Outdoor Wedding Tips
A Celebrant’s Take on Outdoor Weddings
Ahhh, outdoor weddings — they really are something special, aren’t they? Wide open skies, the natural backdrop doing all the heavy lifting, and that magical “we’re in our own little world” feeling. The beauty of getting married outside is that you can make it so you, whether that’s boho beach vibes, a garden party dream, or something straight out of Pinterest.
But, and there’s always a “but,” right? Outdoor weddings do come with a few sneaky traps if you don’t plan ahead. So here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to help you avoid the stress and actually enjoy the whole thing (as you should!).
Tip 1: Have a Plan B (and make peace with it)
I know, I know, you chose that date because “it never rains in September,” right? Famous last words. Weather has a mind of its own, so always (and I mean always) have a backup plan.
Your reception venue is usually the best fallback, but they’ll need to know early on the day if things are changing, so chat about it beforehand. Your guests will need a heads-up too — no one likes being left out in the drizzle. And don’t forget to tell your celebrant where to go! Most of us even put the “backup venue clause” right in the contract for this very reason.
Tip 2: Time of Day Matters
A 3pm ceremony sounds perfect on paper… until you realise the sun is basically roasting everyone alive. Consider your guests, they’ll be sitting outside for a good half hour (longer if the bride takes her sweet time). A water station with bottled water is a small touch that makes a huge difference.
Also, think about where the sun will be during your ceremony. Squinting photos are not the vibe. Neither are shadows across your faces. Chat with your photographer and celebrant about timing and positioning - we’ve seen it all before!
And please, for the love of aloe vera, slip, slop, slap. A sunburnt honeymoon is not the kind of heat you want.
Tip 3: Choose Your Footwear Wisely
Outdoor weddings + stilettos = disaster waiting to happen. I’ve seen it all. Heels sinking into the grass, brides wobbling down bamboo aisles, and grooms doing the awkward “help me, I’m stuck” shuffle. Funny for the photos, yes, but maybe not the moment you want immortalised forever.
So here’s the deal: wedges or thicker heels for grass, barefoot or closed shoes for the beach, and flats for rocky spots. Your ankles (and your photographer) will thank you.
Tip 4: Dress for the Season (and Location)
That fairytale gown or the full three-piece suit might look amazing in photos… but in 35-degree Aussie heat? Not so much. I’ve seen more than one groom turn pale (and not from nerves), and brides secretly fanning themselves under layers of satin.
So be kind to yourself. Choose something that looks fab and feels comfortable. You can still have your dream look, just without the fainting spell.
Tip 5: Make Sure You Can Be Heard
Legally, your ceremony must be audible, which is why your celebrant rocks up with a mic. But even the best sound system can struggle in certain spots — looking at you, windy beaches! Add in the sound of waves and the occasional seagull heckle, and things get tricky fast.
Chat with your celebrant about what’s realistic for your location. We’ve got tricks up our sleeves to make sure your “I do” doesn’t turn into a game of lip-reading.
Final Thoughts
With a little extra planning, an outdoor wedding can be everything you dreamed of: relaxed, romantic, and totally stress-free (well, mostly).
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, I’d love to chat! I’ve got plenty more tips and tricks to help you pull off the perfect day - minus the drama, plus all the magic.