An outdoor wedding ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate. From stunning venues surrounded by nature, to personal touches that make it all your own, an outdoor wedding is unbeatable.
But planning an outdoor wedding venue requires some thought to make it stress free. Whether you’re thinking of a garden wedding, woodland wedding or an alfresco wedding in the Kent countryside, this guide will help you create your perfect day.
Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies – Top TipsVenue Selection
Your wedding venue sets the scene for your whole day, finding a venue that captures the natural beauty of the event. Consider these when choosing the perfect venue for your outdoor ceremony:
- Natural Landscape: A perfect backdrop such as rolling hills, a garden in Cheshire or a forest national park like New Forest National Park.
- Unique Places: Venues like Bath Botanical Gardens, Upthorpe Wood or a private estate offer amazing and versatile ceremony spaces for an intimate gathering.
- Eco-Friendly Wedding: Many woodland wedding venues and garden weddings are eco-friendly so perfect for an eco wedding, also making the perfect setting for a green escape.
Whether you’re having an intimate backyard wedding or a bigger celebration in a natural landscape make sure your venue has a green space for your guest list and activities.
Setting the Scene
Outdoor weddings love the natural surroundings. Use décor that complements rather than competes with the backdrop:
- Lighting: Fairy lights, lanterns and candles for evening celebrations. Citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay.
- Ceremony Space: Arches or floral arrangements to frame the natural landscape.
- Reception Area: Rustic or boho with wooden tables and chairs and greenery.
Weather Contingency
Weather is one of the biggest concerns for outdoor weddings:
- Rain: Have a backup plan, a tent or indoor space so your ceremony and reception can still go ahead.
- Heat: For summer weddings provide fans, parasols or shaded areas for your guests. Keep your wedding breakfast and other food items cool.
- Cold Evenings: Use outdoor heaters or blankets to keep your guests warm as the night goes on.
Prepare for the unexpected so you and your loved ones can relax and enjoy the day.
Making it Your Day
From the bride and bridesmaids, to the menu and activities, every detail should reflect your style:
- Attire: The bride and bridesmaids should consider the terrain when choosing shoes—wedges or flats for grassy areas. Lightweight dresses for warm weather and wraps or shawls for cooler.
- Catering: Outdoor events allow for creative catering options—food trucks, BBQs or picnic style. Make sure your catering is weather appropriate.
- Guest Experience: Entertain your guests with lawn games, photo opportunities in front of a gorgeous backdrop and refreshments like lemonade or cocktails during the reception.
Photography
Photography is key to capturing the memories of your wedding day. Work with a photographer who has shot outdoor weddings before and knows the ins and outs of natural light. Choose a venue with gardens, trees or unique architecture for a show stopping backdrop.
Practicalities
Outdoor wedding venues require some logistical thought:
- Restrooms: Rent portable toilets or luxury trailers from Portable Toilets Limited.
- Sound System: Open spaces can swallow sound. Rent microphones and speakers for the ceremony and speeches.
- Lighting: Make sure walkways and reception areas are lit for safety and ambiance after dark.
By sorting out these practicalities you’ll have a space for your loved ones to enjoy.
The beauty of an outdoor wedding venue is its flexibility. Make your mark on every detail from décor to activities.
For example:
- A backyard wedding with string lights and intimate seating.
- An alfresco wedding with picnic blankets and wildflower bouquets.
- A rustic woodland wedding in a beautiful forest national park.
These little extras will make your day truly special.
Enjoy the Day
On your wedding day focus on enjoying the moment with your loved ones. Here’s a few tips to help you relax:
- Pass tasks onto trusted friends or hire a day-of coordinator to manage the schedule.
- Take time to soak up the surroundings, whether it’s the gardens, hills or a cosy ceremony space.
- Party into the night with music, dancing and a relaxed vibe.
Summary
Outdoor weddings can be tricky but the reward is a wedding day surrounded by nature’s magic. Whether you choose a garden wedding in the Kent countryside, a woodland wedding at Upthorpe Wood or the stunning New Forest National Park, with the right planning an outdoor wedding can be an absolute dream.
Get the outdoor vibe, enjoy your loved ones and make memories to last a lifetime.