Can you have a wedding in your Modesto backyard? What police and alcohol enforcement say

Dominique Williams
·2 min read

Backyard weddings are a great way to save money on what could be one of the most expensive days of your life, but are they allowed in Modesto?

Yes, according to the Modesto Police Department, but there are some courtesies and requirements.

Before you plan a wedding in your backyard, here’s what you should know, including permit and sound laws:

Rules for backyard weddings in Modesto

The Modesto Police Department doesn’t issue sound permits for residential areas, said spokesperson Sharon Bear, but they do tell residents to inform their neighbors if they are having an event in their backyard.

The city’s sound ordinance prohibits loud music before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m., Bear said. Homeowners could be issued a citation if they are in violation.

As long as guests are parked legally, Bear said there are no restrictions on how many parking spaces they use on residential streets.

Permits are not required to host a backyard wedding, but it is possible to apply for a street closure permit if wanted. It would then be required that applicants receive signatures from two thirds of all residents (and businesses if applicable) on the street.

Four barricades are required at each closure point, and are not provided by the police department. Barricades can not be set up before the time of the event and must be removed immediately when it ends.

Are alcohol permits required for backyard weddings?

Backyard weddings do not require alcohol permits if the alcohol is not being sold, said Bryce Avalos, a California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control spokesperson.

A permit is also not required if the event isn’t open to the public to attend, and if the house isn’t regularly maintained as a place where alcohol is served.

Only organizations, like nonprofits, are required to apply for daily use permits through ABC if alcohol is being sold.

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