Pros and Cons of an Outdoor Wedding

Posted on 24. Jan, 2012 by Brian in Planning

Denver Wedding Photographer-Outdoor Wedding Photography

A morning ceremony at Garden of the Gods

When you are planning your wedding, you dream of the perfect environment for your day. For some people the enchantment and beauty of an outdoor wedding may seem appealing. It may also seem, at first glance, to be a cost effective way of having a beautiful wedding. Yet there are some pros and cons that should be weighed and considered prior to choosing an outdoor venue for your big day.

The spectacular beauty of Crested Butte

The Evergreen Lake House is a great outdoor wedding venue

Pros of an Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings can be a cost effective alternative to higher priced indoor venues. In some cases, outdoor venues may have no charge at all. These venues can include parks, beaches and campsite areas.

Outdoor wedding venues offer the option to have a larger guest list and accommodate visiting family or friends that may not have been able to attend in smaller venues.

Having an outdoor wedding offers amazing photo opportunities that would normally not be available or would be too costly to include in the wedding budget.

Cons of an Outdoor Wedding

Maintaining the wedding dress and the wedding parties’ attire can sometimes be difficult in outdoor weddings. Mud, dirt, grass stains and other environmental factors can cause damage to the dresses or attire that would show in pictures.

Seating arrangements can be difficult to maintain in outdoor wedding venues. Uneven grounds and uncomfortable seating options may make the wedding difficult for guests to enjoy.

Climate is uncontrollable. You may schedule an outdoor wedding anticipating sunshine and nice weather only to arrive on the big day and have it storming or snowing.

Outdoor weddings may require a backup plan that can add a significant amount of money to the wedding budget.

The ever changing Colorado weather is a concern with an outdoor ceremony

Make the best of your wedding day rain or shine

All wedding venues have their pros and cons. If your heart is set on an outdoor wedding venue, then be sure to do your research. Make sure you understand the pros and cons for the specific outdoor site. Include backup plans and special funds for seating options and snags that may arise due to the wedding being held outdoors. If you are properly prepared for anything that may arise, then your wedding can be held anytime, anywhere and your perfect day will happen.