My Beautiful Outdoor Wedding

Having officiated many outdoor weddings in the summer months, I know it can be brutal out there in the full sun even for a brief ceremony.  I have put together some tips that will help you and your guests survive the wedding with most of their makeup still on their faces instead of sliding down their necks!

No Early Seating of the Guests

Most wedding planner guides advise you to seat the guests 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. This does not apply to outdoor weddings when the guests will be in the full hot sun. Have your guests seated only a few minutes before the processional begins.

How about fans for your fan club?

Many couples already provide programs for the guests. Why not get a little creative and print it on handheld fans? Or you can simply purchase fans for the relief of your guests.

Water everywhere but not a drop to drink!

Provide an iced cooler full of cold water bottles for your guests. My suggestion is to have enough 16oz. bottles of cold water for each guest to have at least 2.

Tents are a couple's best friend!

Consider renting or purchasing a tent to give you and your guests some shade for the ceremony. This can also give you an inclement weather option. 

Keep it brief!!

When selecting your ceremony, please keep it brief! This will benefit the couple as well as the guests! You may save any special readings or elements to share at the reception.

What time of day do you schedule your outdoor ceremony?
We all know that the hottest time of the day during the summer is 10am-2pm so if the ceremony is going to be in the full sun, keep this in mind when selecting your ceremony time. Visit your chosen site at the same time of day as your wedding so you can properly gauge the temperature and shade (or lack thereof), for your ceremony.

Some beautiful outdoor settings for weddings

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First Landing State Park Virginia Beach
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Bay Tree Manor, Seaford, Virginia
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Oak Grove Lake Park, Chesapeake, Virginia