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The Whole Works
By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
More and more couples in the UK (and beyond!) are choosing to hold their wedding outdoors; in gardens, up mountains, in fields and within woodlands. And why not? With beautiful diverse scenery and settings, there are so many beautiful spots where couples would like to commit to one another.
In this article, I am not only going to share practical considerations and budget-friendly outside tips! But also some really dreamy and beautiful outdoor wedding ideas to inspire your nuptials.
Photo: Finn and the Fox Photography via Wilderness Wedding Ideas
Arguably trees are one of the highlights of an outdoor wedding. So how about carefully enhancing them with tree-friendly decor such as flowing fabric?
Photo: Megan Duffield via Meadows Norfolk Wedding Fabric: @miasylviaa
Create a visual, and delicious feast fit for every guest. Be sure to serve quickly to protect edibles from the elements.
Photo: The Enlight Project via Autumn Boho Wedding Ideas Grazing Table: The Graze Girls
Choose eco-friendly confetti and have your moment in the great outdoors.
Photo: Paige Mary Photography via Italian Wedding Ideas
Twinkling lights not only look beautiful but are practical as the sun sets.
Photo: Two Pair Photography via Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Wedding Design & Decor: The Vintage Laundry
If you just can’t be sure about the weather conditions, a tent wedding may be for you. Consider a marquee, tipi, yurt or stretch tent. Many of which can have the sides lifted for an indoor/outdoor feel or can have clear roofs.
Photo: Sara Ribera via Boho Tipi Wedding Ideas Venue: Tipis at Riley Green
Ensure everyone is toasty with cute blanket favours that can be kept after the wedding too.
Photo: Alex Tenters Photography via Farm Wedding
Take your wedding cake and cake cutting al fresco. Be careful if it’s too hot mind due to ensure the cake doesn’t melt!
Photo: Brad Gommon Photography via Endeavour Woodland Weddings Cake: The Cake Lab UK
If you can’t host everything outdoors, bring a chill out seating area to your garden space.
Photo: With Love Rose Photography via Boho Fairytale Wedding Props & Vintage Furniture Hire: Hint of Vintage Hire
Set up a DIY bar with wooden barrels and a piece of wood. Put together drinks and glasses before allowing guests to help themselves.
Photo: EKR Pictures via Sustainable Wedding Ideas Planning Styling & Props: Willow and Rust Weddings
Elements such as your guest book can be brought outside to encourage guests to roam the grounds.
Photo: Natalia Case Photography via Frickley Lake Wedding
Sit your wedding tables beneath trees for natural and beautiful decor (and shelter).
Photo: Laura Williams Weddings via Gaddesden Estate Wedding Ideas Planning & Styling: Big Green Space
Create a cute kids zone with a sweet bell tent!
When it comes to outfits for outdoor weddings, shorter hems and practical footwear is always a winner.
Photo: Mollie McAusland Photography via Yurt Village Wedding
Seat guests cheaply with farm-inspired hay bales.
Photo: Maddie Farris Photography via Yorkshire Village Hall Wedding
Don’t forget the brollies! Have options for all weathers such as sunglasses, suncream and fans for hot weather. As well as blankets, umbrellas and wellies for colder days.
Photo: Charlotte Razzell Photography via Colourful Relaxed Tipi Wedding
A simple yet cost-effective decor idea is to upcycle and old wooden pallet into a confetti stand.
Photo: Brad Gommon Photography via Endeavour Woodland Weddings Stationery & Styling: Pink Peony Weddings
For a decadent treat, paint a dresser and display dessert outside.
Photo: Nicola Dawson Photography via Great Comp Garden Wedding Catering: Touchays Event Caterers
For the ultimate wedding entertainment, how about a fun fair area?
Photo: Thyme Lane Photography via Funfair Festival Wedding Ferris Wheel: Taylor’s Amusements Stamford
Create your own glamping village, or ask guests to bring their own tents to camp overnight.
Photo: Scott Carney Photography via Festival Yurt Wedding Ideas Bell Tents: North Sky Yurts
Yes, picnic benches can look totally fabulous with all the rustic vibes.
Photo: Bernadeta Kupiec via Dunbar Wedding Venue: Log Cabin Ravensheugh
For a great photo idea, pop your fizzy drink of choice in a secluded spot.
Photo: Rockrose Photography via Ashridge Great Barn Wedding
Dogs at weddings, as well as other animals, are perfect for outdoor nuptials.
Photo: Paige Mary Photography via Italian Wedding Ideas
Supersize your decor and props, seeing as the outdoors ensures plenty of space.
Photo: Rebecca Carpenter Photography via Boho Beach Elopement Props & Styling: Roka Bella Rose Weddings
Create a real backdrop to your ceremony with a striking hoop flower arch.
Photo: Emily Collett Photography via Blue Yellow Wedding Ideas Florist: The Lily Pad Florist
Locate a free old bath, give it a lick of paint and add ice to your drinks!
Photo: Georgia Rachael via Fishley Hall Wedding
Take inspiration from the season for your wedding tables with flowers and fruit.
Photo: Charly Mae Photography via Sustainable Woodland Wedding Florist: Vicki’s Floral Designs
Is it even an outdoor wedding without wedding games?
Photo: Scott Carney Photography via Festival Yurt Wedding Ideas Vintage Games: Smithy Events
Look to your surroundings for inspiration with your wedding colours.
