An insight in to outdoor weddings
If you’re newly engaged and looking to impress your wedding guests with a show-stopping wedding ceremony (followed by an unforgettable reception), consider making your vows outdoors. As of March 2022, the regulations for Outdoor Weddings were amended to allow licensed venues wishing to offer Outdoor Weddings, the ability to do so, without having to provide a covered structure. Outdoor weddings, in pre-approved premises, can take place between late March and late October each year, and as space will be greater, you may well be able to seat a larger guest list, compared to a ceremony inside.
According to the UK’s most popular wedding planning website, hitched.co.uk, just under a quarter (24%) of couples chose to get married outdoors, in 2021. During the same year, 22% of couples included eco-friendly, sustainable elements to their wedding – an emerging wedding trend!
If outdoor nuptials followed by champagne or cocktails and canapes on the lawn sound like your perfect way to commence married life – why not follow in the footsteps of celebrities who said ‘I do’ outdoors? Singer Jason Mraz said ‘I’m Yours’ to Lady Christina Carano in an unusual church-framed outdoor venue in rural Virginia back in 2015 and Oprah Winfrey’s favourite event planner, Colin Cowie, had the same idea and celebrated an outdoor wedding with a spectacular South African backdrop, in 2020. Director Guy Ritchie and swimmer Tom Daly both planned English Country Garden weddings outdoors, and actress Jennifer Aniston’s first wedding, to Brad Pitt, featured 50,000 flowers and a gospel choir of 40, on a Californian cliff-top, over two decades ago.
Top Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Tips:
As we all know, we can’t trust the weather in the UK, so we’ll always have a wet-weather back up plan for your outdoor wedding ceremony, and to ensure a brilliant day, here are Farnham Castle’s top 5 tips on making sure your outdoor wedding goes off without a hitch…
Select the Setting: You will treasure your wedding photographs forever, so choosing the ultimate backdrop for your ceremony is a must.
Dress your Ceremony: Style your aisle with fabulous, fragrant flowers, an aisle carpet, lanterns, candles, petals and pew end hand- tied posies. At Farnham Castle your florist will dress our Wedding Arch which provides a stunning frame for exchanging vows..
Live Music: Nothing beats music for creating an incredible atmosphere, and live music is always special. A string quartet, singer or harpist can all make a huge impact as your guests arrive and will ensure your bridal party make an unforgettable entrance.
Wedding Photography: Take time to choose your photographer, as the style of photography and their creative expertise must match your vision and capture your memorable moments; from your guests’ arrival to your vows, and that all important first kiss.
Drinks Reception: Make sure you celebrate – and toast your marriage with Champagne at every opportunity. For the ultimate indulgence, why not think about a Tipi, especially for your drinks reception, and as a contrast in style to a traditional marquee and somewhere special for you to meet and greet all your guests.
At Farnham Castle, we are excited to offer several beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony locations, all with incredible backdrops, spectacular views and the opportunity to start your ‘forever’ in one of the most romantic, historic and unique locations in Surrey. If you’d like to view our grounds for an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, please get in touch with our team of Wedding Specialists, who’d be delighted to book an appointment to show you our venue.