diff --git a/docs/docs/configuration/index.md b/docs/docs/configuration/index.md
index eacb8cb1f..26f089695 100644
--- a/docs/docs/configuration/index.md
+++ b/docs/docs/configuration/index.md
@@ -39,6 +39,8 @@ It is not recommended to copy this full configuration file. Only specify values
 
 ```yaml
 mqtt:
+  # Optional: Enable mqtt server (default: shown below)
+  enabled: True
   # Required: host name
   host: mqtt.server.com
   # Optional: port (default: shown below)
diff --git a/docs/docs/guides/getting_started.md b/docs/docs/guides/getting_started.md
index 5fe51cb00..57936fdcd 100644
--- a/docs/docs/guides/getting_started.md
+++ b/docs/docs/guides/getting_started.md
@@ -5,15 +5,22 @@ title: Creating a config file
 
 This guide walks through the steps to build a configuration file for Frigate. It assumes that you already have an environment setup as described in [Installation](/installation). You should also configure your cameras according to the [camera setup guide](/guides/camera_setup)
 
-### Step 1: Configure the MQTT server
+### Step 1: Configure the MQTT server (Optional)
 
-Frigate requires a functioning MQTT server. Start by adding the mqtt section at the top level in your config:
+Use of a functioning MQTT server is optional for frigate, but required for the home assistant integration. Start by adding the mqtt section at the top level in your config:
 
+If using mqtt:
 ```yaml
 mqtt:
   host: <ip of your mqtt server>
 ```
 
+If not using mqtt:
+```yaml
+mqtt:
+  enabled: False
+```
+
 If using the Mosquitto Addon in Home Assistant, a username and password is required. For example:
 
 ```yaml
diff --git a/docs/docs/installation.md b/docs/docs/installation.md
index 5fe8e59fd..7935f82f8 100644
--- a/docs/docs/installation.md
+++ b/docs/docs/installation.md
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ Frigate is a Docker container that can be run on any Docker host including as a
 
 ## Dependencies
 
-**MQTT broker** - Frigate requires an MQTT broker. If using Home Assistant, Frigate and Home Assistant must be connected to the same MQTT broker.
+**MQTT broker (optional)** - An MQTT broker is optional with Frigate, but is required for the Home Assistant integration. If using Home Assistant, Frigate and Home Assistant must be connected to the same MQTT broker.
 
 ## Preparing your hardware
 
diff --git a/frigate/config.py b/frigate/config.py
index e52a81d35..a2f7f3e63 100644
--- a/frigate/config.py
+++ b/frigate/config.py
@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ class UIConfig(FrigateBaseModel):
 
 
 class MqttConfig(FrigateBaseModel):
+    enabled: bool = Field(title="Enable MQTT Communication.", default=True)
     host: str = Field(title="MQTT Host")
     port: int = Field(default=1883, title="MQTT Port")
     topic_prefix: str = Field(default="frigate", title="MQTT Topic Prefix")