Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Tips From Ashridge Great Barn
There really is something truly special about an outdoor wedding. Fresh air, the natural light, and beautiful surroundings create a relaxed yet unforgettable atmosphere for your big day. As a wedding venue with extensive grounds and a variety of unique outdoor ceremony spaces, we’ve seen just how magical outdoor celebrations can be—when they’re planned well.
If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” outdoors, here are some of our top tips to help your day run smoothly and stress-free.
Photo Paul Aston
1. Choose a venue with versatile outdoor spaces
One of the biggest advantages of hosting your wedding at a dedicated outdoor venue is access to thoughtfully designed outdoor areas. Look for a location that offers multiple ceremony spots. Lawns, gardens, or tucked-away corners so you can choose a space that truly fits your vision. Look for shade and shelter spots nearby, are there are few trees you can shelter under if a shower passes over?
At Ashridge we have two unique outdoor ceremony spaces set up perfectly for your special day. The Victorian gardens provide stunning outdoor settings for ceremonies in the Magic Circle and receptions on the extensive lawns surrounded by majestic trees. We also have the magical Secret Glade, providing an option for ceremonies surrounded by woodland. You can select a backdrop that feels personal to you. This flexibility also helps if you need to adjust layouts for guest numbers, décor, or accessibility.
2. Always Have a Weather Plan for your outdoor wedding ceremony
Outdoor weddings are beautiful, but the weather doesn’t always follow the forecast. A professional venue will help you prepare a solid backup plan without compromising the look or feel of your day.
We work with couples ahead of time to identify alternative spaces and smooth transitions, so even if the weather changes, your celebration doesn’t have to. Knowing that your venue has the experience and flexibility to adapt offers invaluable peace of mind.
As it gets closer to the big day watch the forecast to see if you will need extra umbrellas and blankets or maybe extra sunscreen, the weather can be unpredictable even in mid summer!
Some couples hire in stretch tents or bell tents to create sheltered areas. One couple were so determined to get married but the forecast was for heavy showers, they bought in several gazebos and lined the aisle to ensure all the guests had shelter. It worked out, as they needed it!
Photo Melanie Barnfield
3. Think about guest comfort
When planning an outdoor ceremony, guest comfort should be a top priority. Consider shade on sunny days, shelter if there’s a breeze, and easy access to facilities. The shelter provided by the trees surrounding the Magic Circle givit it’s own micro-climate.
Think about accessibillity, we have a nearby parking space for guests with limited mobility so they don’t have to travel far to the ceremony.
Having a nearby toilet block is a detail that’s often overlooked, how ever it makes a huge difference. Our conveniently located facilities ensure guests don’t have to wander too far, keeping everyone comfortable and focused on celebrating with you.
4. Staffing can make a big difference
Outdoor weddings involve many moving parts, from setting up ceremony seating to coordinating transitions between spaces. Having experienced venue staff on hand can make all the difference. We deal with all the tricky moving and transitions so that you don’t have to.
We have a coordinator on site to assist throughout your day—helping with setup, guiding guests, managing timing, and troubleshooting any last-minute needs. This support allows couples (and their families) to relax and truly enjoy the moment.
5. Let the Grounds Do the Talking
One of the joys of an outdoor wedding is letting nature be part of your décor. At Ashridge we have lush lawns, mature trees, and thoughtfully landscaped areas that require very little additional styling. As a result guests are truly stunned by the natural beauty of the venue.
Our grounds photograph beautifully in all seasons, giving you natural backdrops that enhance your ceremony and wedding photos naturally. This can also help keep décor simple and intentional.
Photo Evolve Photography
6. Plan your outdoor wedding day carefully
Outdoor weddings often move between multiple spaces—ceremony, drinks, and reception. Choosing a venue where these areas are close together helps maintain momentum and keeps guests engaged. Ashridge has beautiful grounds to support all elements of the day.
We design our layout to ensure smooth transitions, with clear pathways and staff on hand to guide guests from one part of the celebration to the next.
Photo Evolve Photography
7. Trust Experience
Perhaps the most important tip of all is to choose a venue that understands outdoor weddings. Experience matters when it comes to anticipating challenges, managing logistics, and creating a seamless experience.
From ceremony setup to staffing and facilities, a venue that’s hosted many outdoor weddings will know how to support you every step of the way.
For more support in planning your wedding take a look at our Ashridge Planning Support.
Photo Evolve Photography
