Recently, the trend of hosting weddings in outdoor venues like gardens, ranches, vineyards, and beaches has skyrocketed in popularity. Couples are foregoing traditional indoor banquet halls and church sanctuaries for a chance to exchange their heartfelt vows surrounded by nature’s beauty. But keeping an outdoor wedding dreamy rather than a logistical nightmare often proves challenging.
The Allure of Outdoor Weddings
One of the most compelling reasons to choose an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty it brings to your special day. The backdrop of rolling hills, serene lakes, or blooming gardens adds an unparalleled aesthetic element. Thanks to their unique atmosphere, outdoor weddings are inherently memorable. The open sky, gentle breezes, and the sounds of nature contribute to an ambiance that indoor venues often strive to mimic but rarely achieve. And don’t forget all the great photo ops. The advantage of natural lighting is a photographer’s dream. Outdoor settings provide dynamic and vibrant backgrounds that bring wedding photos to life.
Challenges of Saying “I Do” Outside
One of the biggest risks of an outdoor wedding is the possibility of poor weather throwing a wrench into all your carefully laid plans. Heat waves, downpours, or strong winds can quickly turn an open-air celebration into a soggy or miserable mess. While you can take precautions by renting outdoor tents and having patio heaters on hand, you’re still ultimately at the mercy of the elements, which can be stressful.
Indoor venues allow you to control the temperature and airflow, no matter the weather outside. An outdoor wedding takes away that buffer, so you and your guests could be battling muggy humidity, chilly winds, or anything in between that makes keeping your hair, makeup, and outfits in place for pictures a challenge.
When planning your outdoor wedding, couples need to remember to make the guest experience a top priority. Depending on your location and the time of year, you and your guests could have to contend with mosquitos or other biting insects that can quickly become a nuisance. You’ll want to have bug repellants, citronella candles, and other precautions in place.
Why The Valley Venues Shines for Outdoor Weddings
For couples looking for an outdoor venue like a scene out of The Notebook, consider a destination that combines historic charm with breathtaking views, like The Valley Venues. Nestled within 74 acres of property in Wildwood, Georgia, The Valley Venues is a captivating wedding and event venue with valley and mountain views just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee. Established in 2023 by Kobi Cummings, this extraordinary property has a rich history as a cherished family estate before transforming into a haven for celebrations.
The Valley Venues has four distinct event spaces, each with a unique character and ambiance. From enchanting valleys to grand halls and a stunning modern deck with panoramic mountain views, guests can immerse themselves in another world inspired by the power of true love.
Davis Hall is an indoor reception hall that can be transformed to match a couple’s vision for their big day. And adjacent to Davis Hall is the Lookout Deck, an expansive outdoor deck space that’s perfect for a ceremony space, reception space, or even a cocktail hour in between the ceremony and reception. With these two spaces, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds with an outdoor space for one part of the wedding and Davis Hall if the couple wants to move the party inside. There’s also the Magnolia House, a historic home with verandas perfect for outdoor photos, and The Valley, an outdoor lawn and garden for an idyllic outdoor ceremony complete with valley views.
The Valley Venues offers an authentic commitment to personalization and service. They can help you with recommendations for local vendors and ideas and suggestions for decor for the different event locales. Couples can also choose from an extensive on-site decor inventory featuring various backdrops, signage, arches, and more. That means you can choose a look and feel that resonates with your style and vision for your outdoor wedding.
Moreover, the staff at The Valley Venues are experts in outdoor event planning, providing comprehensive support from the initial planning stages to the final execution. They understand the nuances of outdoor events and are equipped to handle everything from setup to breakdown, ensuring that each couple can focus on their celebration without worry.
Whether you choose to celebrate your nuptials indoors or out, there are ups and downs to weigh. But with enough planning and precautions, an outdoor wedding can be a beautifully memorable way to start your new life together as a married couple surrounded by nature’s splendor. Just be aware of the potential pitfalls so you can have a contingency plan to keep your dream day picture-perfect.
