| If you've always loved the idea of being married | | | | also visit local museums, which often have beautifully |
| outside under a brilliant, sunny sky or a night full of | | | | landscaped inner courtyards, and historical homes. |
| twinkling stars, you should begin planning your outdoor | | | | Many historical homes have elegant formal gardens or |
| wedding as early as possible to make sure you find an | | | | cottage gardens that are ideal for an outdoor wedding. |
| appropriate location. | | | | If you want something casual, a beach wedding is |
| Of course, if you have a large backyard, you may | | | | lovely, and you don't have to live near an ocean - |
| have the perfect spot right at home. Most of us don't | | | | places like Lake Erie and Michigan often have beaches |
| have that much space, though, and it's nice to have a | | | | where you can get married on the sandy shores. |
| location that allows plenty of room for a large guest | | | | Logistics are Crucial When Planning an Outdoor |
| list. | | | | Wedding |
| The first step when planning an outdoor wedding is | | | | Visit every location you're interested in and check |
| determining how long the guest list is. This will narrow | | | | these important factors: |
| down the list of appropriate locations to those large | | | | - Is there enough room for the guests? |
| enough to accommodate your friends and family. | | | | - Is the access to the location easy even for elderly or |
| Consider whether you want the reception in the same | | | | handicapped guests? |
| location as the wedding ceremony. If you do, you'll | | | | - Is there enough parking for everyone near the |
| need a larger space so that people can easily mingle | | | | ceremony site? |
| and there will be room for your caterers. | | | | - Is there an alternate location nearby that will be |
| Consider Unusual Locations When Planning an Outdoor | | | | available if the weather is bad? |
| Wedding | | | | If you keep these tips in mind, you'll soon be planning an |
| Don't limit yourself to obvious locations like the botanical | | | | outdoor wedding that will be stunning and |
| gardens (although these are certainly lovely!). You can | | | | unforgettable! |