The 'I do’s' and 'Just don’ts' – Top tips for a Stress-Free Outdoor Wedding Ceremony with a Celebrant
- emily.celebrant
- May 17
- 3 min read
Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony? You’re in for a beautiful and unforgettable day! As an experienced wedding celebrant, I’ve had the joy of creating and leading hundreds of heartfelt celebrations in fields, forests, on mountains and in gardens —and I’ve picked up a few gems of advice along the way.
If you’re dreaming of a personalised wedding ceremony that reflects your story, your values, and your vibe, these tips will help you make the most of your outdoor “I dos”—with a big dose of fun and zero stress.
1. Make It
All About You
🌿
First things first: this is your wedding. Whether you’re imagining a barefoot woodland celebration, a beachside vow exchange, or a non-religious ceremony with festival flair, the most important thing is that it feels true to you.
With an independent wedding celebrant, you can create a personalised wedding ceremony from scratch—one that celebrates your love story in your own words and style. Want to honour your heritage? Include a handfasting or tree planting ritual? Keep it simple and joyful with no traditions at all? It’s entirely your call.
If you’re after an alternative wedding ceremony that breaks away from the cookie-cutter format, I’ve got endless ideas and would love to help you bring it all to life.
2. Dress for the Outdoors (and for Comfort!) 👗☀️
Let’s talk fashion-meets-function.
Grooms, think light fabrics rather than heavy suits. Trust me—three-piece wool in summer sun is not your friend. A linen waistcoat or smart shirt looks fab and won’t leave you wilting mid-ceremony.
Brides, if you’ve chosen an outdoor setting, embrace it fully! Your dress might gather a few grass stains—consider them badges of honour. Cowboy boots? Colourful wedges? Glittery flats? Go wild! You’ll feel comfy, confident, and ready to party.
💡 Guest tip: Let them know what footwear is best. For a woodland or garden wedding, heels can be tricky. Suggest flats, wedges or even wellies for rustic charm and zero sinking!
3. Let Your Guests Play a Part 💍🎤
One of the joys of a celebrant-led ceremony is how easy it is to involve your nearest and dearest.
Ask a friend to perform a reading or poem
Hide the rings under a guest’s seat (surprise ring bearer moment!)
Invite musically talented friends to perform live
It adds a warm, personal touch—and a few tissues on hand won’t go amiss. There’s rarely a dry eye when someone close to you sings or shares a few words.
4. Think Practical (But Keep It Pretty) 🎶🪑
Outdoor weddings are stunning—but they need a little prep. Here’s what I always recommend:
Hay bales are rustic and fun—but throw on a few blankets to avoid scratches (and any surprise creepy-crawly guests!)
Music matters: If you’re far from power or phone signal, download your playlist in advance and fully charge your Bluetooth speaker.
Better still, ask your wedding officiant if they provide a sound system (I do!). I’ll also help coordinate music cues so every moment flows beautifully.
5. Comfort is Key 🧴😎
A little extra care goes a long way to keeping guests relaxed and happy:
Stock bathrooms with mini essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, plasters and tissues
Offer water stations and handheld fans before guests are seated
Personalised sunglasses as favours? Always a hit!
🌳 If your ceremony spot is fully exposed, consider creating shaded areas. I always encourage guests to move into the shade if needed—it helps everyone stay comfortable and present in the moment.
⚠️ One more thing: loos. If you’re hiring portaloos, consider accessibility. Not all steps and swing-doors are guest-friendly—especially for those with mobility needs.
6. Soak It All In 💛
After all the planning, the spreadsheets, the Pinterest boards—your day is finally here. My best advice? Take a breath, look around, and take it all in. Take time to enjoy it with all your guests.
Outdoor weddings have a special kind of magic. They’re a little wild, a little unpredictable, and full of moments that will stay with you forever.
Planning an Outdoor Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a personalised, fun, and heartfelt outdoor wedding ceremony—whether that’s a non-religious ceremony, something spiritual, or a completely alternative wedding ceremony—I’d love to help make it unforgettable.
As your wedding celebrant, I’ll craft a ceremony that’s 100% you.
✨ Let’s create something magical together.
Get in touch by pressing the button below —I can’t wait to hear what you’ve got planned!
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