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Pick The Perfect Venue For Your Spring Wedding

Planning an outdoor wedding in the spring is not for the faint of heart. It requires a risk-taker mentality. Someone who won’t let stress get the better of them. Because as lovely as spring is, it can turn into winter quickly (even in May) and plans can change. But if you have your heart set on an outdoor event, here are some suggestions.

Golf course

The great thing about being married at a golf course is that the properties tend to have many options when it comes to ceremony locations. Typically, there are a couple outside, and in case of inclement weather, you can always move things indoors. Speak with the wedding team at the course and confirm back-up plans. Also be sure to ask about décor rules, particularly for outside. Sometimes golf courses are a get-what-you-get situation when it comes to décor as they don’t want to disrupt their landscaping or interiors. Remember: depending on how the weather has been, they may not allow you on the fairways or greens for photos. Respect their property!

Art gallery

Galleries can be really sophisticated and romantic, and some of them have outdoor sculpture galleries in which weddings can take place. Again, the benefit here is having an easy alternative to outdoor nuptials if it rains. Speak to the gallery about allowing your guests to peruse the paintings in between the ceremony and reception. This may come at an extra cost, but your guests will be truly entertained.

Gardens

Nearly every city has a botanical garden of some kind, filled with gorgeous site options for a ceremony. When booking (or even better, before you book) ask about which flowers will be in bloom for your preferred wedding date. Lilacs? Roses? Cherry blossoms? And depending on which are showing their colours, can the ceremony take place in that area of the garden? Don’t assume that you can go wherever the flowers are.

Vineyard

Now depending on the time of year and grape variety, vineyards may be lush and green in the spring, or barely sprouting. Do your research beforehand. If plants are in their fragile state, just beginning to grow, you may not be able to have a ceremony or even do photos amongst the vines. Vineyards are gorgeous, but they are also a business, and you wouldn’t want to impair the growth process. That being said, many vineyards do have beautiful rooms with stunning views, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to get great photos. Oh, and did we mention the added bonus of all the wine?

Barns

Rustic. Boho. Natural. Those are just a few words to describe a barn wedding. A barn gives you indoor/outdoor options, but either way, it’s still a barn. Discuss heating, lighting and bathroom facilities with your venue. Most established businesses will have all of this sorted. But, if you’re simply “using a friend’s barn” for example, you’ll have lots to consider. Try to stick with the pros and book a legitimate space.

Hotel rooftop

If you’re more of a cityscape type of person, look into a hotel rooftop ceremony or reception. You’ll have incredible views and it’s a unique location that guests will talk about for years to come. If you’re lucky enough to have a warm spring day/ evening, a rooftop reception filled with garlands of twinkle lights or Edison bulbs is a sight to see. Or maybe you’ll have enough sunshine in the afternoon for a quick ceremony on the roof, and then back into a hotel ballroom or restaurant for the reception.

Cottage or backyard

Intimate at-home weddings became extra popular during COVID and have stuck around. There’s nothing like the warm feeling of being at home. However, if your event is moved indoors, will you have enough room? If not, a tent is a must-have. And a wedding on your property doesn’t mean skimping on décor or a delicious sit-down meal. Go all out, but ask a planner to help you construct the day of your dreams. A lot goes into a house or cottage wedding, including permits, so ask a professional to help out.