Many brides envision having an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception. There is something special about marriage ceremonies taking place in nature. And what better place to have an outdoor event than the UK? It boasts some of the most beautiful scenery with staggering landscapes.
While an open-air union is the perfect choice on paper, you have to know that there are many things you need to consider. We all know the weather can get temperamental, so it requires close and constant observation. It’s important to stay protected should the heavens decide to open on your big day. There are also some UK rules and regulations you have to follow if you want an open-air ceremony.
So, before committing to a big day venue, we advise you to read this article. We have compiled tips to help you plan that perfect union event you dreamed of at any outside place.
What the UK Law Says About Hosting an Outdoor Wedding?
It’s crucial that you gather all the necessary information on where you can legally organise an outdoor wedding in the UK before taking any further steps. Yes, the law allows you to get married in the open, but it must occur under a permanent and immovable structure. The structure must have a solid floor and a fixed roof, but it doesn’t need walls.
The interesting thing is that this structure should accommodate the couple, the registrar, and the witnesses. There should also be room for a table where the paperwork can be completed. And while you are saying your “I dos” under the structure, the guests are legally allowed to sit outside of it and watch the ceremony.
The government has provided a full list of approved premises to make it easier for couples to comply with the regulations and to make the ceremony legal.
What to Consider When Planning Your UK Outdoor Wedding?
You should know that planning an open marriage is a little different than planning an indoor one. So, before you go on making any final decisions, here are some tips to ensure that you are well and truly prepared.
Pick the Right UK Wedding Venue
As mentioned above, it’s important to find a licensed special day venue that can host outdoor events. Another thing to remember is that this place must have a lot of experience in open-air unions. This means having a backup plan in case of rain, built-in facilities suited for outside occasions, and similar items to avoid renting additional stuff.
The season for open weddings is rather short, so you will have to count on renting the venue well in advance if you want to get the location of your dreams.
Check the Weather Forecasts
The question that almost every couple worries about is what to do in case of rain. The UK is well known for its temperamental weather, so the chances of rain during your summer marriage are still high. It’s good to discuss this issue with the venue, and maybe it’s a good idea to hire a covered structure either way just to be safe. This will give you peace of mind that guests will have somewhere to take cover in case it starts pouring.
And why not look at the positive side of rain – it’s not the end of the world. You may find that you and the guests will have a unique experience that will bring everyone together. If nothing else, they will surely have a good laugh.
Careful With the Noise
Music is an irreplaceable part of any big day, which means making lots of noise. You should keep in mind that depending on your site location, there might be noise restrictions, so do check on that first. Really remote areas that are surrounded by fields probably don’t need to worry about the noise. However, if the place is located in a residential area, you must check for curfews and limitations.
Reserve Enough Toilets
It may seem like a minor detail that is often overlooked, but having enough toilets within easy distance of the main big day area is a must. Check with the place owner to make sure that you will provide guests with easy-to-reach toilets. You wouldn’t want your guests wandering half of the night looking for the bathroom.
Get Rid of Unwanted Visitors
Having an open-air wedding means you will have some unwanted guests attending your ceremony. Yes, we’re talking about the pesky insects that are all over the place in the summer months. They love fresh flowers, fruit punches, and guests covered in sweet-smelling perfumes. And not everyone will remember to bring along a mosquito spray or a natural bug spray.
It will be your responsibility to have a basket of these items in a visible place. You should also consider adding antihistamines to the basket. Discuss with your venue whether there are any measures to stop wasps from causing havoc on your special day.
Keep it Simple With the Food
Hosting an outside wedding means that you can keep your menu pretty simple. Fresh and simple is the ideal menu when hosting outside, but if you’re looking for something more elaborate, then it’s wise to leave it to caterers to come up with the menu.
If the venue has an in-house catering team, you have solved your problem because they already have experience. But if you need to hire external caterers, you will need to ask questions beforehand to check if they’ll be able to cater an outdoor event.
Conclusion
Hosting an outdoor wedding in the UK can be magical, considering what the country has to offer in terms of beautiful natural spots. However, organising one can also present a real challenge if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.
So, before you book any UK wedding venue, check the legal requirements and whether the venue is on the approved list. You cannot control the weather but surely have a plan B if it rains. Simply be well prepared for any kind of weather, and if it does rain, then enjoy the special, cosy, and romantic moments.
Need a UK wedding photographer and videographer team? We’ll be happy to capture those special moments. Feel free to contact us today for more details!
