A Forest Wedding: Is It Possible?

Dreaming of a whimsical forest wedding? You're not alone. Exchanging vows surrounded by towering trees, lush greenery, and the soothing sounds of nature is a popular choice for many couples. And the good news is, you have plenty of options to choose from, whether it's a national park, a private estate, or even your own backyard.

One of the most enchanting forest wedding venues is Deer Park Villa in Northern California. This venue offers a majestic and magical setting among the redwoods, with string lights and a well-known ceremony site nestled between two large redwood trees. Another option is the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, one of the largest and quietest temperate rainforests in the United States. For those seeking a mountain backdrop, the Roxbury Barn and Estate in New York sits on 42 acres of pristine land, including a pine grove and extensive gardens.

When planning a forest wedding, it's important to consider the logistics, such as permits, decorations, and attire. National forests, for example, may have restrictions on certain decorations like candles or dried florals. It's also crucial to have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather changes.

So, if you're envisioning a forest wedding, the possibilities are endless. With the right location and planning, your dream of a magical forest wedding can become a reality.

Forest wedding venues in the US

There are many forest wedding venues in the US, ranging from intimate clearings to grand estates. Here are some options to consider:

West Coast

• Scenic Springs, Helotes, Texas: This secluded, historic estate offers a relaxed, natural setting with bountiful gardens and shade trees. It provides a picturesque gazebo and a grand hall with windows overlooking the grounds.
• Presidio Log Cabin, San Francisco, CA: This charming log cabin is located within Presidio Park, offering exclusive use of its indoor and outdoor spaces with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
• Fresno Fields, Fresno, CA: Found in Central California, this friendly venue is a short drive from the Sequoia National Forest and the Giant Sequoias. It features towering trees, a well-landscaped garden, and bistro lights, creating a romantic glow.
• Black Forest, El Paso County, Colorado: Exchange vows under the towering ponderosa pines of Colorado's Black Forest. This tranquil setting combines nature with urban chic styling, creating a rustic elegance for your special day.
• Hacienda de las Flores, Moraga, CA: Nestled in the rolling hills of Contra Costa County, this nine-acre property captures the beauty of early California. It is surrounded by gardens, parks, woodland, and open spaces, with towering oak and sycamore trees providing shade.
• Boulder Ridge, San Jose, CA: Located in the picturesque Almaden Valley, Boulder Ridge offers woodland, rolling hills, and open spaces. It includes a spacious outdoor patio with a built-in bar, lounge areas, and fire pits. The ballroom has floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views.
• The Orchard, Menifee, CA: A fairytale-like escape with unique nature, The Orchard is entirely outdoors, accommodating up to 300 guests. It offers a cozy and luxurious atmosphere with a calm lake and rustic charm.
• Hofmann Ranch, San Antonio, TX: This 370-acre ranch combines vintage and modern elements for a serene, fairytale-like setting. The Grand Hall features double oak staircases, and the Garden Lookout and tranquil patio are perfect for ceremonies and receptions.
• Boulder Creek, Boulder, CO: Just 10 minutes from Downtown Boulder, Boulder Creek provides a choice of ceremony areas, including 'Creekside' with a babbling mountain stream and a formal location with a verdant lawn and earthy stone arch. The open-air pavilion and stone flagstaff room are elegant options for receptions.
• The Springs in Magnolia, Texas: This rustic and elegant venue features manicured lawns and towering trees, with two main event spaces: Stonebridge Hall and Pinehaven Hall. Stonebridge is surrounded by Magnolia trees, while Pinehaven offers a rustic vibe with oak hardwood floors and a covered porch.
• Nestldown, Los Gatos, California: This private retreat venue celebrates California's majestic redwood trees, offering an intimate setting for up to 100 guests with a reception area inside a barn or outdoors.
• Salish Lodge & Spa, Snoqualmie, Washington: This venue offers various event spaces with stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Falls, as well as mountain views and locally sourced cuisine.
• The Roxbury Barn and Estate, Roxbury, New York: Set on 42 acres of pristine land, this private estate includes an 1850s-style carriage barn for receptions. It boasts a picturesque pine grove, extensive gardens, and a lily pond for outdoor ceremonies.
• Waterfall Lodge, Ben Lomond, California: Surrounded by a redwood grove in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this venue is the epitome of rustic beauty. The barn, made from reclaimed wood, is perfect for receptions, and guests can stay in one of the 33 A-frame cabins on the property.
• Chalet View Lodge, Tahoe National Forest, California: This ten-acre resort offers endless possibilities for a unique wedding. Hold your ceremony on a sprawling lawn, take portraits by the fishing pond, or host a cocktail hour on the poolside terrace.
• Mitchells Meadows, Tahoe National Forest, California: This outdoor venue sits along the edge of Independence Creek and provides exclusive use of the property for three days, offering plenty of options for hosting your wedding in the woods.
• TreeHouse Point, Washington: Located in a cozy bit of forest with a river and a treehouse, TreeHouse Point is best for weddings from May through October. It offers a small cedar-lined building at the edge of a pond for an indoor option.
• Copper Creek Inn, Washington: This venue provides the perfect forested backdrop for a woodland fairy-themed wedding. The forest stays temperate during the summer, making it an ideal choice for a summer wedding.
• RT Lodge, Smoky Mountains: Set at the base of the

