outdoor wedding venue ideas

Outdoor weddings have always been popular, but in the past couple years, we've seen a dramatic increase in couples tying the knot outside. The best advantage of an outdoor wedding venue--besides the health and safety aspect, of course--is the backdrop that natural beauty provides. If the vision for your dream wedding includes fresh air, blooming florals, lush greenery, mountains, beaches, or even gorgeous cityscapes, you are in the right place.

When you're planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, you'll need to consider the time of year and the weather forecast. And you may want to secure an indoor space (AKA a rain plan) if you're getting married in colder climates or locations with unpredictable temperature shifts. Your vendor team can hopefully be on top of your needs; renting a tent can be good for outdoor weddings in both cold and hot situations to keep your guests comfortable.

There are so many outdoor wedding venue options to consider. While outdoor weddings offer beautiful surroundings and some ease on the decor portion of your wedding budget, they also sometimes come with limitations. If you're getting married in a warmer locale, you don't have the luxury of air conditioning in an outdoor venue. Some outdoor venues can accommodate a large guest list, but others come with noise restrictions or require that you hire more vendors for seating and other necessities. If a dance floor is important to you, that may come as an additional cost as well. Don't worry, there are budget friendly DIY ways to tackle your outdoor wedding.

What's your outdoor wedding style? Keep reading for a breakdown of the best outdoor wedding ideas to find what fits YOUR dream day vision.

Beaches are popular outdoor wedding settings and often what first comes to mind when you hear 'destination wedding'. Maybe you envision a romantic beach wedding ceremony, backed by sparkling waters or cotton candy sunsets. It's typical to have a wedding ceremony right on the sand and a wedding reception in a covered area, as coastal temperatures can be chilly at night. Look into beach resorts or clubs for the indoor and outdoor event experience.

Explore real beach weddings for more inspiration.

Many modern weddings take place on a rooftop, an excellent choice for an outdoor wedding. If you're up on the roof, you and your guests get gorgeous vistas and a breezy atmosphere. Consider a jazz band, champagne towers, and hip touches like neon signs and monochromatic color schemes. Your outdoor wedding is sleek and cool and full of fun surprises. Did someone say fireworks show?

Consider looking for a rooftop venue option with a lower site fee or that has furniture that can be moved up easily. Think about accommodations inside for things like a kitchen and restrooms (ehem, and a rain plan). Bonus if you have a friend with an available rooftop space to share!

Fancy something with a more classic vibe or old timey flare? Take your outdoor wedding to the vineyard. Picture a sprawling lawn on a private estate overlooking a vineyard. Perhaps a black tie affair with a traditional wedding ceremony and sit down dinner reception. Serve local food and wine, of course, and feature monogrammed decor and an antique car.

Explore real vineyard weddings for more inspiration.

Perhaps you picture your outdoor wedding in the vast flatlands of a desert. The desert is like an outdoor wedding canvas. Desert weddings can be rustic or bohemian and whimsical. Create your dream wedding in the desert with flowy dresses and linens and neutral, earthy tones. Host a more casual affair, and decorate with dreamcatchers, disco balls, and succulents.

Your outdoor wedding vision may include sky high trees and the serene sounds of the woods. Woodsy weddings give you that true taste of nature feel, powerful and ethereal. Your wedding in the woods is misty and dreamy, with long gowns and jewel tones. The acoustics at this type of outdoor wedding could be perfect for a harpist or a solo vocalist crooning amidst the trees. The woodsy outdoor wedding venue is sure to be fairytale vibes.

Explore real weddings in the woods for more inspiration.

A barn is a charming wedding venue that can serve as the focal point for your wedding theme and usually has an indoor/outdoor wedding venue feel. Think long picnic style tables and string lights, and serve family style fare, barbecue or TexMex. Dress fancy gowns with cowboy boots and bolo ties. Have an outdoor ceremony, and bring the reception into the barn, or exchange vows under the exposed beams.

Explore real barn weddings for more inspiration.

A garden is a delightful outdoor setting to host a boho theme wedding. Get married between two trees that form a natural arch, decorate with string lights, rattan furniture, and macrame tapestries, and wear lace wedding dress, linen suits and flower crowns. Provide parasols for guests. Your garden wedding venue will likely have lush greenery or florals, giving it that outdoor wedding no-frills vibe with delicate touches.

For a budget friendly garden wedding option, look for a venue with a courtyard or garden patio to host your cocktail hour.

Explore real garden weddings for more inspiration.

Whether it be your own backyard, a friend's, or a rental property, there's something about backyard weddings that gives you that family at home feeling your loved ones can all appreciate as they witness you exchange vows. You can host virtually any style of wedding in a backyard, depending on its size and layout. Throw a wedding reception with lawn games, and serve spiked iced tea and lemonade. Lay out citronella candles on outdoor tables amongst flowers and decor.

A backyard venue can be another budget friendly option for an outdoor wedding that creates a thoughtful touch for you and your guests. After all, the venue is one of the largest wedding budget items. For more on how to save on costs and still accomplish your dream outdoor wedding, we recommend you explore these wedding planning tools industry experts like Loverly have created just for you!