Intimate Outdoor Wedding Ideas

Tori

4 years ago

We loveee a backyard wedding here at UW. If you already have an awesome space, why not make the most of it? This intimate outdoor wedding is an awesome example, combining bohemian, vintage and modern elements to create an edgy yet elegant look. This shoot was planned and styled by our Unconventional Willow & Rust Weddings and features our awesome bridal wear supplier Ryley & Flynn. Enjoy!

Photos by Dani Louise Photography, written by Willow & Rust Weddings

How to create an intimate outdoor wedding

add personal touches

These are what makes your day special to you and memorable to your guests.

Go big with decor

If you have saved by hosting in a friend or relatives garden, then make it special by splashing out on decor and florals.

embrace black!

Don’t be afraid of using black. Simple accents used in both decor and attire can add real drama but won’t overpower the look.

featured members

a simple backyard wedding

There is a definite trend this year for backyard weddings, people feel safe in their own space and want to make the most of their homes and gardens. This beautiful privately owned space in the heart of Nottinghamshire is used by the family for parties, gatherings, and special occasions. It seemed like the perfect setting for an intimate outdoor wedding.

With 13 guests plus the bride and groom, I wanted to show how special, personal, and unique a smaller garden-style wedding can be. It’s easier with this kind of wedding to really focus on what’s important to you as a couple, whether that’s show-stopping décor, an extra special menu, the dress, or unique personal touches for you and your guests.

With both outdoor and indoor spaces, this venue was the perfect mix. A celebrant-led outdoor ceremony on the lake, drinks and dancing in the grounds, a cosy wedding breakfast for 15 inside the boathouse, cuddling up and toasting marshmallows around the fire pit. And let’s not forget those epic motorbike shots!

styling an intimate outdoor wedding

For this intimate outdoor wedding, I wanted a slightly different colour palette with some drama whilst still being feminine. We chose a base of soft grey, pale cream and blush pink with pops of deep dark red and black to add that slight feeling of theatre. The floral designers, Inspired Floristry and Lizzie Pippin, did a great job of bringing this together, finished with foliage in a mix of greens to bring in the natural outdoor feeling.

For the wedding décor, I wanted to create a vintage feel using antique and reclaimed props, but with a slightly unique and alternative feel. We added drama with touches of deep red and black in the ribbons, stationery and candles, while still keeping a soft and feminine feel with layered table linens and soft pink roses.

bridal wear for an intimate outdoor wedding

The wedding dress needed to be special and different, so I called on local designer Sam from Ryley & Flynn, and she didn’t disappoint. The lace top is delicate, feminine, and vintage with a full layered skirt and black overlay. The handmade hair accessories and matching buttonhole finished the look and fit perfectly with the brief, delicate soft pink with a dark center.