Photo: Finn and the Fox Photography via Wilderness Wedding Ideas Concept Co-ordination & Styling: Feather and Fawn
Set up a tent for your morning prep to be close to the outdoor action.
Photo: Oydin + Mei via Praia Da Luz Wedding Bell Tent: The Canvas Tribe
If your wedding venue is blessed with a lake, head out for a row. They make for such romantic portraits.
Photo: Agrestal Visuals via Waterside Country Barn Wedding Concept Planning & Hairstylist: NLS Hair Stylist
Set up an epic outdoor photo booth with a campervan set-up.
Photo: Rebecca Carpenter Photography via Boho Beach Elopement VW Campervan: Vintage Camper Booths
Don’t be afraid to mix and match furniture for a cool style.
Photo: Lola Rose Photography via Hale Park Wedding Styling Concept & Planning: Raggy&Boo
Use tents or structures to shelter certain elements of your day from any sudden downpours.
Photo: Megan Duffield via Meadows Norfolk Wedding Tipi: Magical Events
Scrap chairs and replace them with cushions to get closer to nature.
Photo: Ellie Lou Photography via Beach Picnic Wedding Picnic Styling: Scarlett Rose Events
Use plants from home as decor and think of unconventional vessels!
Photo: Captured by Katrina via Cotswold Marquee Wedding
Use the gardens or your outdoor location for the most beautiful images with your photographer.
Photo: Sam Sparks Photo via White Skye Fields Wedding
Look for a venue with a veranda for an indoor/outdoor dining experience.
Photo: Jade Touron Photography via Staycation Wedding Ideas Venue: The Beacon House, Whitstable
Accentuate your outdoor ceremony with beautiful aisle decor.
Photo: Sara Ribera via Boho Tipi Wedding Ideas
Set up a statement photo backdrop outside for guests to take fun selfies.
Photo: Photography By Petrina via Moon Wedding Ideas Moon Arch: Boho and Bloom Prop Hire
Be inspired by nature and use meadow flower arrangements as decoration.
Photo: McKenna Rhyne Photography via Colourful Farm Wedding Floral Designer: Thistle and Twig
Instead of traditional wedding food, have a food truck for outside casual dining.
Photo: Rebecca Kerr Photography via Pizza Wedding Reception Catering: Fired Up Pizza Co.
If you have chosen a picturesque spot, don’t feel you have to add additional decor.
Photo: Charlie Britz Photography via Somerset Elopement Ideas
Transport your fave sofa into the woods for a luxe seating area.
Photo: Holly Smith via Rainbow Wedding Forest Furniture: Locate To Create
Hire a dessert card for ice cream or even candy-floss treats!
Photo: Maribel Farina Photography via Art Painting Wedding Ideas Cotton Candy: Jolly Sheep
Sparklers are not only a great photo opportunity but are great outdoor fun.
Photo: Amy Cutliffe Photography via Sage Green Wedding Ideas
It doesn’t get better than live music! If your budget doesn’t stretch, a free playlist can be just the ticket too.
Photo: Sarah Taylor Photo & Film via Van Life Wedding Ideas
Use sustainably sourced natural elements in your decor such as:
Photo: Eloise & Mitch via Park Wedding Ideas Rings: Eco Wood Rings
Head outside for your first dance and speeches!
Photo: Till Death Do We Adventure via 70s Elopement Ideas
Set up a fire pit for sing songs and smores!
Photo: Finn and the Fox Photography via Wilderness Wedding Ideas Concept Co-ordination & Styling: Feather and Fawn
Ensure your wedding finishes with a bang!
Photo: Grace Elizabeth via Weekend Glamping Wedding Fireworks: Vulcan Fireworks
Let’s look a little deeper into the practicalities of outdoor weddings, shall we?
Many venues are starting to register options to marry outdoors. Many locations are in gazebo-type structures in gardens and this can be a lovely option for a relaxed ceremony. Take a look at your local council’s website for local registered ceremony venues.
Sadly here in the UK (not including Scotland) you cannot legally marry anywhere you may wish. There are certain laws and regulations in place and you can only legally marry in registered venues or religious places of worship. There are some venues with outdoor arbours and structures though they are registered, so it’s worth searching around.
That being said a humanist, celebrant-led ceremony or blessing can still take place outside, where you can then make things official elsewhere on a different day.
My husband and I had a simple legal ceremony in a registry office in the UK, and then we headed to the woods to say our handwritten vows to one another beneath the canopy of trees.
In many countries globally, you can marry pretty much anywhere you like. Make sure you go through the legal process to make sure your wedding is legal and proper. But you can essentially marry wherever you set your heart, from the beach to a mountain top.
If you can’t have your ceremony outside, why not have your party there instead? It may be a little risky in terms of weather and organisation but it could be just wonderful. Find the person that owns the land, and ask them if you could hire it for the day. You could always put up a marquee or tipi too. Think through all of the supplies you may need if it’s a remote location.
Outdoor weddings don’t have to be expensive. Allow the surroundings to do the talking, have hearty food, great music and flowing drinks for all the fun vibes!
You can see the featured real outdoor weddings in the UK and beyond on WWW too for even more ideas and advice. I have featured many couples who made their outdoor wedding dreams a reality. I am holding out hope that here in the UK someday the laws will be relaxed a little so couples can marry in the beautiful outdoors.
And that's a wrap! All the gorgeous and fun outdoor wedding ideas you need for your budget wedding. Yay!
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