensive venues for parks, beaches, and backyards

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A new report from Lawn Love has identified the top U.S. cities for couples looking to host DIY outdoor weddings in 2026. The rankings considered factors like average yard sizes, access to parks and beaches, climate, and availability of wedding services. Santa Fe, New Mexico took the top spot, followed by several cities in Florida and California.

Why it matters

With the average wedding venue costing over $12,900, many couples are seeking more affordable and personalized options for their big day. DIY outdoor weddings can provide significant cost savings while allowing couples to customize their celebration in a natural setting.

The details

To rank the cities, Lawn Love analyzed 19 different metrics including average yard sizes, access to park space and beaches, climate, and availability of wedding services like caterers and bridal shops. They also looked at local interest for outdoor, beachfront, and backyard weddings based on Google search data.

  • The rankings were released on March 1, 2026 to mark National Wedding Planning Day.

The players

Lawn Love

A company that provides lawn care and landscaping services, and also publishes research on outdoor living trends.

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The takeaway

As couples look to save money and personalize their weddings, DIY outdoor celebrations in places like parks, beaches, and backyards are becoming an increasingly popular option. This report highlights the top cities that offer the right combination of space, services, and climate to make these types of weddings feasible.