Forest wedding venues in the UK

There are many forest wedding venues in the UK, each offering something unique to make your special day magical and memorable. From elegant estates and trendy treehouses to bohemian tipis and DIY forest glades, the UK has it all. Here is a list of some of the most enchanting forest wedding venues in the UK:

• Wasing Park, Berkshire: Wasing Park offers a barn, a romantic walled garden, and a woodland area for outdoor wedding ceremonies. The woodland area has its own toilets, bar, and stage set, ideal for a festival-themed wedding. The Castle Barn at Wasing Park provides a contemporary and chic indoor space with modern mood lighting and an impressive entrance. Boutique accommodation is also available on the estate, including luxury suites such as The Dovecote and The Granary.
• Kippilaw House, Lothian & Borders: Kippilaw House is a secluded outdoor wedding venue in Melrose, surrounded by its private woodland. It boasts original 15th-century features, three well-appointed reception rooms, and a beautiful veranda. Couples can exchange vows in the woodlands and then move to the veranda for cocktails. A wedding breakfast can be held under a marquee on the lawn or in the formal dining room for a more intimate gathering. Kippilaw House also offers exclusive use and accommodation for up to 40 guests.
• Marshwood Manor, Dorset: Marshwood Manor features four ceremony spaces, including a magical woodland bower. Couples start their journey in a wildflower meadow, cross a living bridge over a gentle stream, and enter the ancient Dorset woodland. The forest amphitheatre, with benches made from fallen trees, can accommodate up to 80 guests. After the ceremony, the rustic haybarn, elegant courtyard, or wildflower meadow provide versatile options for receptions.
• Broadfield, Herefordshire: Nestled in the Herefordshire countryside, Broadfield is a charming woodland wedding venue perfect for bohemian couples. It offers three outdoor locations for ceremonies: the woodland, the rose garden, or the lawns. A delicious wedding breakfast can be enjoyed under an outdoor marquee, featuring carefully selected local caterers from Herefordshire. Broadfield also has eight elegant bedrooms, including a honeymoon suite with a dressing room.
• Deer's Leap Retreat, Devon: Deer's Leap Retreat is located on the edge of Devon's Exmoor National Park, providing a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The lakeside gazebo, built from the venue's own wood, is an idyllic woodland setting for the ceremony. Couples can choose between a full reception dinner in the barn or a hog roast followed by cocktails under the stars. Exclusive access to the farmhouse, honeymoon cottage, and luxury bell tents enhances the bohemian vibe.
• Hidden River Cabins, Cumbria: This tranquil forest wedding venue is surrounded by peaceful forests and rivers. The outdoor space in front of the main log cabin provides a picturesque setting for the wedding ceremony. The Barn is a versatile space for the reception, blending rustic charm with contemporary style and offering stunning views of the River Lyne. Hidden River Cabins also offers wedding accommodation for couples and their guests.
• The Alnwick Garden Treehouse, Northumberland: The Alnwick Garden Treehouse is a unique wedding venue, boasting the largest tree-top building in Europe. It features three intimate function rooms, a large deck area, and two rope bridges. The restaurant, accommodating 85 guests, is perfect for a cosy autumn or winter celebration by the roaring log fire.
• Moddershall Oaks, Staffordshire: Moddershall Oaks captivates with its enchanting fairy lights spread throughout the trees and private woodland. The handmade gazebo, set on the edge of a lake, provides a romantic ceremony spot for up to 100 guests. The indoor function suite, with state-of-the-art lighting and Italian glass chandeliers, ensures a memorable celebration. The honeymoon suite, complete with a spa bath and private outdoor hot tub, is the perfect cherry on top for a relaxing post-wedding retreat.
• Fforest, Pembrokeshire: fforest offers a rustic and charming wedding experience, granting couples free rein of the entire 200-acre farm for their special weekend. From giant tipis to party barns and a private stone pub, there are endless options for hosting the wedding. During the summer, outdoor ceremonies and wedding breakfasts can be enjoyed surrounded by the enchanting woodland. In-house catering and luxurious accommodation in the newly renovated Georgian farmhouse further enhance the wedding experience.
• Milling Barn, Hertfordshire: Milling Barn provides a dreamy woodland wedding setting in Blunts Wood, with a pretty pagoda for outdoor ceremonies. For those who prefer an indoor setting, the Dairy Barn and Oak Barn offer blank canvases to personalise. The venue has partnered with renowned catering company The Chopping Block to create imaginative and tasty dishes for the wedding feast.
• Harvest Moon Holidays, Lothian & Borders: Harvest Moon Holidays presents enchanting and relaxed woodland weddings near Edinburgh. Couples can choose between exchanging vows on the beach

