Outdoor weddings are the biggest wedding trend of 2023 and beyond, and we can see why! With gorgeous blue skies, a gentle breeze and natural surroundings, an outdoor wedding ceremony has the potential to be the most romantic setting to say ‘I do’.
At Chalk Barn, we’re experts in hosting beautiful and successful outdoor weddings. From the ceremony to the wedding breakfast, our couples love hosting outside in the glorious sunshine with the indescribable views that surround our barn. However, couples can often feel nervous planning an outdoor wedding. Keep reading to discover our five secrets to a successful outdoor wedding, so you can plan your outdoor wedding ceremony stress-free.
Choose your venue carefully
If you have your heart set on an outdoor ceremony, make sure to prioritise viewing a venue that is prepared has more than just the availability of outdoor space. We recommend you look for a venue with licence to conduct outdoor ceremonies, as this avoids the need to get legally married elsewhere.
When viewing wedding venues you will also want to consider the outdoor setting too. If you are wanting to get married outdoors, it is likely due to your love of nature and being outside – so don’t settle for a venue with outdoor options that don’t meet your expectations. Chalk Barn benefits from breathtaking views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside, which makes for a stunning backdrop to your wedding ceremony and wedding photographs.
Ensure you have a backup plan
You can never guarantee the weather in the UK – even in August. That is why it is crucial your wedding venue of choice can provide a backup plan to ensure you can relax and enjoy your day, no matter the weather. Ideally, you will want to pick a wedding venue that not only has an exclusive indoor ceremony option, but one with an indoor space that can be tastefully decorated with your outdoor decor should you need to make a last minute switch.
Chalk Barn is a fantastic example for this. Further, we offer exclusive 48-hour use, meaning that no one aside from yourself and your guests will be on-site. While many wedding venues offer 24-hour use, our unique 48-hour access means you can put your backup plan in motion the day before your wedding, should you need to. No last-minute stresses at Chalk Barn!
Consider your styling
Another factor to consider when planning an outdoor wedding is how you are going to style your ceremony. Does your venue have a structure you can decorate, or will you need to hire in additional props such as an arch or floral moon-gate hoop? Would you like flowers or decor lining your aisle?
Chalk Barn benefits from an impressive view of Wiltshire countryside, making the perfect backdrop for any level of styling. Whether our couples prefer a contemporary minimalist look or prefer a more traditional wedding decor set up, outdoor ceremonies at Chalk Barn look beautiful either way. For those who would like to add a personal touch to the setting, our belvedere is the perfect structure to do this with flowers or draping.
Keep it fun
You’re planning an outdoor ceremony to reflect your personalities, but why stop there? There are plenty of opportunities to provide practical and personalised elements to your outdoor wedding, such as sunglasses, mini electric fans or your wedding programme printed on a handheld fan.
Factor in the weather too, if it is set to be very hot then we recommend providing bottles or cups of water for your guests – you could even personalise the labels! If light showers are threatening and you don’t want to move your ceremony indoors, you could invest in ponchos or umbrellas. We can’t help but smile when picturing great nan in a festival style poncho!
Don’t forget the logistics
As dreamy as an outdoor ceremony sounds, there are logistical elements that you need to consider. From wheelchair access to high heels in the grass, it is worth looking at the accessibility of your outdoor ceremony – a secret cove only accessible by steep stairs might not be the perfect venue in reality.
Chalk Barn benefits from having the outdoor ceremony space just steps away from the barn, ensuring there are no lengthy walks across the grass for you or your guests. In fact, our entire venue is extremely accessible, being a step-free wheelchair venue with toilets on the ground floor.
Why choose Chalk Barn?
There is no need to compromise when you choose to host your outdoor wedding at our Wiltshire wedding venue, Chalk Barn. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that offers exclusive use, magical countryside views, fantastic accessibility and outstanding customer service – look no further.
If the photographs weren’t enough to convince you, we encourage you to come and view our gorgeous modern wedding venue for yourself. We offer private viewings, in order to give all our couples our undivided attention. Get in touch to book an appointment.