Outside or Inside Wedding Ceremony?

What to Consider When Choosing Between an Outdoor or Indoor Wedding Ceremony – Laura Seymour Violin

Have you been thinking a lot about whether an outdoor or indoor wedding ceremony would be the best fit for your special day?

If you're unsure about which option would work best for you, I understand how tough this decision can be. Whether you're dreaming of saying "I do" in a beautiful manor house, garden, stunning country house, beach, or gorgeous church, it's essential to weigh up the pros and cons of both outdoor and indoor ceremonies. Doing this will help you make the best choice for your wedding day.

So, here are some things I believe are worth considering:

Location:

Are you planning a wedding in the UK, or perhaps a destination wedding? Will your wedding be close to home or further away?

Weather:

What is the typical weather like during the time of year you're getting married? What would you like the weather to be like in your photos? Think about last year's weather around your wedding date, and how it might affect your ceremony.

Accessibility:

Will your venue be easily accessible? Can your guests reach it by car, public transportation, or taxi? How accessible is the venue for those who may have mobility issues?

Budget:

How much are you willing to spend on your venue? What kind of amenities can you expect with each option?

Rules & Regulations:

Are there any restrictions at your chosen venue, such as a music policy, noise level limitations, or time restrictions?

Comparing the Pros and Cons:

Indoor Weddings:

Indoor weddings offer the comfort of an enclosed space, with protection from the elements.

Outdoor Weddings:

Outdoor weddings provide a beautiful natural backdrop.

Both options, however, can lead to stunning photos.

Things to Remember:

If you’re considering an outdoor wedding in the UK, weather is something to keep in mind. Strong breezes or rain could affect your plans.

Indoor weddings, on the other hand, may lack the romantic ambiance of daylight, sunsets, or starry skies, but still offer their own unique charm.

Performing Outdoors:

I can perform outdoors but do require shelter to protect my instruments. They cannot be in direct sunlight or exposed to rain, as this could cause damage.

If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, here are some options that work best:

• Gazebo

• Pergola

• Umbrella

• Large tree

• Stationed near French doors

It’s important to have a contingency plan in case of adverse weather, and I’ll need advance notice before the event.

Note:Please check your venue’s music policy before completing your booking with me, as each venue has different rules and regulations.

Outdoor Weddings:

As we read in another blog: “Outdoor weddings can be a lot of fun and truly magical! But before you break out the bubbly and start rehearsing your vows, sit down and take the time to carefully assess the pluses and minuses of an al fresco ceremony.” (Katie Pierce)

I couldn’t agree more! It's essential to think everything through carefully.

Outdoor Pros:

• Depending on the time of year, outdoor venues often offer multiple locations with breathtaking flowers, trees, fountains, waterfalls, vibrant sunsets, and starry skies.

• Outdoor weddings let your guests fully experience the natural beauty of the venue.

• Larger outdoor spaces tend to cater to more guests, but smaller, intimate ceremonies can also be stunning in an outdoor setting.

• You have the flexibility to choose the location of your wedding—whether it’s a vineyard, beach, wooded area, or park.

• The natural backdrops (manicured gardens, flowers, plants) may not need much additional decoration.

• If you’re lucky, you can take advantage of beautiful golden sunlight for your photos.

• Outdoor weddings can be more affordable than indoor ceremonies, depending on the venue.

Outdoor Cons:

• Outdoor weddings are subject to unpredictable weather—rain, cold, freezing, or even unseasonably hot temperatures.

• Poor lighting can be an issue—if it gets dark too early, or if the sunlight is blinding.

• Consider the need for electricity—how will you access it?

• Noise from nearby roads, construction, or airplanes can affect the ambience.

• Cleaning up may take longer due to outdoor spaces requiring extra care and attention.

I always recommend having a backup plan for outdoor weddings, especially regarding the weather.

If you’re leaning towards an outdoor ceremony, here are some backup ideas:

• Have tents, gazebos, or canopies ready in case of rain.

• Have plenty of umbrellas available just in case.

• Schedule the ceremony at least two hours before sunset to avoid the risk of darkness—unless you’re planning a nighttime ceremony, in which case, have lighting ready.

• Book a venue with an indoor backup option, just in case.

• Ask your guests to dress comfortably with layers for changing weather, and ensure access to water for hydration.

• If it's sunny, provide paper fans to keep everyone cool.

Indoor Weddings:

Picture exchanging vows in a beautiful historic building, grand ballroom, or gorgeous barn. Indoor weddings offer the security of an environment where the elements won’t affect your ceremony. What you see is what you get.

Indoor Pros:

• Indoor weddings offer a more consistent atmosphere, with the same aesthetic throughout the day.

• Temperature and humidity levels are controlled, so you won’t have to worry about extreme weather.

• Indoor venues are often less stressful, as many of the details are already taken care of or can be managed by the venue or your suppliers.

• Most indoor venues come with built-in décor, like beautiful carpets, curtains, lighting, mirrors, and artwork.

• You can still have gorgeous photos taken outside, even with an indoor ceremony.

• Indoor weddings are free from concerns about bugs, wind, rain, or extreme temperatures.

• Noise from the outside world is usually less of an issue in indoor venues, as they are often soundproofed to some extent.

• Access to electricity is simple and reliable, making it easy to power live music, speeches, or presentations.

Indoor Cons:

• Depending on your guest list, indoor venues may have limits on the number of attendees.

• Indoor venues can be more expensive, as they often require payments for the venue itself, plus additional costs for furniture, decorations, floral arrangements, and more.

• If you love nature, indoor venues may lack the same romantic backdrop as an outdoor venue—unless you're choosing a stunning location like a historic ballroom, rustic barn, or chapel.

• Some indoor venues have restrictions on décor, which may limit your creative options.

• Indoor weddings at venues with multiple events may experience noise from other ongoing celebrations.

Creative Ways to Make Your Indoor Venue Feel Special:

If you’re opting for an indoor wedding, there are plenty of ways to make your space feel magical:

• Add fairy lights to create a romantic ambiance.

• Bring the outdoors inside with floral arrangements and greenery to add a touch of nature.

What Will You Choose?

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing between an outdoor or indoor wedding. It all depends on the style and atmosphere you want to create for your special day. Take your time, have fun with the decision, and choose what feels right for you.

Best wishes,

Laura Seymour Violin