May 22, 2019

If you’re planning a ceremony in a location that’s not connected to your wedding venue, we have some advice for you! We’ve had our fair share of wedding ceremonies in forest preserves or parks. Through this experience, we’ve complied a list of questions you should be asking yourself or to another professional to ensure a smooth and successful afternoon.

SEATING

Where will your guests sit for your ceremony? Are you interested in renting chairs or benches? Here are a few questions you may want to ask:

1. When can the chairs be delivered? Who will set up the chairs?
2. When can the chairs be picked up? Who will fold and strike the chairs?
3. Does the venue have any restrictions on types of chairs allowed in the grass?
4. Who’s making the floor plan? The setup team will need to know where the chairs are facing, how many chairs in each row, and how many rows total?
5. How far away is the ceremony space from the closest street? The setup team will charge more if they have a long ways to walk. It’s ideal to have a ceremony location near a street that the truck can unload from.

ELECTRICITY

If you’re in the middle of a field or park, chances are they may not have electricity nearby. The one solution for no power is to rent in a generator but that’s not always the easiest thing to manage so it’s nice if your venue has outlets near.

1. Ceremony sound – All outdoor ceremonies should be amplified. Voices get lost very fast because there are no walls to bounce the sound off of. Even the second row in a ceremony could have a hard time hearing anything that’s said. You will need an outlet to plug the microphones into.
2. Electric instruments – While this is not as common as strings, some musicians do need electricity like a keyboard.

PERMITS

Before committing to a ceremony space, make sure you check to see if you need to get any permits for the land. This may include some of the following:

1. Special event permit
2. Photography permit
3. Noise permit
4. Food/beverage permit

DIRECTIONS

Many times when someone drives to a forest preserve or park, there is no one guiding them to the actual ceremony location. Consider one of the following options to help your guests locate you on time.

1. Provide a map with the invitation – This can be on the back of the invitation or included as an extra slip.
2. Put signs with balloons in the grounds – Make sure you get the a-okay by the park first though! Some places will not allow you to stick anything in the ground. If they do, make sure to have your wedding names on the sign with arrows so guests can easily read it.
3. Put specific directions on your wedding website – We actually recommend doing this no matter what. You can tell guests large objects to watch out for (deer sculpture, green porta potties, large oak tree, etc.) so they are reassured they’re going in the right direction.
4. Hire someone, or assign a family member, to direct guests once they get to the parking lot.

TRANSPORTATION/PARKING

Will guests be driving to the ceremony location or will you be shuttling them? Some things to consider below:

1. If you have elderly guests, consider renting a golf cart – It’s an easy solution to get guests from point A to B quickly. Non-elderly guests could use this as well!
2. Is the parking lot full of gravel? You may want to mention this on your wedding website. Sometimes guests get upset if they’re wearing really nice shoes and have to walk on a dirty ground. They could always bring an extra pair of shoes for later.
3. Does the forest preserve or park charge for parking? Make sure you also outline this on your wedding website so guests are aware. You could always opt to pay for guest parking if you’re allowed to arrange that through the venue.
4. Is there any areas that are not handicap accessible?

OUTDOOR FACTORS

If you’re getting married outside you have to think about the natural things that could affect your guests’ experience.

1. Mosquitos – Should you spray for mosquitos before the ceremony? Does your venue have any restrictions as to what can be sprayed?
2. Rain – The uncontrollable obstacle. Make sure you ask your venue what the rain plan is, if they have any shelter at all. Consider booking another space just in case something were to happen last minute. Many times, nearby hotels will have a small conference space that they could provide for an hour or two. It may not be what you’re envisioning but at least the show goes on…
3. Heat – Another uncontrollable obstacle. If it’s predicted to be blazing hot, consider getting buckets of ice cold water because there’s not many options of where to stay hydrated in the ceremony location.
4. Shade – If you have ceremony musicians, a lot of times they require shade to protect their instruments. Consider using a pop-up tent.

THE GRAND EXIT

Do you want a “grand exit” when you come down the aisle once you’re married? Here are some fun ideas that you should get approved before purchasing the materials. Every venue or space has different restrictions, all resorting back to if those items will damage the grass or property.

1. Bubbles – These are allowed almost anywhere! If it’s a really sunny day though, bubbles may not be seen in pictures.
2. Colorful streamers – Another park-friendly option. Guests take these with them as they leave so it does not leave a mess.
3. Confetti canons or poppers – If your venue does not allow regular confetti, ask if they’re okay with biodegradable confetti.
4. Sparklers – What time of day is your ceremony? While sparklers are typically allowed in outdoor locations, it may not have the same affect if it’s an afternoon ceremony.
5. Balloon release – This can be super cute but once again, you must ask your venue so you don’t get in trouble if guests let these go.

We hope this helps you prepare planning your outside nuptials!

Picture credit in order: Katherine Salvatori Photography, Glenwood Weddings (2), Artisan Events