If you plan to say “I do” within the next year or two, you may choose to have your ceremony and reception outdoors due to COVID-19. Fortunately, outdoor weddingshave always been beautiful, so lean into it. You can use various aspects of your wedding, likefloral arrangements,the wedding cake, andwedding favors, to tap into the natural surroundings of your venue.
While outdoor weddingsare often seen as rustic and boho-styled, they can also bemodernand classic. Whether picturesque, green scenery was always in the plan, or if today’s circ*mstances have caused some major rethinking and replanning, we’ve rounded up the 40 best outdoor wedding ideas for inspiration. Time to embrace the great outdoors and create yourdream weddingamong the trees.
1. An outdoor lounge
To add alaidbackelement to yourwedding reception, provide various outdoor lounge areas forwedding gueststo socialize in. Instead of being stuck at their assigned tables, they’ll have these areas to enjoy each other while waiting for the bride and groom to arrive.
2. A floral aisle
Abeach weddingwill always make for amazingwedding photos, and so willwildfloweraisles like this beauty. Simple, elegant, and very fitting for a serene scene.
3. A mountainside wedding
A beautiful mountainside will take youroutdoorweddingceremonyto the next level. The onlywedding decorationsyou’ll need at the ceremony is the view.
4. A mobile prosecco bar
Since we can’t go in the bar, bring the bar out to us. As it can move wherever the party goes, this outdoor wine bar is an adorable way for your guests to self-serve. Leave a few glasses, add bigsignage, and let the party continue.
5. Blanketsfor an evening reception
Fall weddingsare gorgeous with their autumn tones andrusticwedding style. But anoutdoor weddingcan get especially chilly during that particular time of year. Make sure your guests are always warm and cozy by providing blankets. This addition doesn’t have to break the bank either. Grab a vintage wicker basket for arustictouch, aDIYsign to match, and voila!
6. Outdoor elementsin decor
Are you in Florida, known for oranges? Georgia, known for peaches? California and their poppy flowers? Use your local design elements and input them in youroutdoor wedding. This idea has a basket of oranges for guests to take as they please.
7. A rooftop reception
If you’re in a city and can’t plan yourwedding dayin naturalgreeneryor farmland, there’s no settling with a cityscape view from your favorite rooftop. There are tons ofrooftop venuesthat also hostwedding ceremonies— perfect for an outdoor city wedding.
8. Pampas grass aisle decor
If yourdream weddinghas abohotheme, this pampas grass decor is a must. The trend has taken thewedding decorationcircuit by storm for being easy yet bold. Use it on its own to line your aisle, or add it to yourcenterpiecesatreception tables. They work beautifully in multiple ways.
9. Floor seating for the kids’ table
Want to make sure the kids are enjoying themselves, too? Make the kids’ table a sitting table! They’ll love all of the pillows and thelaidbackfeel.
10. Floor seating for all
With these warm colors and wood tables, you can add this floor seating arrangement to your ‘RusticWedding Ideas’ board. Your reception will be beautiful, fun, and even more sociable if you and your group ofwedding guestscan pull this off.
11. A reception by the river
A reception by the river will look magical in the moonlight. If possible, add a few rows ofstring lightsinto the trees to add to thefairytalemood.
12. A woodsy ceremony
A true outdoorsy couple will love being surrounded by redwoods or pine trees on theirbig day. Book an outdoor weddingvenuein the woods if it’s your scene. Forfall weddings, you’ll get the vibrant yellow and orange leaves in addition to yourwedding colors — a truly beautiful sight.
13. Bistro lights for ambiance
Abackyard weddingwithout bistro lights just isn’t the same. Make sure to add thisdecoration ideato youroutdoor weddingto add to the ambiance once evening falls.
14. A courtyard co*cktail hour
Want your guests to make a pit stop before heading to the reception? This courtyard set is perfect for the lull in between the ceremony and hitting thedance floor.
15. Organic elements in tablescapes
Include the great outdoors in your decor with organic elements that come from it. Adding apples to centerpieces or nameplates is perfect for agarden partywedding — straight from the source.
16. An outdoor arch
The pampas grass returns with the beautiful archway! Adding an arch to your ceremony will bring all of the attention back to the happy couple rather than on all of the other outdoor elements. We don’t want anybody distracted by the great views.