Forest wedding venues in other countries

There are many forest wedding venues outside of the United States. Here are some options for a forest wedding venue in other countries:

Canada

• Cedar Haven Weddings, Vancouver Island: Located in the old-growth forests of Vancouver Island, Cedar Haven allows couples to marry in the woods while also accommodating their friends and family. Couples can bring in a tent for their reception and enjoy sipping champagne under the trees.
• Eagles Nest, Galiano Island: Set on Galiano Island, off the coast of Vancouver, Eagles Nest offers a bucolic, coastal forest retreat that can host up to 100 guests for a wedding. The property sleeps 16 people and has a ceremony and reception lawn under the trees, just beside the water.

Spain

El Mas del Silenci, Barcelona: Set in a forest of towering pine trees outside Barcelona, this venue combines indoor and outdoor spaces. It includes an outdoor tent and a stone house dating back to the 10th century.

United Kingdom

• Healey Barn, Northumberland: Tucked away in the forests of the Northumbrian countryside, this venue is surrounded by towering trees. The barn comfortably hosts up to 200 guests and twinkles at night with softly glowing candle sconces, giant candelabras, and a stone fireplace.
• Lord Thompson Manor, England: This regal countryside estate is set deep in the forest and surrounded by beautiful trees, lawns, and gardens. It can accommodate up to 220 guests with access to 13 guest suites.

South Africa

Die Woud, Caledon: This venue features a canopy of oak trees and a wattle forest, with a glass structure tucked within. It includes guest houses and cottages, making it a convenient option for wedding guests.

Australia

• The Burrow Event Space, Victoria: Located just outside Daylesford, this event space combines wine and forestry, set on the Wombat Forest Vineyard. Couples can choose between a grove of Eucalyptus trees or a modern, minimalist indoor space for their ceremony.
• The Great Lakes region, New South Wales: This naturalist cathedral is enclosed by overgrown trees and set along the banks of Wallis Lake. The ceremony space includes rustic timber pews and offers a stunning, natural setting for weddings.

Forest wedding decor

Forest weddings are a beautiful way to celebrate your special day. Nature provides the perfect backdrop, with towering trees, a mossy floor, wildflowers, and babbling brooks. The natural beauty of a forest means your wedding décor is already taken care of, but there are plenty of ways to add unique touches and make the day your own. Here are some forest wedding décor ideas to inspire you:

Seating Arrangements:

Enhance the natural beauty of the forest by incorporating wooden elements. Consider using wooden folding chairs or rustic farm tables for your reception. You can also create a whimsical touch with a birch teepee lounge area, complete with tasseled pillows and an ombre blanket. For the ceremony, arrange seating in two semi-circles around the happy couple to create an intimate atmosphere.

Lighting:

String bistro lights throughout the reception area, whether among the trees or along structures, to cast a magical glow. For a romantic touch, line the aisle and altar with an abundance of tall taper candles in elegant gold candelabras.

Centrepieces:

Moss is one of the most beautiful elements of a forest and makes for a stunning centrepiece. Combine it with colourful floral arrangements, or keep it simple and elegant on its own. For a unique touch, consider a floral centrepiece with fairy lights and LED candles.

