How to Create a Perfect Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Space
A Wedding Celebrant's Perspective
Creating a perfect outdoor wedding ceremony space.
Many outdoor wedding venues are very popular with couples as they offer a great amount of choice and freedom on where they can hold the ceremony. The possibilities are endless.
Whether it’s in a woodland clearing, or by a stream, or against a beautiful tree, or at the top of a hill with an endless horizon, how do you create a perfect ceremony space, when you’ve found the perfect spot?
Thoughtful and creative wedding ceremony layouts make the best use of the space and ensure all your guests feel included in the most important part of your day.
So, how do you create a perfect outdoor wedding ceremony space?
Gemma and Sam did just that at Hunstile Organic Farm, this summer.
The layout and seating of the ceremony space is an important consideration when planning your wedding, as it plays an important role in creating your wedding vibe.
Think straight formal rows, with the two families divided by the aisle, and guests placed in rows which clearly define their order of importance. Whilst this may be a suitable layout for a church, of for more formal, indoor wedding ceremonies, outdoor ceremonies ask for a completely different style.
Gemma and Sam wanted a modern and relaxed wedding. Together we put a lot of thought into how we could create their perfect outdoor wedding ceremony space.

A good marriage must be created.
In the marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say ‘I love you’ at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together and facing the world…
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right person.
It is being the right partner.
Wilferd A. Peterson.



Gemma and Sam held their ceremony within the Stone Circle at Hunstile Organic Farm.
The Stone Circle lies at the top of a hill, at the end of the Thickets woodland and is a peaceful and tranquil space.
Hay bales covered with rugs made the perfect rustic outdoor seating. The well-spaced, and staggered, gently curved rows, made best use of the space and created an informal feel.
With no rules on where to sit, or any need for reserved signs, Gemma and Sam ensured that all their guests felt equally valued and included.
The stunning views from the Stone Circle stretch across the countryside, as far as the eye can see. These remained unspoilt, and not obstructed by large scale arches and pillars.
Instead, a simple rug was placed beneath the large chunk of Mendip granite and two ancient Chinese rice pails, brimming full of foliage and flowers from The Somerset Cut Flower Garden were placed, one on each side, to demarcate the top of the ceremony space and complement the landscape.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen were seated on either side, facing the guests. This is an intimate and friendly way to place them. For, not only do guests get to enjoy the beautiful outfits, flowers, hair and makeup, they can also see their faces and watch their expressions throughout the ceremony.
As you can see, this makes for great photos.
Ian, of Ian Jeffery Wedding Photography is all about natural, documentary wedding photography, which is authentic and candid. He certainly captured the fun, love and emotion of the ceremony.
Although the ceremony looks effortless, chilled and relaxed, it was through careful attention to detail, that Gemma and Sam created their perfect outdoor ceremony space and set the stage for a beautiful day.
I’d like to thank Gemma and Sam for letting me share with you a part of their incredibly special day.
I’d like to also thank the amazing and generous photographer, Ian for the pics.
For my six top tips for writing your own wedding vows – click here !!
For my six top tips for reading your wedding vows – click here !!