We totally LOVE outdoor wedding ceremonies here at Unconventional Wedding. It’s the perfect personalised way to start your wedding day. So we’ve teamed up with one of our celebrant Unconventionals, Karen from Stand out Ceremonies, to bring you our top tips for rocking an outdoor wedding ceremony.
And the blog includes some STUNNING wedding ceremony inspiration from Pretty Vintage Hire & Sarita White Photography to help you get started with your planning.
how to rock an outdoor wedding ceremony
hire a wedding celebrant
Make your wedding ceremony as unique as you are by hiring a celebrant to work their magic with personalised vows
CONSIDER THE LOGISTICS
You can pick the most stunning location in the world, but it needs to be accessible.
PLAN FOR THE WEATHER
It’s essential to have in place a wet weather plan. Think ahead to save yourself a last-minute panic.
get creative with your styling
Make your outdoor wedding ceremony styling feel like 'you' with backdrops, personal touches and creative seating.
hire a celebrant for your outdoor wedding ceremony
One of the most popular ways for having an outdoor wedding ceremony is to hire a celebrant. They’re pros at creating unique and bespoke wedding ceremonies – meaning your vows, readings and rituals (if you choose to have these things) can be as unique as you!
The great thing about celebrants is that they are really flexible and can work their magic anywhere. This means you can have your outdoor wedding ceremony wherever you like! They’ll also be able to work closely with you to plan how to best use the space. A good celebrant will be full of ideas, too!
Depending on where you are reading this in the world, you will have different local laws on the legality of wedding ceremonies outdoors. We always recommend you check the requirements in your country prior to making your arrangements.
For everything you need to know about unique wedding ceremonies and finding the right wedding celebrant for you, check out: Our Ultimate Guide To Wedding Celebrants.
consider the logistics
Once you’ve selected your dream wedding ceremony location, you should consider the logistics of making it happen.
Accessibility
For example, how will your guests get there? Make sure you consider older guests or those with limited mobility. We LOVE the field at Mapperley Farm which was chosen for the photo pictured.
If you are having an evening ceremony, make sure there is lighting, such as festoon lights or fairy lights, to show the way!
Creating your ceremony space
How will you create your ceremony space? Will you use haybales, chairs, benches, or mismatch vintage furniture as shown? How will you get them there?
Make arrangements for power
You’re more than likely to have some music at your wedding ceremony. Will you need power for a keyboard player or singer, or, go acoustic with a guitar or harpist?
You may also need to consider providing a PA system if your celebrant isn’t bringing one with them. There is no point in having personalised wedding vows if no one can hear them!
What happens afterwards?
Also, consider what happens afterwards. Where do the chairs need moving to? Work with your wedding venue on this as they’ll know all the answers on what works best.
Plan for the weather
One thing is for sure you can never rely on the weather so it’s always good to make sure you’ve considered all the options in your wedding planning.
The most obvious is always make sure you have a wet weather plan. Is there an indoor area at the venue you can use if its pouring it down? Or can you hire a temporary, last minute, tent to provide cover? Can you provide umbrellas for light showers? Celebrants are usually flexible so if you need to move your ceremony back by 30 minutes to dodge a shower – do it!
However, it’s not just wet weather you think about. As Karen from Stand Out Ceremonies says:
“Even in beautiful weather, it’s a good idea to weigh down any paper or confetti. Those pesky summer breezes might take you by surprise… You don’t want your vows flying across the field! …. Think about shade for any musicians or guests that may not be comfortable in full sun.”
We love brightly coloured parasols to provide shade or a blanket baskets to keep guests warm if it’s a bit chilly.
You might also love: Making The Most Of A Rainy Wedding
Epic Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Ideas
There are so many awesome ways to style your outdoor wedding ceremony!
Get Creative With Seating!
In an open space, you can create a feeling of intimacy with clever use of seating. You can play with shapes like horseshoes or circles. You can even rent gorgeous wedding furniture to make it feel stylish, modern, homely… Or however you want it to feel!
Rock A Wedding Ceremony Backdrop
Own the space at the front of your wedding ceremony through use of a backdrop. As well as getting better wedding photos, this grounds you in the ceremony so you don’t feel lost/exposed. It also makes a gorgeous focal point!
You can now get loads of different styles including rustic arches or brightly coloured pom pom backdrops. Pick the one which matches your wedding style best. We’re loving the geometric backdrop featured in this shoot.
Create your wedding aisle
Have fun with creating your very own wedding aisle! You could use, rugs, flowers, candles, lanterns, or get a personalised aisle runner. The options are endless!
Work With Nature
Outdoor wedding ceremonies do not have to be rustic or boho! But, whatever your style, you can use your outdoor surroundings to your advantage. What better decoration than natural beauty? You can choose trees, waterfalls or views as your ceremony backdrop. Consider the time of year as well.
If you choose a beautiful location, styling can be purely complimentary! Start with what you’ve got and build from there.
You might also love: How To Rock Your Wedding Styling
The dream team behind this outdoor wedding ceremony inspiration
Concept, Planning, Props & Styling – Pretty Vintage Hire
Photography & Concept – Sarita White Photography
Venue – Mapperley Farm
Florist & Cape Concept – J Austin Designs
Celebrant – Stand Out Ceremonies
Models (real engaged couple) – Leon & Russell
Suits – The Wedding Boutique Ilkeston
MUA – Russ for Lifeofabeautygirl
Over on the blog - more unique wedding ideas
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Country Garden Wedding at Newstead Abbey
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