There’s something quite magical about the idea of getting married outdoors, especially if it’s in your favourite spot with the beauty of nature as your backdrop.
Of course this then brings in an element of risk, as you can’t predict or control the weather. But as long as you put some precautions in place, an outdoor location can be a truly unforgettable place to tie the knot.
1: Natural Beauty as Your Backdrop
One of the main reasons couples choose to get married or renew their vows in the great outdoors is because they’re nature lovers. A stately home or grand church is one thing, but a forest twinkling with fairy lights or a dramatic mountaintop with panoramic views is quite another.
For many couples, the location has some special meaning. It may be where they met or first went on holiday together, or perhaps even where they got engaged.
The natural world offers such an incredible variety of breathtaking landscapes, from sun soaked beaches to flower-filled gardens. All you need to do is choose a location that fits your idea of a dream wedding, and choose the right season.
2: Extra Space and Flexibility
You don’t need to worry about venue capacity if you’re getting married outdoors. All you really need is enough chairs and tables.
This means you can invite who you like, without limiting numbers (and potentially upsetting family members).
You’ll also have complete flexibility when it comes to the layout, with the option for more creative setups. Think floral arches, garden seating areas, huge pop-up marques, tipis, campfires or anything else you’d like. As long as the landowner allows it, the possibilities are endless.
3: Relaxed Atmosphere for Guests
Outdoor weddings naturally feel less formal, particularly as they’re often daytime events held in spring or summer. Guests can mingle freely, children can play and everyone feels at ease.
Even planning what to wear to an outdoor wedding is easier, as it often means a more relaxed dress code where grooms switch black tie for a lighter spring wedding suit and guests opt for smart-casual looks.
4: Styling and Decoration Ideas
You can have so much fun with styling and decoration when getting married in an outdoor setting. Pick the right location and you won’t need much decor, as nature will do most of the work.
Still, there’s lots of inspiration out there on how to decorate an outdoor wedding. You can incorporate ideas such as seasonal flowers and floral arches, fairy lights, nature-inspired table arrangements and rustic seating.
Before you start shopping, whether it’s for decor, furniture or suits for the wedding party, it’s a good idea to set a theme. This may be rustic or boho, festival or luxury, but having an overall theme makes it easier to make decisions and choose decorations.
Lighting for Outdoor Celebrations
The best part of the day with an outdoor wedding is twilight. When the sun starts to set, you can create a really beautiful, cosy and intimate atmosphere with the right lighting. There are lots of ways to create the right mood (and make your photos look amazing), such as:
- Fairy lights, including curtain lights to create a dramatic backdrop for photos
- Festoon lighting
- Lanterns on tables or along pathways
- Candles (real or otherwise) for tables
- Up lighting for trees
- 3D illuminated displays and sculptures
Whatever lighting you choose, aim for a warm, cosy glow. This means bulbs in warm white, rather than cool white bulbs which can give off a colder, bluer light, which isn’t likely to be the atmosphere you’re going for.
Floral Designs for Outdoor Venues
The right flowers can enhance the natural beauty of your surroundings. Use what’s already around you as inspiration, looking at the colours of the landscape and what’s growing nearby. You’ll need to visit the site at the same time of year as you’ll be getting married, so you can plan ahead.
Once you’ve got some ideas, you can plan out gorgeous floral arrangements for table decorations, boutonnières and of course, the bride’s bouquet.
A floral arch to get married under is another popular choice. It creates a focal point for the ceremony and looks amazing in photographs, as well as framing the happy couple perfectly as they say their vows.
5: Stunning Outdoor Photography
A final reason to get married outdoors is how utterly stunning your wedding photos will be. The natural light is very flattering, as well as helping your photos feel vibrant and romantic.
You’ll need to book a photographer with experience in outdoor weddings, as they’ll need to know how to work with and enhance the natural light available.
It’s also important to plan photo shoots and opportunities at the right time of day. This means timing your ceremony and the schedule for the day to make the very best of the natural light.
For example, you’ll want to take the bulk of your posed (rather than candid) photos during the
golden hour just before sunset. This is when the light is warm, soft and reddish-toned, when romantic portraits of the newly married couple at this time of day look particularly magical.
