Let’s be honest—there’s just something about being outside that feels extra special when you’re saying “I do.” Whether it’s a breeze that messes up your perfectly styled hair (but makes for great photos) or the way sunlight hits those string lights at golden hour… nature knows how to set the mood.
If you’re considering an outdoor wedding, you’re probably already picturing flower-strewn aisles, dreamy sunsets, and maybe a barefoot moment or two.
But let’s level it up a bit. Below are a bunch of ideas to take your open-air celebration from “cute garden party” to full-blown “whimsical fever dream—with excellent catering.”
Forest Fairytale
Wooded glades, towering trees, moss-covered rocks—it’s giving enchanted forest, and we love to see it. Think soft string lights draped from branches, wooden benches for guests, and a natural altar made of twigs and vines.
Use earth tones in your decor—sage green, soft beige, rich browns. Add touches like pressed flower programs, fern-lined aisles, and maybe a fog machine to really lean into that storybook look. Bonus points if someone brings a lute.
Boho Desert Dream
Got a thing for cactus vibes and burnt-orange sunsets? A desert wedding is effortlessly cool. Picture pampas grass, rust-colored linens, and golden-hour lighting that makes your skin look like you’ve been kissed by the sun and filtered by Instagram.
Choose a backdrop like a rocky cliffside or sandy dunes. Go for light, breezy outfits—linen, silk, anything that flows in the wind. Throw in a vintage caravan as your bar setup, and let your florals go wild with dried palms and muted pinks.
Coastal Chic
Beach weddings don’t have to mean seashells on every table (unless that’s your thing—no judgment). Think minimalist, breezy, and salt-kissed. Go barefoot in the sand or wear chic espadrilles.
Use driftwood and sea glass as natural decor. Your color palette? Think foggy blues, sandy taupes, and soft whites. And please—ditch the chairs for blankets and beach pillows for a laid-back ceremony setup.
Just have a wind plan. That ocean breeze is not always gentle.
Mountain Majesty
If your heart lives in the hills, a mountaintop wedding can be both grand and grounding. Find a venue that lets you say your vows with peaks in the background. Keep the decor simple—let the view do the heavy lifting.
Add wool blankets for guests, serve hot toddies at cocktail hour, and if it’s a chillier season, maybe a fire pit for s’mores. Hiking boots under your dress? Iconic.
Garden Glam
This one’s for folks who like the idea of nature but still want manicured lawns and structured hedges. Botanical gardens, greenhouses, even someone’s gorgeous backyard can all work.
Think florals everywhere—on the chairs, in your hair, around the cake. Use vintage tableware, antique furniture, and maybe some soft classical music floating on the breeze. It’s Pride and Prejudice-core, and we’re not mad about it.
Sunset Vineyard Vibes
Wine. Grapevines. Rolling hills. Need we say more? Vineyard weddings hit that sweet spot between elegant and relaxed. And the wine helps with the nerves.
Opt for long family-style tables with runners made of eucalyptus and candles. Use wine corks for place cards. Schedule the ceremony for just before sunset, so you’re glowing in every photo. Serve charcuterie. Be fabulous.
Meadow Romance
Big open fields, wildflowers, and bees minding their business. A meadow wedding is pure romance. It’s perfect for those who want that unbothered, barefoot, birds-chirping energy.
Keep decor light and natural—woven baskets for programs, handpicked bouquets, watercolor signage. A live folk band wouldn’t hurt either.
Urban Rooftop Affair
Who says nature has to be trees and dirt? If your soul leans city but you still want that open-air vibe, find a rooftop with skyline views and enough space for a dance floor.
Go modern with sleek lighting, metal accents, and lots of glass. Think cocktails with herbs from a rooftop garden and food truck catering. And yes, you can absolutely wear sequins.
Backyard Bash
Sometimes the best venue is right outside your door (or your grandma’s). A backyard wedding can be cozy, intimate, and full of personality.
Use string lights, mason jars, mismatched chairs, and your favorite playlist. Set up lawn games, make a bonfire, and let your dog be the ring bearer. It’s yours to make entirely your own.
Lakeside Serenity
A calm lake, a wooden dock, maybe a canoe for photo ops—lakeside weddings are serene and romantic with just a hint of camp nostalgia.
Float candles in the water, hang lanterns from trees, and set your ceremony up so your guests can watch the light dance on the water as you exchange vows.
If there’s a cabin involved, consider staying the night and roasting marshmallows in your wedding attire. Why not?
Farm-to-Table Feels
Think rustic barn, hanging string lights, and a long table covered in local produce and seasonal flowers. A farm venue gives you a cozy, earthy vibe and access to amazing ingredients—some farms even offer catering using their own harvest.
Use crates for centerpieces, linen runners, and herbs in terra cotta pots as favors. If you’re into that cozy, slow-living aesthetic, this one’s a perfect match.
Tropical Hideaway
For couples who want color, warmth, and a vacation-like vibe, think jungle-inspired. Lush palms, vibrant florals, fruity cocktails with umbrellas in them.
Whether it’s an actual island or just a backyard with banana leaves and steel drums, the key is relaxed glamour. Add lanterns in jewel tones and barefoot dancing under string lights.
Wildflower Hill
A rolling hill covered in wildflowers has all the whimsy with none of the fuss. It’s perfect for those wanting a more spontaneous, nature-connected vibe.
Use mismatched vintage rugs as an aisle runner. Let flower crowns happen. Use a vintage bicycle as a prop with a basket full of petals. Go barefoot. Say your vows with the wind in your hair and zero regrets.
Keep Your Outdoor Wedding Running Smoothly
Weather is the biggest wildcard, so think ahead. Have a plan B in case the skies open up—whether it’s a tent setup, indoor backup space, or a stack of clear umbrellas that look cute in photos. If it’s hot, provide fans or parasols. If it’s cold, consider having blankets or a fire feature to keep guests comfortable.
Sound can be tricky outdoors. Even the most heartfelt vows might get lost in the wind or drowned out by waves or nearby traffic. Investing in a microphone setup might not be glamorous, but it’ll make sure everyone actually hears what’s being said.
Lighting is another element that’s easy to overlook. If your event stretches into the evening, soft overhead lights, lanterns, or strategically placed candles will not only create ambiance but make sure people can actually find the dessert table once the sun sets.
And maybe most important—don’t stress about a little dirt on your dress or your hair getting windswept. Let the outdoors do its thing. Embrace the unpredictable, the wild, and the wonderful. It’s all part of the charm.