Tying the knot alfresco is always one of the top wedding trends as the weather gets warmer. For couples who have their heart set on a spring or summer wedding date, hosting the ceremony outdoors is a great idea for so many reasons. Here WeddingVibe shares just one of those benefits:
“There’s something about getting married outside that feels more free and natural. All weddings are special, but an outdoor wedding has so much more to offer. From beach ceremonies to lakeside locations, there is no limit to where you can get married, and that makes it so much more appealing than a simple church or converted farmhouse.”
An outdoor wedding ceremony offers the opportunity to celebrate the changing season and the beauty of the wider natural world. The fresh air, added space and natural light also add to the magic of the entire affair.
The laws regarding outdoor ceremonies were updated as recently as 2021, so what are the legalities when hosting an outdoor wedding ceremony right here in the UK?
Your venue has to be approved
The most recent updates to legislation mean couples throughout the UK have more freedom and flexibility than ever to tie the knot on their terms. The latest regulations enable those wanting to marry alfresco to do so at an approved premises. You can find a list of approved premises in England and Wales here.
Religious buildings and premises that are not included on the government-approved list are unable to conduct wedding ceremonies outdoors. Wedding blessings and non-legal ceremonies however can be conducted in premises that do not have approval, leaving you to marry legally elsewhere.
Marry anywhere within the grounds
The Covid-19 pandemic sparked several changes to legislation, with the temporary relaxation of rules meaning many couples could marry outdoors even in the face of increasing restrictions. Before the relaxation of these laws, outdoor wedding ceremonies had to be conducted not just at an approved premises but under an approved structure, which would need to be undercover but could be partially enclosed.
Following the rule change, couples can now marry anywhere within the grounds of an approved premises, whether under cover or not.
It is important to note that the same rules don’t apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Outdoor ceremonies conducted in Scotland or Northern Ireland can be held anywhere at the registrar or officiant’s discretion.
Couples marrying at Holmewood Hall
Here at Holmewood Hall, we offer a number of stunning ceremony options for couples tying the knot with us. Alongside our Gold Room – a beautiful, indoor ceremony space that boasts a 50-foot-long aisle! – couples can say “I do” outdoors within our grounds.
Our stunning Bandstand is a picture-perfect setting for couples looking for an alfresco experience on their big day, and is able to be decorated with your theme and colour scheme in mind.
Want to find out more about the ceremony spaces available at our historic, Tudor Gothic-style mansion? Contact our team today for further information or to book a viewing.
