Try the great outdoors for a magical wedding

For quite a few years now, many couples have ventured overseas to warmer climes to fulfil their nuptials, often accepting they'll have a very limited number of guests present due to the additional expense incurred with flights and accommodation.

Photos of brides paddling barefoot in the crystal clear sea with white dresses floating on the sultry breeze are a familiar sight but how often have you attended or admired photos of an outdoor wedding here in the UK? Well if you're currently drawing a blank, this will probably change sometime in the near future as outdoor weddings in good old Blighty are becoming increasingly popular!

Couples can be forgiven for not knowing where to start with planning one, given very few venues have licences for outdoor weddings. The inclement climate in our green and pleasant land might seem like another barrier, but here wedding planner extraordinaire Helen Davies explains how holding your dream wedding in the great British outdoors might yet become a reality.

Let's go outside

The British Isles are much admired for their beauty, from golden sands, to lush hills and valleys, peaceful forests and fabulous manicured grounds. There is literally an abundance of scenery and wildlife across the entire land, even your average back garden can be a wonderful haven of tranquillity.

"There are all sorts of reasons more and more couples want to get married outdoors," said Helen. "Some might feel a deep connection with nature, some might just not want any kind of religious aspect to their marriage, some might not like the formality associated with a traditional wedding in a conventional building and want a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

"The idea of exchanging vows in a beautiful or favourite outdoor location, even in your own garden, is becoming increasingly appealing. I think it also allows you to truly express yourself in a very creative way as there isn't a set way of doing things, you have so many options.

"It's the things that people do to personalise their wedding that make it so memorable for them and their guests, and holding it outdoors is a sure-fire way to ensure it's unforgettable."

But what about the legalities?

It's true, there is only a small selection of outdoor wedding venues where you can legally marry in this country - weddings in the UK have to be in a licensed building which must meet certain criteria.

But don't let this put you off, there are ways and means to deal with this challenge! "The simplest solution is to cover the requirements separately by visiting the registrar to obtain your marriage certificate. This is very low cost and you only need two witnesses present, and they don't even need to be people you know. This could be done at any time before your actual wedding," explained Helen.

"You can then hold your celebration at your chosen location, with your guests in attendance. You will need a ceremony conductor and can get help with writing and designing your ceremony, it can be completely personalised to your wishes, including the words you exchange as you commit to each other," she added.

Helen can help take the pressure off the bride-to-be by dealing with the additional factors that come into play when looking for an outdoor wedding venue. She can assist with choosing an outdoor location, assess its suitability, and seek permission to use it. "The couple might know exactly where they'd like to hold the wedding or they might just have a loose idea around it being in a woodland, or a garden or close to water, even on a beach. I can help them scout for locations that would work," said Helen.

But what about the weather?!

As with any outdoor event, there are a number of potential pitfalls to plan for, not least the predictably unpredictable British weather!

"It's probably best to plan an outdoor wedding in our warmer, drier months. Nobody wants to see guests shivering in a sleety November and it's unlikely the bride wants to be slipping around a wet, muddy field in February," said Helen. "That said, it's still possible to encounter an unexpectedly cool breeze or shower in the middle of August, so it's about being prepared - do you need to provide rain ponchos, or even wellies? Or maybe pop some cosy blankets on the seating that people can snuggle into?"

Alternatively, if we are struck by a sudden heatwave, you might want to supply guests with insect repellent, sunscreen and bottles of water.

Helen added: "Other considerations to take into account include parking, toilets, access for suppliers such as caterers and entertainers, and hiring electricity generators. Think about the decor and lighting too, which can create a stunning effect in an outdoor setting. Also, can you offer overnight accommodation for guests? Upmarket glamping or even old-fashioned camping might be a possibility.

"I believe an outdoor wedding is the ultimate way to express yourself and create the most personalised experience possible, I really do love helping couples plan these very special days."

In terms of the reception following the ceremony, a marquee usually goes hand in hand with an outdoor wedding. Village Farm Marquees has a multitude of options that would complement an outdoor ceremony, whatever the theme.

Recommended outdoor wedding venues

Here are Helen's current favourite venues for outdoor weddings:

Escrick Park

Escrick Park Estate provides a stunning natural environment set in green open parkland close to the A19 just south of York. Set in an ancient oak clearing, this is one of the few outdoor open spaces that is actually licensed for marriage ceremonies.

