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Location ideas for Outdoor Weddings

Getting married outside can be a lot of fun, very casual, or very formal. If you and your fiance love the outdoors, and your clergy is on board with the idea, go for it!
Of course, that also means taking into account the weather for your wedding day, number of guests and privacy of the location.

Possible Wedding Venues for Your Outdoor Wedding:
A park, either in town, in the country
A pretty backyard garden
A church with a courtyard, or gardens
Mountain top and ski areas
Botanical garden
Sculpture park
Hotel with outside landscaped areas
Golf course
A zoo (yes they can be done here!)
Gazebo
Camp site
Ship
Reception venue with outdoor gardens
Waterfall
Pond
Boardwalk

Things to consider for Outdoor Weddings:
Rain - can you rent a Marque as an alternative, or is there an inside backup location nearby?
Heat - will the ceremony be in full sunlight? If so, are there shade alternatives?
Number of guests - how many guests are you inviting, and will they fit the location?
Seating - will you have to provide seating?
Music - will your music require electricity? Acoustic guitars, violins, harps, and other instruments may not need electricity. Battery-powered docking stations for your iPod music are another choice.
Entrance fees - will your guests have to pay to get into the park?
Physical limitations - based on your location, is it barrier free for your guests?
Book - can you book the wedding location? If you are in a public area, consider the effect of uninvited guests and bystanders at your ceremony.
Water - If your wedding is held in the warm summer months, plan on enough cold beverages for your guests, and keep them available throughout the day. Chilled bottle water or pitchers of iced water is a simple but thoughtful drink. The wedding party will also appreciate a handy cold beverage if they are being photographed outside.
Umbrellas - Have a few umbrellas available. In the event of rain or hot sunshine, your older guests, babies, and those that sunburn easily will appreciate having one. This thoughtful touch will be remembered because guests will know you cared about their comfort.
Chairs - some people cannot stand for any length of time. Have a few chairs or benches available.
Shade - your musicians will need shade.
Shoes - what kind of shoes do you plan on wearing for your wedding? Flip flops, flat or low heels.
Hair - hair spray and gel are your best friends. Fly away hair can ruin a great photo.
Rough terrain - if guests must travel over grass, gravel or sand, ask younger relatives to help older aunts and uncles walk to the ceremony area.
Bugs - Don’t forget the bug spray!
Sunblock - Lotion or spray, guests will appreciate having it available.
Maps - Include a map to the ceremony and reception locations in the wedding invitation.