5 Top Tips for an Outdoor wedding in the UK

Apr 21

In the UK, its actually rather difficult to have an outdoor wedding. Wedding licenses are only given to venues (rather than people like in the US), and only then if there is a permanent roofed structure, a table, a glass of water on said table and tissues (very randomly British?!). If you are looking for an outdoor ceremony venue I would absolutely recommend THE MANOR HOUSE HOTEL in the Cotswolds which has an outdoor pagoda and THE PERGOLA AND HILL GARDEN (a very secret venue in London on Hampstead Heath which I cannot wait to photograph this summer).

Alternatively, if you have a reception space in mind, you could always do the legal ceremony elsewhere (a Registry Office etc), and then have a ceremony where you want, and create something that is meaningful to you both in a location you love and hire a celebrant instead to conduct the ceremony (just make sure they are familiar with the flow of a wedding ceremony as well as being great in front of a crowd).

The MUSIC

For those spaces that are registered for a wedding check what their sound system is like. Remember sound doesn’t travel so well outdoors as it does indoors. Some outdoor ceremony venues have invested heavily in a PA system (THE PAPER MILL Woodland Wedding venue). If not, have that conversation early and hire your own PA system or ask to hire from your DJ or Band earlier in the day.

2. RAIN

Stick to your guns! Often, in England, the weather is never awful all day…Find out when you have to make that decision whether to stay outdoors or bring your ceremony indoors. Some venues will ask you to do so the day before based on forecast. It may also depend on what is outside. If you have chairs that are wooden or metal this may allow for the rain to be light without having to bring the ceremony inside. Also just check if you do have to bring it indoors where it will be and what it will look like. Id say though, as much as you can, have the strength and confidence to stick to your guns and have an outdoor ceremony. Even if its cloudy, spitting with rain, or forecast rain later. Because this is what you envisioned and it will very likely not be so terrible that you cannot have an outdoor ceremony. One thing to suggest – if you do want to safeguard guests, choose BLACK umbrellas. Yes thats right, not white ones that can look cheap and dont look as good in photographs.

3. Shade is better than overhead sun

Your backdrop is crucial. As you have the freedom to choose exactly where to have your ceremony I would suggest making sure it is in shade! Neither of you want to be squinting at each other during your vows, or indeed having photographs taken of you looking like this.

OPTION a) Use a big tree which you can stand underneath (make sure you know where the shade will be at the time of day you will be getting married at).

OPTION b) Or use the shade of a building which itself is a great backdrop.

4. Dont have a view!

If you have a vision of the rolling hills of Tuscany, a South of France blue sea or English meadows make sure you the sun will likely be in front of you rather than behind you (this will mean you are likely squinting a bit) but also means your photographer will use the sunshine instead of using a flash to keep you both lit whilst also having the background captured.

5. Go BIG

You have an outdoor space and you should go for BIG rather than small on EVERYTHING! Flowers are always beautiful and can really enhance a space. Big urns, big sapling trees lining the aisle (like Kate Middleton), large candelabras with multiple candles. Lots and lots of fairy-lights everywhere (even in the daylight they will show up). Make sure you decorate the space behind where you will be standing (ie where the registrar or celebrant will be standing). Think of this as the theatre stage which needs to be dressed because this is what your guests will be looking at and also all photographs shooting down the aisle at you both at the end with have this as the backdrop. An arch of flowers, a wrought iron style arch decorated very simply with flowers. Big draping and white or coloured drapes. Chains of jasmine hanging down, big candles, candelabras, or strings of lights if its a twilight affair.