17. A mediterranean reception
Rattan chairs, wickerchandeliers, and herbs and lemons ascenterpieces— it’s a mediterranean dream.
18. A reception with a view
Enjoy food and laughter while looking over a gorgeous view. Whether it’s a local favorite or a travel-worthy site, what better way to celebrate your love with the people you care about most?
19. A destination wedding
La Badia di Orvieto is perfect for a minimal yet classy destination wedding. But wherever you go, enjoy the scenery of where you are.
20. Sanitizing stations
While the pandemic is still underway, you’ll need sanitizing stations at your wedding, preferably in multiple places throughout the venue.
21. Mixed seating to add comfort
Why not try something unique with your ceremony seating? Your seats don’t have to be uniform, and the mixed seating will add a unique touch to the ceremony.
22. Outdoorchandeliers
Bring the elegance outdoors with gorgeouschandeliers. For this outdoor reception, chandeliersadd a modern style to what would have been a normalfarm wedding.
23. Drapery by the water
Whether the wedding is on a boat or on a pier, these flowy drapes next to water will be a gorgeous sight to see. Just imagine the wedding party in front of that view. Thefloral arrangementsadd to the delicate look of this beautiful setup.
24. A vineyard wedding
Love wine? Then avineyardis a perfect venue for your wedding. The scenery is breathtaking, and the wine served will come right from the source.
25. Double arches
A double rose arch that screams ‘spring wedding,’ this adorablefloral arrangementcan start at the arch and grow tocenterpiecesand bouquets.
26. Hanging flowers outside
These hangingfloral arrangementsadd even more elegance to your dreamywedding decor.
27. An outdoor mansion reception
If you can, renting a private estate like this Beverly Hills mansion will make for an incredibleoutdoor weddingvenue.
28. Raining lights
We lovestring lightsforwedding decor, but ‘raining’string lightswill add something special to yourwedding photos. Hang thestring lightsfrom a tree to get the ‘raining’ effect.
29. A canopy of twinkling lights
Speaking ofstring lights, they really can do it all. Creating a canopy effect with light will make youroutdoor weddinglook like you’re surrounded by twinkling stars at night.
30. A family tree
If you’re a romantic, displaying all of the familywedding photoson a ‘family tree’ is a great use of outdoor space. Make sure to gather and add your great grandparents, aunts and uncles, and older siblings’ photos.
31. A rug aisle
The ultimatebohodecor is adding mix-match rugs down the aisle. It’s a clever way to bring an aspect of the indoors to your wedding outside.
32. Non-alcoholic hydration stations
This hydration station was created using an old vanity — how smart. Make sure to provide non-alcoholic beverages so guests can hydrate and refresh, especially while in the heat during asummer wedding.
33. A small garden ceremony
If you’re following recommended precautions, you’re probably keeping your wedding party size very small. This intimate setting is perfect for a small group.
34. A desert wedding
Desert weddings always have a unique look to them. Places like Joshua Tree in California andPheonix, Arizonaare great desert city options.
35. An audience-facing aisle
If you’re planning smallernuptials, take a different angle on yourwedding ceremonyby having your audience face the aisle instead of looking straight ahead.
36. A clear tent
Clear tents are great foroutdoor weddings; this way, you can still see the nature around you while keeping warm and covered.
37. Hay baleseating
A classic staple for afarm wedding, or a cute addition for the bride that’s country at heart, this circlehay baleis an adorable way to add additional seating.
38. Drapes on a tree
With just a few drapes, afairytalewedding can happen. This simple yet elegant look can only have this whimsical effect outdoors.
39. Wedding doors outdoors
How do you make a grand entrance outdoors? Add actual doors between you and yourwedding ceremonyset up. These decorative doors can even be customized to ensure they fit yourwedding theme.
40. Unique outdoor lighting withmason jarsand tree trunks
When it gets dark, but the celebration is still going, theseDIYmason jarcandles are great for both lighting and decor. With the tree trunks underneath, you’ll be sure to keep the outdoor, earthy feel.
Amanda Davis
Amanda is a Lifestyle & Culture freelance writer and editor based in California. In addition to Joy, she's published work in POPSUGAR, Scary Mommy, Sierra Magazine, Outspoken, and more.
