Creative Wedding Ideas for Couples Who Love the Outdoors

Set the Vibe Before Choosing a Location

Before choosing a wedding location, ask yourselves this: What vibe and scenery are you drawn to?

So many couples say they want to be near water when they say “I do”, others are more into cozy forest vibes (maybe with some market lights?!), while others want to feel small beneath a big mountain backdrop.

For my husband and I? We went for “adult summer camp at the lake”. Sack races and all. (Ask me all about it.)

No matter your vibe, it will come into play BIG TIME when setting the tone for your wedding day.

Plus, if you’re an outdoor-lover like me, you’re going to want to choose somewhere that offers the right type of outdoor activities and experiences you’ll genuinely enjoy.

Wedding Day Adventures

One of my favorite things about outdoor weddings and elopements is that your day can feel like an actual experience instead of just a pre-planned series of events.

Here are some fun ways I’ve seen couples include in their wedding day! Click the links for a sneak peek into their day.

• Get out on the water! Grab some SUPS, rent a sailboat, or hop in a canoe with your dogs and enjoy a little lake day.
• Go for a hike
• Go off-roading, even with your family and friends!
• Do some fly fishing
• Take a hot air balloon
• Sit in a hot spring
• Stargaze under a cloudless sky
• Take a guided horseback ride
• Hire a private chef to set up an outdoor picnic
• Take a helicopter ride or scenic flight
• Make it a glamping moment

Check out this article on How to Include Activities into Your Elopement Day

Plan Time to Slow Down

One of the most important (and often overlooked) things is intentionally making time to s l o w d o w n on your wedding day.

With all the excitement, it goes by fast. Trust me.

When you plan a spacious timeline, you don’t have to stress about squeezing things in. You can stumble upon a spot along the river and decide to sit and stay for awhile. Just because you’re feeling it. You can actually eat your food, instead of being pulled in one million directions. You can take deep breaths and enjoy the fresh air with your people.

This is why I’m such a big advocate for full-day elopements and all-day wedding coverage. It gives you time to breathe, savor, and be in the moment without rushing from one thing to the next.

Break Wedding Traditions, I Dare You

If a wedding tradition doesn’t resonate with you, this is your permission to forget it.

One of the best parts about planning a wedding in this day and age is you’re able to think outside of the box. Go to a dream destination, spend the day doing what you love, or even trying something new.

Want to spend the whole day outdoors? Do it.

Want to rent an off-the-grid cabin for your intimate wedding? You absolutely can!

What If I’m Nervous About the Weather?

Of course weather is a consideration when you’re planning an outdoor wedding. But here’s how you can set yourself up for success ahead of time:

Give yourselves the best chances.
When choosing the location, really consider the time of year and time of day that’ll give you the most ideal weather window.

Have a back up location… or two.
Whether you have a venue space that has both indoor and outdoor options, or you can find a nearby pavilion to take shelter during a storm. Consider this ahead of time so you can confidently go into your day feeling prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings.

Bring the right gear!
Consider bringing along rain gear, hand warmers, and jacket layers you wouldn’t mind being photographed in. You can also grab some large clear umbrellas! They photograph really well.

Embrace it.
Honestly? Sometimes weather makes for the best photos, and the best stories.

Remember that at the end of the day, you’re still marrying the love of your life. And that’s what matters most.

And hey, if you’re looking for a location that has generally great weather (lots of sunshine!), get married with me in Colorado!

Turn Your Wedding Into a Full Weekend Experience

Perhaps you have a more traditional wedding planned, but you still want to experience the outdoor spaces you love with your people.

This is the perfect opportunity to turn your wedding day into a wedding weekend!

Instead of just focusing on the wedding day itself, think of ways you can create connections and shared experiences before and after the big day too!

• Rent out a resort, lodge, or cluster of cabins for you and your family and friends
• Plan activities the day before and after your wedding day
• Go rafting or on group hikes
• Outdoor BBQ anyone?
• Have a campfire the night before instead of a welcome dinner
• Host an outdoor brunch with a private chef
• Plan a lake day where folks can boat, or even just lounge on the shore and watch
• End the weekend with a sunset sail

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