20 Outdoor Ceremonies That Will Make You Rethink Your Venue

Be inspired by these delightful alfresco weddings in the great outdoors.

From lawn ceremonies overlooking the ocean to magical garden weddings beneath towering trees, there are a variety of locations, such as hotels and resorts, that offer striking locations for your alfresco celebration.

bride-and-groom-beneath-chuppah-at-santa-barbara-wedding
Photo: Elizabeth Messina

Many couples choose to say "I do" in a church for traditional reasons, or weather or preference may permit another indoor space to be selected for the ceremony venue. If you're thinking about having your service indoors, the collection of 20 outdoor wedding ceremonies, below, may make you rethink your venue. Whether your wedding theme is classic, bohemian, beachy, rustic, or glam, an outdoor ceremony venue will provide natural scenery to offer an impeccable canvas for your décor.

From lawn ceremonies overlooking the ocean to magical garden weddings beneath towering trees, there are a variety of locations, such as hotels and resorts, that offer striking locations for your alfresco celebration. Backyard wedding ceremonies are also lovely if you're willing to turn a home into a venue – just be aware of the preparations necessary. Other outdoor ceremony venues include rooftops overlooking the city, poolside locales, and even piers or lakefront properties. 

Take a look at the inspiring wedding ceremonies from real weddings, below, to see if they motivate you to choose an outdoor wedding venue. If you fall in love with a particular ceremony, click on the image to see more photos from the celebration!

Montage Laguna Beach outdoor ceremony

Photo by Amy & Stuart Photography; Event Design by White Lilac Inc.

Outdoor garden ceremony under tree

Photo by Caroline Tran

outdoor wedding ceremony in the santa monica mountains canyon views

Photo by Michael Segal Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events

Bride and groom ceremony under oak tree

Photo by Braedon Photography; Aisle Runner by The Original Runner Company; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

Green Greystone Mansion wedding ceremony

Photo by Marc Royce; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

White beach wedding ceremony

Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden

outdoor wedding ceremony sunset bay with personalized aisle runner

Photo by Binaryflips Photography; Aisle Runner by The Original Runner Company

Beverly Hills outdoor garden wedding ceremony

Photo by Callaway Gable; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers; Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Wedding ceremony on pier

Photo by Adam Barnes; Floral Design by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design

Brittney Palmer wedding ceremony

Photo by Daniel Kincaid Photography; Planning & Design by Bluebell EventsRentals by Revelry Event Designers

outdoor wedding ceremony in seattle pretty garden backyard setting

Photo by Sam & Sola Lee Photography; Planning & Design by Callista & Company

Poolside ceremony in Santa Monica

Photo by Embrace Life Photography; Aisle Runner by The Original Runner Company; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events

Lakefront wedding ceremony

Photo by Michael Carr Photography; Planning & Design by Ann Whittington, Event Planner

Bride and groom at beach wedding

Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Floral & Event Design by White Lilac Inc.

Bride and groom at Malibu wedding ceremony

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party ConsultantsRentals by Revelry Event Designers

Green outdoor wedding ceremony

Photo by Karlisch Studio

wedding ceremony outdoor ocean view pastel color palette

Photo by Ashley Paige Photography; Floral Design by Flowers by Cina; Guest Seating by Chameleon Chair Collection

outdoor wedding ceremony at spanish style ranch courtyard

Photo by Jodee Debes Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events

Get more ideas from real weddings in our photo galleries, which feature hundreds of inspiring ceremony images! And if you're currently planning your wedding, find respected wedding vendors in our Directory.