Signage:

Welcome your guests with a beautiful wooden sign, matching the natural backdrop of the forest. You can also incorporate wooden elements into your seating chart, such as a wire display adorned with eucalyptus and roses, or a unique stack of logs revealing table assignments.

Altar:

Create a dreamy forest-inspired altar with a semi-circular arrangement of white delphiniums, larkspurs, snapdragons, and wild ferns. For a modern twist, add an asymmetrical floral structure with greenery, white blooms, and velvety hues. Suspending a chandelier from a tree above your altar will also create a stunning focal point.

Natural Backdrop:

When choosing your ceremony site, look for unique features in the imperfections of nature, such as a fallen trunk, to serve as a one-of-a-kind backdrop.

Bouquets:

Incorporate local foliage into your bouquet, such as ferns, hellebores, honeysuckle, clematis, and spirea. For a pop of colour, add richly hued flowers like anthuriums, peonies, orchids, and hand-painted palms. Garden roses, forest ferns, and vines will give your bouquet an organic, just-picked-from-the-forest look.

Fashion:

Forest nuptials often evoke a laid-back spirit. For the bride, juxtapose this casual vibe with a traditional dress, perhaps with a long train. For the groom, a neutral-coloured suit in shades of brown, taupe, or tan will complement the earthy tones of the forest.

Guest Welcome Packages:

Embrace the forest theme with reusable water bottles decorated with trees and bags of trail mix, the perfect energy boost for guests exploring the grounds.

Forest wedding attire

Forest weddings can be a magical experience, and there are many venues to choose from, such as a glass greenhouse under a canopy of trees, a log cabin in a redwood grove, or a vintage summer camp.

When it comes to attire for a forest wedding, there are several options to consider, depending on the season and the level of formality you desire. Here are some ideas to help you plan your forest wedding attire:

• Seasonal considerations: The time of year will play a significant role in your attire choices. For a summer forest wedding, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton, or chiffon. You can incorporate colours that complement the forest setting, such as emerald green, hunter green, or forest green. These colours can be used for bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen socks, or even the wedding dress itself if you want to stand out.
• Comfort and practicality: Forest weddings often involve walking on uneven terrain and navigating through nature. It is essential to choose comfortable footwear, such as wedges, block heels, or even stylish flats. Avoid stilettos or shoes with a thin heel, as they may sink into the ground. Additionally, consider the length of your dress or suit pants to ensure they don't drag on the forest floor.
• Layering: Forest temperatures can vary, especially in the evenings, so it's a good idea to have layers for yourself and your guests. Pashminas or shawls for the women and lightweight jackets or blazers for the men can be a stylish and practical addition.
• Nature-inspired details: Embrace the forest theme by incorporating natural elements into your attire. Leaf or tree motifs, floral embroidery, or even a crown of baby's breath or other delicate flowers can add a whimsical touch to your outfit.
• Suit colours and styles: For grooms and groomsmen, forest-inspired colours such as deep greens, browns, or earthy tones can be a stylish choice for suits. Tweed or textured fabrics can also complement the natural setting. If you want to stand out, consider a suit with a hint of colour, such as a forest green or burgundy blazer.
• Accessories: Accessories can complete your forest wedding look. For the bride, a flower crown or a veil with delicate foliage details can be a beautiful choice. Grooms can opt for a boutonnière featuring forest foliage or small pinecones. Don't forget to consider jewellery, belts, and other accessories that enhance your forest theme.
• Bridesmaid dresses: For your bridesmaids, consider dresses in complementary shades of green or other earthy tones. You can also mix and match different styles or shades to create a unique and cohesive look.
• Groomsmen details: Groomsmen can add a touch of forest charm with details such as forest-themed socks, pocket squares, or even a fun boutonnière featuring small pinecones or berries.
• Hair and makeup: For the bridal hair and makeup, a natural and effortless look can complement the forest setting. Soft, romantic curls or an elegant updo with a few loose strands can be a beautiful choice. For makeup, focus on a dewy complexion, soft eyeshadow hues, and a hint of colour on the lips and cheeks.
• The wedding party: Don't forget about the rest of your wedding party! For flower girls, consider a dress with a forest fairy theme, and for ring bearers, a dapper outfit with a touch of green or brown can be adorable.

Remember, the key to forest wedding attire is to embrace the natural setting and incorporate comfortable, practical, and stylish elements that reflect your unique personality and taste.

Frequently asked questions