Outdoor Wedding Ideas

If I knew one thing about what I wanted for my wedding it was that I wanted to have it outside. My husband and I spend a lot of time adventuring outdoors so that was one thing I knew I couldn't compromise on. Fortunately, there are a ton of options when it comes to hosting an outdoor wedding and are a beautiful way to celebrate your big day, offering an abundance of natural beauty and the freedom to get creative with your decor, reception, and venue choices. Whether you're hosting a wedding in a lush garden, a backyard, or a scenic park, there are endless possibilities for making your outdoor wedding truly unforgettable. Here are some of my favorite outdoor wedding ideas!

Outdoor Wedding Decoration Ideas

What I love about having a wedding outside is that you can typically lean into the natural beauty of the space. This can not only save you money on your decor, but also simplifies the logistics. If you do decide to incorporate weddding decorations in your outdoor wedding, here are a few ideas.

• Use simple, natural elements like wooden signs, lanterns, or potted plants and flowers
• Incorporate floral arrangements in mason jars or rustic wooden crates
• For evening events, consider using string lights, or even chandeliers, to light the space and set a romantic tone

Have a Backyard Wedding

A backyard wedding is one of the most budget-friendly outdoor wedding ideas, but it still has the potential for beauty and elegance. 

• Choose simple, natural decor, like fairy lights or candles in mason jars
• Repurpose furniture you already own, like patio chairs and tables, or head to a local thrift store and pick-up funky mismatched pieces
• Take the money you save on a wedding venue and upgrade your space with new landscaping or potted plants

Outdoor Wedding Reception Ideas

When it comes to the reception, an outdoor setting provides plenty of flexibility. 

• Create “rooms” within your outdoor space to encourage gathering and mingling, and activities to suit different personalities
• Choose unique seating arrangements for your meal by opting for long farm tables or use picnic tables for a laid-back atmosphere
• Lawn games are perfect for an outdoor wedding reception and are a great option for guests who don't want to dance
• Set up a DIY photo booth with a simple backdrop and fun props. Use items like oversized frames, chalkboards, or printed cutouts to encourage guests to snap memorable photos.

Tree Wedding Ceremony

A tree symbolizes the growth of your love and future as a couple making it a really cool thing to incorporate into your outdoor wedding. Plus, the natural canopy provided by the trees creates a stunning, romantic backdrop for your vows.

• Find a venue or public space with towering trees (or tree!)
• Add a flower garland, drape fabric, and hang lanterns or lights on the tree to make the space even more magical
• Or, plant a tree for a unity ceremony

Outdoor Wedding Venue Ideas

The beauty of an outdoor wedding is the variety of venues you can choose from.

• Choose an affordable wedding venue like a public park
• Have a backyard wedding in your own backyard or rent a VRBO
• Get married on a beach
• Choose a botanical garden for your venue
• Hike into the mountains
• Get married at a State or National Park
• If you're having a small wedding, be sure to check out our favorite small wedding venues

The key is to choose a venue that aligns with your vision for the day while considering the number of guests and available amenities.

Outdoor Wedding Ideas for the Ceremony

Your ceremony is the heart of your outdoor wedding, and there are countless ways to make it unique.

• For a classic look, consider using a floral arch to frame the exchange of vows
• A simple wooden altar or a circle of chairs around the couple is another beautiful, minimalist option
• Consider the natural elements around you—maybe a waterfall, mountain views, or a meadow of wildflowers—can serve as a stunning backdrop

Small Outdoor Wedding Ideas

Choosing to have a small wedding opens up tons of options for an outdoor wedding, especially for the venue.

• Think about hosting your ceremony in a private garden or a backyard, where you can keep the guest list small and focus on quality over quantity.
• For decor, you can get creative with DIY projects—like homemade signs or a small floral arch.
• A small wedding also means you can allocate more of your budget toward personal touches, such as custom menus, a unique ceremony set up, or local catering.

Budget-Friendly Outdoor Wedding Ideas

Choosing to have an outdoor wedding can be one of the best ways to save money on your wedding.

• Leveraging the natural beauty of space and forego florals
• Choose an affordable wedding venue like a public park
• Have a backyard wedding in your own backyard or rent a VRBO

An outdoor wedding offers endless opportunities to express your personal style while taking advantage of the natural beauty around you. Whether you're planning a micro wedding in a scenic venue or a cozy backyard wedding, these ideas can help you create the wedding of your dreams. By focusing on simple yet stunning decor, unique venue options, and meaningful personal touches, your outdoor wedding can be both affordable and unforgettable. Happy planning!