It provides rustic benching for up to 150 people seated with an archway crafted from dried oak branches to create a special space for your 'I do's'. Bunting and bales are available to hire with this space.

The woodland is just a short walk from the tent site so once you have concluded your marriage ceremony, you can stroll back with your guests for your wedding reception. This space can be booked for ceremony only with no obligation to hold your wedding reception at Escrick Park.

www.escrick.com

Bivouac

Bivouac is part of the 20,000 acre Swinton Estate situated in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The woodland spreads over the hilltop with breathtaking views looking out over the moorland and valley below.

Bivouac promises a very romantic experience: "Imagine wandering through picturesque woodland into a clearing laden with flowers. If you've ever dreamt of having your special day in the beauty of the great outdoors, and want something that is magical, memorable and creative, a woodland wedding at Bivouac is for you ... we want your guests to feel the wow factor as they get back to grass roots and simplicity, with the touches of creativity and care which will be remembered for years to come. You get to experience the woodland with the Druid's plantation, the 40-mile views over stunning Yorkshire countryside, the rustic yet comfortable accommodation, a fire pit, amazing event tents, and more. Whether you are looking for a truly chilled venue for a laid back wedding or civil partnership, or a wedding with a difference, Bivouac allows you to really make the day your own."

bivouac.swintonestate.com

Yorkshire Arboretum

This stunning 120-acre landscape of parkland, lakes and ponds at Castle Howard, 15 miles north east of York, is the backdrop for a collection of more than 6,000 trees from around the world.

If you dream of celebrating your wedding close to nature the rustic and romantic Cruck House, sheltering beneath a massive English Oak, offers an intimate and unique woodland setting for your ceremony.

The Yorkshire Arboretum offers ceremony-only and ceremony and reception packages. Whether you want to celebrate your marriage with an informal buffet in a country-style Sperry tent, a festival-inspired party in a tepee, or a formal wedding breakfast in a grand marquee, the lakeside lawn grounds offer a spectacular blank canvas for your plans and can accommodate from five to 500 guests.

www.yorkshirearboretum.org

Camp Katur

Set within the beautiful 250-acre Camp Hill Manor Estate of Bedale, in North Yorkshire, Camp Katur is a wonderful alternative wedding venue that will give you an unforgettable experience in a magical setting.

Camp Katur can cater for as little as 10 people or for a larger party of up to 1500 people and has a choice of outdoor and indoor locations within the site for your celebrations.

The Woodland Ceremony area is nestled among tall pine trees, a tranquil space that can accommodate 130 guests seated on bench seats and up to 200 guests standing.

The 15-acre meadow is a large green space secluded by large woodlands, and is home to a various mix of glamping accommodation. Situated in the centre of the meadow surrounded by large oak trees that can be dressed with hanging candles and fairy lights is a large communal campfire and tipi that is the ideal place to finish off the night into the early hours.

If you'd prefer to hold your reception indoors, the traditional Rustic Barn and the bright and airy Orangery, converted from a dairy farm, are available to book.

www.campkatur.com

Skipbridge Country Weddings

This lovely countryside venue is located between Harrogate and York, just outside Green Hammerton, and offers a perfect green space for a fabulous Village Farm marquee.

Skipbridge can cater for wedding parties of up to 200 guests and is an excellent choice if you're looking for plenty of overnight accommodation. They offer glamping tents, holiday cottages and an on-site bed and breakfast. As it's a smallholding, there are also lots of creatures great and small around, including donkeys, llamas and peacocks, which can make for some interesting photos!

They have their own bar The Rolling Barrel as well as the Grain Silo, a bespoke whisky, rum and gin bar, for exclusive use on your wedding night. They also offer electric points, so no generators required, as well as luxury toilets and showers so no need to hire portable loos.

www.skipbridgecountryweddings.co.uk

For more exciting suggestions for outdoor wedding venues, contact Village Farm Marquees on info@villagefarmmarquees.co.uk or (01262) 468160.

Photos: Camp Katur - photography www.annemarieking.co.uk ; florist www.lucymacnicoll-flowers.com