Picture your favourite outdoor space – now imagine saying “I do” right there. That’s the magic of an outdoor wedding: immersive, intimate and grounded in nature. With couples increasingly embracing natural beauty and an ethos of sustainability, al fresco nuptials are firmly on the rise – and it looks like they’re here to stay.
Seeing a huge surge in popularity during the pandemic, the movement has grown in momentum and creativity – particularly now that civil weddings and partnerships can legally take place anywhere within the grounds of a licensed venue.
Whether you wish to spend your whole day outdoors, utter your vows by the riverside before heading inside or simply step out for al fresco moments – from a drinks reception and garden games to golden hour photos and a starlit last dance – the region’s breathtaking scenery provides a host of picture-perfect backdrops – and to-die-for views.
Wedding planner and stylist Jess Baber of Tide the Knot Wedding Planning and Styling (tidetheknotwedding.com) shares her top tips for planning an outdoor celebration...
Alan Law
Location, location…and logistics
The location is one of the most important aspects of planning an outdoor wedding – but it’s about more than just the views. Of course, you’ll want to exchange vows in a setting that’s beautiful, atmospheric and full of meaning, but you must also think about the practicalities. Think about access, facilities and how your space will work on the day – including essentials like toilets and pathways.
If you’re hiring an outdoor venue or one with licensed ceremony spaces outside, these are often situated relatively close to the main building – within the grounds or gardens – and are generally designed with accessibility in mind. “Choose a venue where the spaces align with your theme, are accessible easily and big enough to accommodate your guest list,” says Jess of the first ports of call.
If you choose to go slightly more off the beaten track – such as a humanist ceremony on a secluded beach, in the heart of the woods or on a clifftop – it’s crucial to consider the logistics. Ensure that there’s parking and toilets nearby, along with a manageable walk to the site for all your guests.
Yeah Mike
Let the setting lead your style
One of the joys of an outdoor wedding is letting the landscape do the talking. “If you’re holding your wedding in a woodland setting, let the surroundings inspire your décor,” says Jess. “Your drinks reception may have rolling country hills as the backdrop – think about where to place your bar and seating so guests can make the most of the view. Or perhaps you’re hosting your day on a cliffside with panoramic views over the coastline – why not time your speeches for golden hour or ask your band to play an acoustic song for your first dance as the sun sets?”
Hang festoon lights from the trees, scatter lanterns along the water’s edge, host a drinks reception in the rose garden or present the wedding breakfast in the orchard.
Alan Law
Weatherproof your day
Don’t forget to consider the season and weather – and to plan for all eventualities. Are there shady spots if it’s hot? Sheltered areas if it rains or gets windy? Blankets and heat lamps if it’s cold?
Disturbances like insects and noise interference from a busy road in the vicinity can affect the experience, so make multiple site visits and speak with your venue and suppliers to cover every angle. “My biggest advice? Always have a wet weather plan – and one you’re excited about,” says Jess. “You may have to compromise a little on the backdrop or view, but having a well organised plan will create a more positive feeling around the weather if it takes a turn.”
Have a stash of umbrellas, wellies, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses and fans at the ready, and a contingency plan for relocating the drinks reception or wedding breakfast indoors or to a covered area. Portable fans or heat lamps are always a good option, which can be moved between spaces and venues.
Clare Kinchin
Eat, drink and celebrate outdoors
Whether you’re celebrating under canvas or entirely in the open air, utilise your setting creatively. This could entail scattering some soft furnishings and a drinks trolley under a tree, a mobile cocktail bar on the lawn, a barbecue on the beach or afternoon tea served from picnic benches in a park.
“For marquee weddings, make sure there's enough space inside to host a drinks reception, but still have your tables set up ready for your wedding breakfast,” says Jess. If you’re not planning a marquee wedding, you’ll still need to find a way to protect your food and drink from the sun, wind or insects. Discuss this with your caterer or venue, who will have experience and the necessary equipment to deal with these potential issues.
For DIY dining, weather-proof the produce and area – for example, sealed picnic hampers and blankets kept under an awning or canopy or opt for food trucks with the option of taking cover in an on-site tipi, pergola or pop-up shelter (many provide their own). Then throw in some outdoor activities and entertainment to suit your space, guest list and season – from lawn games, circus acts and animal encounters to a bouncy castle, string quartet, firepit and s’mores, or a silent disco under the stars.
Clare Kinchin
Stretch out the celebration
Outdoor weddings provide the perfect opportunity for extending the fun beyond the day itself. From surfing or paddleboarding to a riverside brunch or laidback garden party, make the most of the moment with a pre- or post-wedding soirée.
“Why not host a farewell event the day after your wedding?” suggests Jess. “It’s a wonderful way to wind down, soak it all in and spend more quality time with your guests, especially those who have travelled to be there. Think relaxed and informal: a lazy afternoon garden party, a barbecue with local food and drink or even a picnic with rugs and cushions on the lawn. No strict dress code – just good vibes, great company and a chance to continue the celebrations in a slower, more intimate way.”
Marquees can be especially useful for this. As they’re in place both before and after the wedding day, couples can use them to host multiple events as part of an extended weekend celebration – think welcome drinks and supper, a Sunday silent disco or a farewell buffet or high tea. “If you're hiring a marquee or venue space for multiple days, using it for a second event is a smart and memorable way to make the most of it,” says Jess. “It also gives you the chance to say proper goodbyes, share stories from the day before and enjoy those lingering wedding high moments with the people who matter most.”
Main image Clare Kinchin
