What are the 10 things to know about a private estate luxury wedding? If you’re thinking of hosting your wedding day at a private estate that you can rent for the best day ever, this blog is a must read!
For couples dreaming of an ultra-exclusive wedding experience, a private estate offers unparalleled elegance, privacy, and customization. However, selecting the right home for your wedding requires careful consideration to ensure a seamless and unforgettable event. As a luxury wedding planner specializing in high-end celebrations, I’ve curated a list of the top ten things to consider when choosing a private home for your wedding.
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- Guest Capacity & Logistics
Ensure the estate can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Consider not only the space for the ceremony and reception but also areas for guest flow, catering, and entertainment. Luxury weddings often have complex logistics, so ample space is key.
Keep in mind that wedding venues, especially in certain locations, were literally built to hold hundreds of people. These places are meant for weddings while private homes are meant for people to live in them.
Many times there will have to be changes made to an existing property to allow for a guest list that would be a typical count for a wedding venue. This could include anything from tenting a huge space to placing flooring over a pool…because while the pool is beautiful, in reality, it cuts into the space you need for people to sit and eat and dance and drink.
There is going to be a rental fee of some sort but be sure to keep room in your budget for any of the changes that will need to be made to the space to fit all of your friends and family members.
- Parking & Transportation
Many private homes have limited parking, which can be a logistical nightmare. Check for valet options, shuttle accessibility, and nearby parking facilities to accommodate guests and vendors.
The easiest way to get around this is to set up a hotel block where your guests will stay and keep their cars. A shuttle service can be used to bring guests to the private estate and back at the end of the evening.
Always ask the home owner what the restrictions are for parking on the street as many of your vendors will need to keep their trucks and vehicles there sometimes for the entire duration of the wedding day.
- On-Site Accommodations
If you’re hosting a weekend-long wedding experience, look for properties with luxury accommodations for you and your VIP guests. Estates with guest houses or nearby five-star resorts will enhance the experience for everyone.
Nothing makes the wedding day easier than having everyone in the wedding party getting ready on site. While not a deal breaker, if you’re between two properties but only one has enough rooms for your party, pick that one.
- Permits & Noise Restrictions
Luxury estates are often located in residential or protected areas, meaning noise ordinances and event restrictions may apply. Work with your wedding planner to secure the necessary permits and ensure compliance with local laws.
This is a big one and something that needs to be discussed before you sign a single contract. You will need to see, in writing, what time you can have music until and how loud it can be. There are even rules about setting up a tent in the backyard that no one will even see except those attending the wedding.
Basically, if a township or a city can make money off of your wedding, they are going to find a way to do this. Make sure you know all of the rules and are ready to pay for whatever permit you need before you finalize the location.
- Tented Backup Plan
Outdoor weddings require a solid backup plan. Ensure the property has enough space for a high-end tent that can accommodate your guests comfortably in case of inclement weather.
This isn’t negotiable. You may think “oh I don’t need a tent” but I am here to tell you that yes, you do.
You cannot predict the weather and even on the most picture perfect day, you’ll be happy that you have a tent to protect you and your guests from any of the elements.
While some wedding venues will have tents on site, when renting a private estate for your wedding, it’s important to work with a reputable company that has experience in that area. Be sure to schedule a site visit with a tent company allowing them to take all measurements necessary. Don’t forget to be in contact with any utility companies to make sure that those tent stakes aren’t going to hit small things like a water line.
- Vendor Access & Load-In Restrictions
Some estates have strict vendor policies or challenging access points. Make sure there is sufficient space for vendor load-in, catering setup, and large-scale floral installations without disrupting the property’s integrity.
Where is the caterer going to set up? This is probably the most crucial aspect of planning a private estate wedding. Many people think that these huge estates which all have monster luxury kitchens will suffice for a caterer.
But, in reality, only a caterer can tell you what is needed at the property. If you are renting a private estate that frequently hosts weddings, it is very important to ask which caterers they have used in the past as those vendors will know the space.
Picking your own caterer? Set up a site visit with the company so that they can tell you exactly what you will need….which may include additional tents and ovens. This way, when they give you a proposal, it will include all of the costs associated with those items and you won’t get hit with surprise costs at a later date.
- Luxury Restroom Facilities
Private homes often lack the restroom capacity needed for large-scale events. If additional restroom trailers are needed, ensure there is a discreet and convenient location to place them.
Speak with the companies about their water and electrical needs and ask them to do a site visit before signing a contract. Where will the trailer be brought in? Where does it get set up? Do you need anything extra under those trailers due to the ground it will be on? There is so much to consider and you won’t know about those details without a proper site visit.
- Power Supply & Lighting
High-end weddings require substantial power for lighting, entertainment, and catering. Check if the property has adequate electrical capabilities or if you’ll need to bring in generators.
Spoiler alert: you totally will need generators.
Catering will need a power source as will many of your vendors and this is something that people do not have to think about when hosting at a traditional wedding venue. With each vendor you book, ask for their electrical needs upfront and make sure you know how much is available to begin with.
- Catering Considerations
A luxury wedding requires a professional kitchen setup. Ensure the home has a large enough kitchen, or plan for a fully equipped catering tent to accommodate gourmet meal preparation.
Again, this is something you cannot decide without setting up a site visit to the private estate with the caterer. The menu you select will tell the caterer what their needs are…and whatever they need, that has to be provided.
When asking for a catering proposal, it’s important to ask for all of the necessary items to be included. This is another way to avoid those surprise costs closer to the wedding day.
- Privacy & Security
A private estate wedding should feel exclusive and intimate. Consider properties with gated access, ample security, and privacy from neighbors to maintain the luxurious ambiance you desire.
Of course a home in the middle of nowhere (i.e no neighbors) is ideal, but sometimes that isn’t possible. When renting a private estate for your wedding, speak with the home owner about the surrounding area and if there have been an issues in the past. If the estate has been rented fairly often, it’s safe to say that the neighbors won’t be a problem.
Final Thoughts
A private home can offer a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind backdrop for your wedding, but it requires meticulous planning to execute flawlessly. Working with a seasoned luxury wedding planner ensures every detail is managed to perfection. If you’re looking for expert guidance in selecting the perfect estate for your luxury wedding, let’s connect and create an unforgettable experience.
