Planning an Outdoor Wedding

Written By Sally Johns

tips for an outdoor wedding

How to Have a Magical Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Imagine exchanging your vows surrounded by lush nature, the sun shining down on you and your guests, and a light breeze blowing through the air. It’s easy to see why outdoor weddings are becoming increasingly popular. With so many outdoor venues to choose from, you can create the perfect atmosphere for your special day and hear birds tweeting while you exchange your vows. But how easy is it to have an outdoor ceremony? With careful planning, you can create a truly memorable experience that your guests won’t soon forget. From selecting the right venue to incorporating meaningful decorations, there are lots of ways to make your outdoor wedding ceremony a magical one. Keep reading to learn more about how to incorporate the outdoors into your wedding day.

Benefits of Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies

Outdoor wedding ceremonies offer a unique experience that traditional indoor ceremonies can’t match. For one, you’ll have more freedom to create the perfect atmosphere for your special day, no boring hymns, no dark and cold churches. Instead, you can be surrounded by lush greens and colourful unpicked flowers. You can enjoy the natural light maybe at dawn or dusk and breathe in the fresh air.

Outdoor weddings tend to be more cost-effective than indoor weddings, as you won’t have to rent a large venue, pay the church those made-up music licensing fees or have a minister tell your videographer / photographer that they can only stand at the back for the whole service! (Can you tell I'm a little biased? I should say that most churches and their people are lovely and welcoming, but I've had a few bad experiences that sadly stick to the front of my mind).

Planning an outdoor wedding

The first step in planning a magical outdoor wedding ceremony is selecting the right venue. You’ll want to find a venue that fits your vision and accommodates all of your guests and their needs. Is accessibility an issue for some? Is it well lit? Will there be enough parking?

Consider looking for a venue that has plenty of space and offers a variety of settings for all weather conditions. You’ll also want to make sure that the venue has the necessary amenities, such as toilets and power.

Celebrant or Friend or Family Member?

If you're looking for an alternative wedding ceremony, have you considered having a friend or family member as your celebrant? I've seen it done many times and it's always such a beautiful and personal touch. There's something special about having someone you love take the lead and share your story with your guests that makes the whole experience so much more meaningful. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want their loved ones doing a lot of the talking on their big day? So, if you're looking to make your wedding ceremony truly unique, consider this alternative option.

Handfasting and using Coloured Sand in your wedding ceremony

If you're looking to add a unique touch to your wedding, why not consider a handfasting ceremony? This non-traditional Pagan ritual is a beautiful way to symbolize the binding of two souls in love. Imagine exchanging vows in an intimate outdoor ceremony as you and your partner have your hands tightly bound together with a ribbon or cord. It's a perfect way to honour your commitment to each other in a way that's both meaningful and unconventional. With handfasting at weddings, you can quite literally tie the knot and create memories that will last a lifetime.

You could also consider pouring layers of coloured sand into a glass bottle. You, your partner and any children you may have or from previous relationships, can all pour layers of different coloured sand into a glass bottle to symbolise the different personalities and the coming together of your new household. Not only is it a beautiful and symbolic addition to your special day, but it also creates a tangible keepsake that you can cherish forever. Imagine watching the sand layers settle, representing the merging of two lives into one, imagine how it can unite blended families. It's a perfect way to add a personal touch to your wedding celebration and create a unique memento that you will treasure for years to come.

Incorporating Meaningful Decorations

Once you’ve settled on the perfect venue and incorporated some unique elements, it’s time to start thinking about decorations. You want to make sure that the decorations you choose reflect your vision for the day. When it comes to outdoor wedding ceremonies, there are lots of ways to add meaningful decorations. Consider incorporating elements like floral arrangements, lanterns, and string lights to add a romantic touch. You can also opt for more personal touches, such as handmade signs or flags. You can also think outside the box and incorporate special elements like a bridge or an archway. Incorporating personal touches, such as photos of you and your partner or a meaningful poem.

Preparing for the weather

When it comes to an outdoor wedding, you’ll need to make sure that you’re prepared for any weather conditions. Make sure that you have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat. You’ll also want to make sure that you have some shelter options, such as tents or umbrellas, in case of inclement weather. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that you have enough fans, heaters or blankets to keep your guests comfortable.

Tips for Choosing the Right Vendors

When it comes to planning your outdoor wedding, you’ll want to make sure that you’re working with the right vendors. You’ll want to make sure that you’re working with vendors who are experienced in outdoor weddings and understand your vision. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re working with vendors who are willing to accommodate any special requests you might have.

Ideas for Outdoor Wedding Entertainment

Once you’ve taken care of the basics, it’s time to start thinking about entertainment. You’ll want to make sure that you have entertainment options that will keep your guests entertained throughout the ceremony. Consider incorporating elements like live music or a photo booth to keep your guests entertained. Additionally, you can opt for more interactive entertainment choices, such as lawn games or a dance floor.

Tips for Creating a Stress-Free Outdoor Ceremony

When it comes to planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, it’s important to make sure that you’re taking steps to reduce stress. Make sure that you have a detailed plan of the day’s events and that you’re delegating tasks to trusted friends and family. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re giving yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare for the day. Finally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re taking some time for yourself and your partner to relax and enjoy the day.

Capture your outdoor ceremony with an experienced wedding videographer

Having a wedding video allows you to share your day with family and friends who were not able to attend. It’s also a great way to preserve and lock in those memories of the day and look back on them in the future. Imagine watching it back on your 1st and 10-year anniversaries.

When looking for a wedding videographer, it’s important to do your research. You should look at online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family. You should also meet (or virtually meet) with the videographer before booking them to make sure they are the right fit for you.

The Elopement Experience at Hayne

A Venue Like No Other

If you're planning your dream wedding, why not consider an outdoor wedding venue? With its stunning natural beauty and charming rural setting, Devon is the perfect location for an outdoor wedding ceremony. And if you're looking for something truly unique, there are plenty of venues that offer something special. One such venue (Hayne) grows their own flowers and even plays music during the reception drinks! Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by vibrant blooms and then celebrating with your loved ones to the sound of live music - it's pure magic. So if you're searching for a Devon outdoor wedding venue that's both beautiful and unforgettable, Hayne could be just what you're looking for.

Hayne is more than just a venue - it's a destination. Nestled in the foothills of Devon, this 400-year-old farmhouse and barn is the epitome of rustic charm and elegance. With its enchanting gardens and breathtaking views, Hayne provides the perfect setting for a magical elopement and an outdoor wedding ceremony that none of your guests will forget.

So, should you have an outdoor wedding ceremony?

Creating a magical outdoor wedding ceremony doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a truly memorable experience that your guests won’t soon forget. From selecting the right venue to incorporating meaningful decorations, there are lots of ways to make your outdoor wedding ceremony a magical one. With these tips, you can have the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony that you’ve always dreamed of. But make sure you also have the perfect and experienced wedding videographer on your team to capture and lock in those memories forever!

If you’re looking for a wedding videographer in Devon, then get in touch to check my availability to capture your wedding. I have the passion, creativity and expertise to create a beautiful wedding film that you will cherish for a lifetime.

why choose me?

Please get in touch so we can discuss how I can capture all the bits you miss and create an emotive, everlasting memory of your most special day.

Big love,

Sally - Capture Weddings

Sally Johns
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