Weddings are one of the most special days of a person’s life, and nothing says “special” like an outdoor wedding. But before you can plan your dream day outdoors, you need to consider some key factors. In this article, we will highlight the best outdoor wedding venues for the perfect day. From relaxing gardens to stunning beaches, we have covered it all. So whether you want a traditional ceremony or something more unique, we have the perfect spot for you.
What to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Wedding Venue?
When planning an outdoor wedding, it’s important to think about everything from the weather to the types of decorations that will be necessary. Here are a few things to consider:
- Location: The first thing you’ll need to decide is where you’d like your wedding to take place. Do you have a particular spot in mind? Or do you have access to a variety of locations that could work?
- Temperature: Consider the weather forecast when deciding on an outdoor venue. Is it likely to be hot or cold? Will there be rain or snow in the forecast?
- Preference for Activities: Do you and your fiancé prefer activities like dancing or photo opportunities? Some venues are better suited for certain kinds of activities than others.
- Capacity and Amenities: Think about how many people you’re expecting and what kind of amenities, such as restrooms, food availability, and seating, are available at the venue.
The Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Each State
The best outdoor wedding venues in each state can vary depending on your location, but all offer stunning settings for your big day. Whether you want a picturesque park or an idyllic beachfront spot, these venues will have everything you need to make your wedding truly unforgettable.
- Blue Hills Park in Massachusetts: This charming park is perfect for summer weddings, as the lush greenery provides plenty of backdrop for photos. The park also has a lake and tennis courts making it easy to entertain guests while you soak up the sunshine.
- Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa: This historic cemetery offers breathtaking views of the city skyline from nearly any spot on the property. Plus, there are plenty of intimate spots available for small ceremonies and receptions, perfect for couples who want a low-key wedding without sacrificing any of the beauty of the setting.
- Battleship Cove in San Diego, California: This beautiful waterfront venue can accommodate weddings from small gatherings of friends to extravagant affairs with hundreds of guests in attendance. With dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters as backdrops, Battleship Cove is perfect for tying together classic romance details with a modern flair.
- Union Station in St Louis, Missouri: This iconic train station has been the backdrop to countless weddings over the years – from rustic nuptials to elaborate receptions fit for Hollywood A-listers! The grand space offers plenty of room to host a large ceremony or reception with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
- The Huntington Hartford, Connecticut: This picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site offers panoramic views of the Connecticut River from nearly any spot on the property. The gardens and pathways are perfect for intimate ceremonies while the expansive lawns make it easy to accommodate large celebrations with plenty of room to move and dance.
Which Types of Events Can Be Held Outdoors?
There are a variety of events that can be held outdoors, including weddings! Here are some of the best outdoor wedding venues for the perfect day:
Emerald Isle Resort and Club in North Myrtle Beach, SC is perfect for an outdoor wedding with its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The resort has a variety of options for ceremonies, including on the beach or in its lush gardens.
The Grand Canyon National Park offers stunning views and plenty of room to dance the night away at their weddings. The bride and groom can choose from a variety of ceremonies, such as civil or religious, both on land or in the awe-inspiring canyon amphitheater.
Wedding ceremonies at Walt Disney World Resort can feature magical moments like watching Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Ballroom come to life during your reception. You also have many different ceremony locations to choose from – from Epcot’s World Showcase to Disney’s Main Street USA – making it easy to find the perfect setting for your big day.
Tips for Planning an Outdoor Wedding
When planning your dream outdoor wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, choose the right location. There’s no better way to capture all the emotions of your day than by tying it into a stunning natural setting.
Consider also choosing an event date that’s not too hot or too cold – both can wreak havoc on flowers and foliage. And finally, be sure to factor in potential weather conditions. A forecast is always a good idea before making any decisions about wedding decor or attire!
Below are some tips for planning an outdoor wedding:
- Start by Scouting Out Potential Locations: The best places to have an outdoor wedding are often near water – lakes, rivers, oceans – or in nature preserves. If you’re not able to find a specific location that meets your needs, consider looking at regional parks or scenic routes.
- Make Sure the Area Is Properly Prepared for Weather Conditions: Check with local authorities to find out what precautions need to be taken before the big day. This includes things like clearing away fallen branches and trees, repairing any damage done by previous events, and setting up temporary weather-proofing measures like tents or tarps.
- Decide on Your Theme and Color Scheme: Whether you opt for a traditional outdoor ceremony followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at a nearby inn or something more modern with sleek table settings under shady trees, be sure to choose colors that will complement your location and theme.
- Choose Your Wedding Party and Flowers: Once you have a general idea of the type of event you’d like, start narrowing down your choices. Think about who will be in attendance (family, friends, etc.), what kind of flowers they enjoy, and what type of look you’d like to achieve.
- Get Creative with Decor: If you don’t have any trees or other available landscape features near your ceremony site, consider using props and ornaments or renting a pavilion or tent for the evening festivities. And if you do have trees, be sure to take advantage of their natural beauty by choosing versatile items like lanterns or rustic hanging banners.
How Much Does It Cost to Have an Outdoor Wedding?
Choosing the right outdoor wedding venue can be a daunting task. There are so many beautiful places to choose from, and each comes with its own set of costs. Here is a breakdown of the average cost of an outdoor wedding at some of the country’s most popular destinations:
The Grand Canyon National Park: The most famous and well-known National Park in the United States, The Grand Canyon offers stunning views for wedding couples looking for an idyllic location. The park charges $5,000 per event plus permits and fees which add up to an average cost of $50,000.
Yosemite National Park: Just 40 miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite NP boasts magnificent Tuolumne Meadows as its most famous feature for weddings. With an annual attendance of over 2 million visitors, Yosemite NP charges between $8,500 and $25,000 per event depending on the site availability and features required.
Yellowstone National Park: One of America’s oldest national parks and home to geysers and thundering rivers, Yellowstone offers beautiful settings for both small private ceremonies as well as large-scale weddings with up to 1,200 guests. The park charges $2,500 per event plus permit fees which brings the total average cost up to around $35,000.
Conclusion
When it comes to planning your dream outdoor wedding, there are a lot of factors to consider. From the size and shape of your venue to the climate and even the time of year, there is something for everyone. In this article, we have compiled some of the best outdoor wedding venues in America for you to explore. So whether you are looking for an intimate ceremony under the stars or a grandiose celebration with all your family and friends gathered around, we have got you covered.