The pros and cons of outdoor wedding ceremonies

Getting married in the fresh air has lots of benefits, but it’s not right for everyone. While the great outdoors can create a beautiful backdrop, your guests might not enjoy dodging cow poo in their designer heels.

So, if you are considering an outdoor wedding, make sure you plan carefully and give your guests plenty of warning about what to expect. To help you decide if getting hitched alfresco is right for you, here are some of the pros and cons.

 

The upside of outside

 Versatility

 One of the biggest advantages of getting married outdoors is that you’re starting with a completely blank canvas. Many indoor venues have limitations on décor, but when you’re outside, you have a little more freedom.

And there are so many themes to choose from – farmyard, woodland fairytale, street party, festival, carnival, jungle adventure, beach party, garden party – the choice is endless. You can even erect makeshift Roman columns, Egyptian pyramids or Greek temples if history is your thing.

Natural beauty

 What better backdrop is there for your special day than the picture-perfect landscapes nature provides?

Enjoy stunning views, fresh air, and the sounds of nature while celebrating with your nearest and dearest out in the sunshine.

As the evening draws in, you can gather around the bonfire, enjoy the ambience created by lanterns, or dance underneath the starlight.

 Plenty of space

 Another advantage of outdoor weddings is that you’ll have plenty of space. Perfect if you’ve got a big guest list, want to ensure guests can socially distance or need somewhere for the little ones to run around.

 And more space means more scope for creativity. Tipis, yurts, fire pits, fairground rides, food stalls, picnic blankets, lawn games, acrobats, circus performers – let your imagination run wild. Marching band? Why not?

As long as you don’t upset the local wildlife, you can get completely creative with your décor and entertainment.

 

The downside of outside

Uninvited guests

 There are some downsides to getting hitched outdoors, and one of them is the risk of uninvited guests (and we’re not talking the human kind).

While the idea of fluffy bunnies joining in your celebrations isn’t so bad, you might not be so keen on mosquitoes, wasps or other biting and stinging insects.

And if your guests suffer from hay fever or allergies, there could be plenty of sniffling and sneezing throughout the ceremony.

Fortunately, a good supply of citronella candles, insect repellent and non-drowsy antihistamines can help minimise disruption and discomfort.

Lack of amenities

Power, lighting, temperature control and toilet facilities tend to come as standard with indoor weddings, but if you choose an outdoor wedding, you’ll need to plan.

Generators can be hired to provide power, wood stoves or bonfires are a good heat source, and large umbrellas can provide shade from the sun or rain. You can hire food vans when catering facilities aren’t available and use ice boxes to keep refreshments cool. You can even hire portable loos to save your guests having to pee in the bushes.

Or alternatively, you could hire a venue like Lineham Farm, where you have complete exclusivity, giving you all the benefits of an outdoor wedding, with all the indoor comforts of proper toilets and catering facilities.

Unpredictable weather

The biggest downside of an outdoor UK wedding is the unpredictable British weather. Within minutes, you can go from basking in beautiful sunshine to dodging hailstones.

You could embrace the unpredictability – get wed in wellies and ensure a good supply of umbrellas and blankets – or you could have a backup plan.

At Lineham Farm, you have complete exclusivity of the venue, which gives you the flexibility to move your guests indoors if the heavens decide to unexpectedly open.

Best of both worlds

 If you like the idea of an outdoor wedding but still aren’t sure if it’s right for you, book a tour at Lineham Farm.

Our farmyard, courtyard, huge event field and beautiful woodlands are all surrounded by stunning Yorkshire countryside – meaning you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to views.

And we are licensed for indoor and outdoor weddings, so you can hold your ceremony in our beautiful barn room or romantic pagoda then enjoy an indoor or outdoor reception.

With complete venue exclusivity, indoor accommodation for up to 50 people, and a dedicated camping field, it really is one of the most versatile wedding venues in Yorkshire.