(Without losing your mind)

There’s something really special about an outdoor wedding.
More space. More freedom. More fresh air. And usually… a slightly more relaxed vibe all round.

I photograph a lot of outdoor weddings across North Yorkshire and beyond, and while they’re often some of my absolute favourites, they do need a tiny bit more thought than an indoor day.

So if you’re planning an outdoor wedding — whether that’s a garden party feel, a laid-back countryside celebration or a festival-style day — here are my honest, photographer-approved tips to help everything run smoothly (and still feel like you).

1. The Legal Bit (Quick, Clear & Not Boring)

Let’s get this one out of the way, because the rules have changed and there’s still a lot of outdated info floating about.

If you’re getting married in England or Wales, you can legally have your ceremony outdoors — as long as it’s on the grounds of a licensed wedding venue.

You no longer need to be under a permanent structure like a gazebo or bandstand. Lawns, gardens and open-air spaces within a licensed venue are all allowed now.

A couple of things to note:

• The venue itself must be licensed for civil ceremonies
• The outdoor space needs to be within the venue’s grounds
• If you’re dreaming of getting married in your own garden, a field, or somewhere totally off-grid, you’ll usually need to do the legal bit elsewhere and have a celebrant ceremony outdoors

If you’re ever unsure, ask your venue or local registrar — they’ll confirm exactly what’s possible.

Short version: outdoor weddings in England & Wales are very much a thing now 🙌

2. Choose Your Venue With Real Life in Mind

Outdoor venues are often a blank canvas — which is gorgeous, but also means you need to think a bit more practically.

When you’re viewing venues, ask about:

• Wet weather options (more on that in a sec)
• Guest access, parking and toilets
• Power supply for food, music and lighting
• Whether ceremony, drinks and reception can all happen in one place

From a flow point of view (and a photography one), having everything in one location keeps the day feeling relaxed and unrushed.

3. Always Have a Plan B (And Actually Be OK With It)

I promise you — having a backup plan doesn’t mean you’re “expecting rain”.
It just means you’re organised.

A solid Plan B could be:

• A marquee or tipi
• An indoor ceremony space at the venue
• A covered terrace or barn

The couples who enjoy their day the most are the ones who’ve already decided:
“If it rains, we’ll roll with it.”

Some of my favourite outdoor wedding photos have been taken in light rain, under umbrellas, or just after a shower when the light goes all soft and lovely.

Think About Light (This Is Me Putting My Photographer Hat On)

Outdoor light is beautiful… when it’s used well.

A few gentle pointers:

• Midday sun can be harsh — squinting, strong shadows, sweaty brows
• Late afternoon ceremonies are usually more flattering (and comfier)
• Shade is your friend — trees, buildings, even a marquee edge

If you’re unsure, this is where chatting things through with your photographer really helps. We think about this stuff all the time.

5. Comfort = Happy Guests (And Better Photos)

Outdoor weddings are meant to feel relaxed — so help your guests out a bit.

Things that genuinely make a difference:

• Cold drinks on arrival if it’s warm
• Blankets or shawls if it’s cooler
• A heads-up about uneven ground or grass
• Somewhere to sit that isn’t just for the ceremony

Comfortable guests = people who linger, laugh, chat… and that’s where the best moments happen.

6. Keep the Styling Simple & Let the Setting Do the Heavy Lifting

One of the biggest mistakes I see?
Over-decorating a space that’s already beautiful.

Outdoor weddings really suit:

• Natural florals and greenery
• Wooden signage
• Festoon or fairy lights
• A few thoughtful details rather than loads of “stuff”

Less clutter also means cleaner, calmer photos — and the focus stays on people, not props.

7. Food & Drink: Lean Into the Laid-Back Vibe

Outdoor weddings are perfect for relaxed catering:

• BBQs
• Sharing platters
• Street food vans
• Pizza ovens

Just make sure there’s:

• Plenty of water and soft drinks
• Shade or cover for food if it’s hot
• A rough plan for timings so guests aren’t left wondering

Golden hour + people milling around with a drink in hand? Always a win.

8. Trust Your Suppliers (We’ve Got You)

One of the best things you can do is choose suppliers who are calm, flexible and used to outdoor weddings.

Weather changes. Plans shift. Light moves.
That’s normal — and the right team will just adapt quietly in the background while you enjoy yourselves.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor weddings aren’t about perfection.
They’re about atmosphere, connection and letting things unfold naturally.

With a bit of planning (and a good Plan B), they can be relaxed, joyful and full of moments you’ll want to remember forever. More planning tips here.

And if you want those moments captured without feeling posed, awkward or pulled away from your guests, please get in touch.