Weddings at Home: How to Create a Private Luxury Celebration

In partnership with renowned planner Rafanelli Events, Engel & Völkers explores how to transform private estates into unforgettable wedding venues filled with meaning, elegance, and personal touches. From design strategy to guest experience, discover how to craft a celebration as unique as the couple themselves.

A collaboration between Rafanelli Events and Engel & Völkers Americas

In a world where personalization is paramount, more couples are turning toward a deeply meaningful trend: hosting their wedding at home or on a private estate. Whether it’s the family property where childhood memories were made, a recently purchased dream home, or a cherished retreat with sweeping views, the rise of the at-home wedding represents more than just a setting — it’s a statement.

“When a celebration is set in a place rich with memory and meaning, it becomes more than just a beautiful event — it becomes a personal legacy,” says Bryan Rafanelli, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Rafanelli Events. Known for orchestrating weddings and celebrations for the White House, celebrities, and discerning clients around the world, Rafanelli understands the power of place.

Together with Engel & Völkers Americas we’re sharing our top tips for transforming your home into the ultimate private wedding venue.

1. Why Host at Home?

Weddings at home offer unmatched intimacy and flexibility. Unlike traditional venues, private estates allow couples to shape the day around their personal story. There’s no need to work around existing décor, house rules, or timelines — you set the tone, and the space becomes a reflection of your style.

“Designing a wedding at home means starting with emotion, not limitations,” Bryan explains. “It invites us to ask: what matters most to you, and how can we build an experience around that?”

2. Design Starts with the Property

Image courtesy of Corbin Gurkin

Before color palettes or floral concepts come into play, the landscape sets the foundation. Rafanelli Events begins every at-home project with a site walk to assess flow, logistics, and opportunity.

• Can guests move easily between the ceremony and the reception?

• Where will tenting or flooring be required?

• How can we highlight your home’s architecture or views?

“We never design over a space — we design with it,” Bryan notes. “That means honoring the property’s natural beauty and letting it guide the experience.”

3. Invest in Infrastructure

Private homes aren't built to function as event venues — yet. The right planning ensures they rise to the occasion. This includes:

• Temporary kitchens and catering prep zones

• Supplemental power and lighting

• Restroom trailers (beautiful ones do exist)

• Parking, valet services, and traffic flow

• Weather contingencies such as heating, cooling, and backup tenting

A skilled planning team navigates these seamlessly, allowing the couple and their families to focus on celebration, not logistics.

4. Partner with the Right Experts

An at-home celebration requires a village. From landscape designers to tent engineers, planners to security professionals — your event team should not only be experienced, but cohesive.

Rafanelli Events assembles custom teams for each estate wedding, tailored to the location, vision, and guest count. And with clients ranging from global brands to private families, the approach is always bespoke.

5. Tell Your Story Through the Details

A private wedding offers a rare chance to weave personal meaning into every layer of the experience.

• Display heirlooms or family photos in an entrance vignette

• Incorporate floral varieties that grow on the property

• Serve a signature cocktail inspired by a favorite travel memory

• Customize menus with local ingredients or family recipes

• Build in quiet moments—walks through a garden, private toasts, or surprises for guests

“The best events tell a story without ever having to say a word,” Bryan says. “It’s about feeling the essence of the couple everywhere you turn.”

Image courtesy of Liz Banfield

6. Prep the Property Like a Venue

Treat your home like a five-star venue — because for the weekend, it is. A few things to keep in mind:

• Schedule landscaping upgrades or touch-ups months in advance

• Ensure pathways and entryways are safe and well-lit

• Consider tent permits and insurance policies early

• Establish boundaries if parts of the home are private

• Plan for setup and breakdown timelines before and after the wedding day

7. Think About the Guest Experience

Comfort is key. High-end events should always prioritize the guest journey  —from first arrival to final farewell. At-home weddings allow for thoughtful touches that wouldn’t be possible at a commercial venue:

• Greet guests with refreshments on arrival

• Offer cozy lounge areas and shaded spaces

• Ensure signage and wayfinding is clear and elegant

• Include transportation support if parking is limited

8. From Home to Heirloom

Image courtesy of Allison Hammond Creative

A home wedding isn’t just a trend—it’s a timeless way to honor who you are and where you come from.

“A wedding at home is a celebration of your history, your future, and the people who matter most. It’s personal, powerful, and unforgettable,” Bryan reflects.

At Rafanelli Events and Engel & Völkers Americas, we understand the importance of home — not just as a place, but as a feeling. Together, we help bring that feeling to life in the most extraordinary ways.