Nothing captures the sense of romance and adventure like an outdoor wedding, with the sun on your backs as your vows are spoken. If you're going to get married in the UK's most beautiful county, why not make the most of it?
"A beautiful outdoor ceremony, set against the stunning backdrop of the wild Atlantic Ocean or on a hill in the rolling countryside, all while hearing the birdsong and feeling the breeze blow - it's stuff to make the heart melt!" says Tracy of Blue Fizz Events (bluefizzevents.co.uk). However, with that kind of radiance comes some risks, so here are the pros, cons and how to avert them, to ensure your day is an al fresco dream...
Blue Fizz Events (Freckle Photography)
The choice of location will almost certainly reflect who you are as people, as will how you decorate it. Keen for an early evening ceremony, complete with bonfire and hurricane lanterns? No problem. How about a woodland ring exchange, with soft light breaking through the trees?
The pictures will be stunning: a vista of natural beauty as the canvas. "A driftwood arch works perfectly at the beach, a garden flower arch for a quintessential country wedding, and a macrame arch for the boho couple," suggests Tracy, for how to best match your decor to your location.
"Make use of nature and what is around you," agrees wedding planner, Lester Gethings (lestergethings.com). "For instance, draping floral garlands around trees is so romantic. Or if you're getting married later in the day, try hanging lanterns from tree branches. It will look beautiful as the light changes."
In fact, if you don't want to do much decorating at all, let the location do the work for you! You're not constrained by space limitations (which is also great for letting kids charge around and wear themselves out!), or splashing out on decor. With settings as breathtaking as some of those around the south-west, you can save a bit of money, time and effort. Just arrange some chairs and leave the rest to nature!
Joshua Gooding Photography
We're also firm believers that nothing beats natural light. With photos, man-made bulbs give strong colour casts and can do funny things to skin tones, but natural light is strong, consistent and generally stunning! Whether it's dramatic grey clouds, that dreamy afternoon sun or the warm, soft light of golden hour, it makes the atmosphere extra special.
However, with extremes, this can swing the wrong way. Blazing sunshine can cast hard shadows on faces, and when inside 'the structure', the two of you will be lit very differently to the rest of the guests, which can make photographs difficult.
Audio is just as important. If you have a videographer, they'll hopefully have a wireless microphone to put on the groom, which can solve any issues with distance, but high winds will impact the sound quite heavily. Lester points out that guests aren't immune to noise issues either. "If bad enough, it could prevent your guests from hearing the ceremony. Even in good weather, the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean can be pretty loud! Consider a mic and speaker system to ensure everyone can hear you".
Sam Gilraine Photography
However, thanks to living in a country with unpredictable weather patterns, the biggest worry - by far - is the risk of rain. While the summer months might give you better odds, it's a very long way from a guarantee.
"Things like hay bales will be useless if it rains; once saturated, they're no use. And if the weather is uncertain, you may have to call it literally half an hour before the ceremony is due to take place," warns Tracy, suggesting couples have a back-up seating/location plan in case of wet weather. "Be prepared for a mid-wedding shower too. This can actually enhance the charm of the moment, but ensure there are brollies and blankets at the ready!"
And keep in mind that any weather extreme can cause a problem. High winds or sweltering, unrelenting sunshine can be a big issue for your guests. Lester suggests placing a bar or drinks table near the ceremony area, and making sure shady areas are available.
Jennifer Jane Photography
"Ushers can encourage people to take a glass before heading to their seats. And drinks such as lemon and mint water, iced tea or cloudy lemonade are perfect non-alcoholic options. Natural shady areas are best, but if not, you can provide parasols and pashminas to cover exposed shoulders. Your guests will thank you!"
Outdoor ceremonies also tend to bring uninvited guests: bugs. Bees, wasps and horseflies are all a buzzing nightmare, and even drinks like fruit juice and elderflower presse can see glasses quickly overrun with ants. Hay fever can be a nightmare for some guests, so be sure to have antihistamines on hand and natural bug repellents if needed.
It's worth pointing out the legalities of getting married outdoors. Whilst in some countries, such as the US and Australia, you can pitch up and get married pretty much wherever you like, things are a little more stringent in the UK. Legally binding ceremonies can only take place under a fixed, permanent structure that is fully licensed (turn to page 130 for a directory of the licensed venues in Cornwall). So in most cases, you'll be using an outside ceremony area that is part of a wider venue. But it's becoming more popular for those with a slightly 'off the beaten track' approach to have a legal ceremony at a registry office or licensed venue, then hire a celebrant to deliver a bespoke, highly personalised ceremony at your chosen location. Ensuring you choose the right venue is paramount; make your choice - be it beach, woods or countryside - and start searching from there.
Maxi Photography
In terms of guests, Lester offers some final advice to maximise their enjoyment of the day.
"An outdoor ceremony will bring a different mood to your wedding; being in the open air will encourage a really relaxed atmosphere. But make sure they are informed of location ahead of time, perhaps using your invitations to include suggestions on appropriate footwear or clothing. Comfortable guests are happy guests!"
Matt Sumii Photography
words Chris Wasey
main image Clare Kinchin
Copyright Wed magazine 2018
