George Boyle
Outdoor weddings are a popular choice for couples who want to get married in a natural setting. They can be held in various locations, such as private estates, public areas like beaches, backyards, vineyards, or even the grounds of a castle. Planning an outdoor wedding requires consideration of various factors, such as the weather, decorations, and comfort of the guests. In recent years, there have been changes to the laws surrounding outdoor weddings, with some countries legalizing them and others, like the Catholic Church, maintaining that they are not allowed unless there is a real necessity. These reforms give couples more flexibility and choice in how they celebrate their special day.
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What You'll Learn
Outdoor weddings in the UK became legal in 2022
Outdoor weddings in the UK became legal in April 2022, when temporary measures to allow couples to legally marry outdoors in approved premises became permanent. This change was widely welcomed, with 96% of respondents to the government consultation backing the law change for civil ceremonies, and 93% supporting the extension of the change to religious weddings.
The new legislation allows couples to hold legally binding ceremonies on the grounds of any licensed wedding venue, providing greater flexibility and choice in how they celebrate their big day. This is particularly beneficial during the pandemic, as it allows for larger ceremonies while still adhering to public health guidelines.
The change applies only to approved premises, which include venues that are licensed for civil weddings and civil partnership registrations. These venues can now hold civil marriage and partnership ceremonies outside indefinitely, offering a wider choice of outdoor settings for couples.
While the change does not currently enable outdoor weddings on religious premises, the government has stated that reforms to religious ceremonies will be made in due course. This will require changes to primary legislation, as there are complex legal requirements dating back more than a century that fix the location of religious weddings.
The government is also considering further reforms to modernise and improve marriage laws, including widening the locations that people can get married at and legalising more types of weddings. These changes aim to provide greater flexibility and personalisation for couples celebrating their special day.
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Catholic outdoor weddings are forbidden
Outdoor weddings can be impressive and awe-inspiring, with endless opportunities for customisation. However, Catholic outdoor weddings are forbidden by the Catholic Church.
According to the Code of Canon Law, all sacraments, including marriage, are required to be celebrated in a church unless there is a real necessity that dictates otherwise. The only exception is the anointing of the sick, which is almost always performed outside of a church. The Church considers marriage a sacrament of vocation, a serious and sacred calling. Therefore, the setting should reflect the seriousness and sacredness of the sacrament. For instance, an ordination in the woods or at the beach would be deemed strange and unsuitable for such an occasion.
While some dioceses have permitted outdoor weddings on a case-by-case basis, it is generally only for serious reasons and not merely a couple's preference for a natural setting. The Baltimore Archdiocese, for instance, has allowed outdoor weddings since 2018, but each case is assessed individually. Similarly, the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has witnessed a rise in requests for outdoor weddings, but these are typically between a Catholic and a non-baptised non-Catholic. Fr Paul Clark, the judicial vicar for the Harrisburg Diocese, explained that "it's not practical to have a wedding Mass outdoors; the logistics are a nightmare".
To summarise, Catholic outdoor weddings are generally forbidden, with only a few exceptions granted by specific dioceses under unique circumstances. The Church upholds the sacredness of the marriage sacrament by requiring it to be performed within a church setting.
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Outdoor weddings offer more personalisation
Outdoor weddings offer a lot of room for personalisation and customisation. The venue you select, whether it be a private estate, a public area like a beach, or your own backyard, will play a major role; its scenery becomes your built-in décor. You can choose to get married by the seaside, in a forest, or by a romantic lake. With the outdoors as your venue, the options and opportunities are endless.
Outdoor weddings also allow you to be creative with your setup and decorations. You can provide parasols and standing umbrellas to help your guests beat the summer heat or blankets and heaters during cold weather. You can also opt to have a backup tent in case of rain or strong winds.
The natural environment of your chosen venue can also be incorporated into your wedding. For example, choosing flowers that mosquitoes don't like, such as lavender, marigolds, and peppermint, can help deter bugs.
Additionally, outdoor weddings can provide cost savings. With the average cost of a wedding venue being £8,400, having the option to hold the ceremony outdoors can significantly reduce expenses.
While there are challenges to hosting an outdoor wedding, such as unpredictable weather and the need for careful planning, the ability to personalise your special day makes it a unique and memorable experience.
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Outdoor weddings can be cheaper
Another way to save money is to opt for an outdoor wedding during the off-season. While it may not be practical to have an outdoor wedding in January in a northern locale, milder winters and early springs in the South can be perfect.
You can also save money on decor by choosing a scenic outdoor location, such as a beach or a vineyard, where the natural beauty of the surroundings will enhance your wedding without the need for extensive decorations. If you do want to add some extra touches, consider sourcing your materials from independent local retailers or online vendors like Etsy instead of big-box retailers, which tend to have higher markups.
Additionally, you can cut costs by creating your own music playlist instead of hiring a DJ or band and setting up self-serve food and drink stations instead of paying for bartenders and servers. If you have culinary skills, you could even consider cooking the food yourself for a small gathering.
Finally, while it's not possible to avoid all rental costs, you can minimise them by only renting the necessities, such as tables, linens, and a dance floor. Don't forget to include lawn games, which can be a fun and cost-effective way to entertain your guests.
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Outdoor weddings require planning for weather
Outdoor weddings are a beautiful way to celebrate your special day. However, they require careful planning, especially when it comes to the weather. While you may dream of sunny skies and a gentle breeze, the reality is that you need to be prepared for all weather conditions.
The first step is to choose a location wisely. Consider the typical weather patterns for the time of year and select a venue that offers some protection from the elements. For example, if you're planning a summer wedding, look for a venue with lots of tree cover or shaded areas to keep your guests comfortable. Alternatively, if you're marrying in the cooler months, opt for a venue with a cosy indoor space where guests can warm up.
Next, always have a backup plan. Invest in a sturdy tent or marquee that can provide shelter from rain, wind, or harsh sunlight. Ensure the tent is large enough to accommodate your guests comfortably, with enough space for tables, chairs, and catering equipment. If you're worried about high winds, opt for a venue that also offers an indoor option, so you can quickly move the celebrations inside if needed.
To prepare for unexpected weather, provide items such as parasols, standing umbrellas, fans, and blankets to ensure your guests remain comfortable throughout the event. Consider the impact of the weather on other aspects of your wedding, such as food and decorations. Keep perishables chilled, secure decorations in windy locations, and be mindful of how the weather may affect your wedding cake.
Finally, communicate with your vendors. Many wedding suppliers are experienced in dealing with outdoor events and can offer valuable advice and contingency plans. Discuss your concerns and work together to create a seamless plan that can be adjusted on the day if needed.
By carefully considering the weather, you can ensure your outdoor wedding is a memorable and enjoyable experience for all, regardless of the conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, since April 2022, couples have been allowed to get married outside.
Legal religious weddings are only allowed in certified places of worship, churches or chapels of the Church of England or Church in Wales. However, the UK government is working to extend this provision to outdoor religious ceremonies.
Yes, Jewish and Quaker weddings can take place outdoors for historical reasons.
According to canon law, outdoor Catholic weddings are not allowed unless permitted by the bishop, which is unlikely. The reason for this is that marriage is a sacred sacrament that should be celebrated in the midst of the parish community.
There are a lot of moving parts to an outdoor wedding. It's important to consider the weather and have a backup plan in case of rain or strong winds. You should also think about how to deal with bugs and providing shade or heaters for your guests depending on the season.
