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; From Real Wedding: Chic White, Blush & Gold Seaside Wedding at Montage Laguna Beach

outdoor wedding ceremony in the santa monica mountains canyon views

Photo by Michael Segal Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Alfresco Wedding with a Rosé-Inspired Palette at a Ranch in Malibu

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; From Real Wedding: Rustic-Elegant Celebration a Ranch in Bakersfield, California

White beach wedding ceremony

Photo by Yvette Roman Photography; Floral Design by The Hidden Garden; From Real Wedding: All-White Wedding at a Beach Club in Santa Monica, California

outdoor wedding ceremony sunset bay with personalized aisle runner

Photo by Binaryflips Photography; Aisle Runner by The Original Runner Company; From Real Wedding: Bayfront Ceremony & Garden Courtyard Reception in Sarasota, Florida

Beverly Hills outdoor garden wedding ceremony

Photo by Callaway Gable; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events; From Real Wedding: Sunset Ceremony & Neutral-Toned Ballroom Reception in Beverly Hills

Wedding ceremony on pier

Photo by Adam Barnes; Floral Design by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design; From Real Wedding: Rustic-Inspired Waterfront Wedding in Small Town Maryland

Brittney Palmer wedding ceremony

Photo by Daniel Kincaid Photography; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events; From Real Wedding: UFC Octagon Girl Brittney Palmer's Sparkling Oceanfront Wedding

outdoor wedding ceremony in seattle pretty garden backyard setting

Photo by Sam & Sola Lee Photography; From Real Wedding: Modern Outdoor Ceremony & Tent Reception in Seattle on Puget Sound

Poolside ceremony in Santa Monica

Photo by Embrace Life Photography; Aisle Runner by The Original Runner Company; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events; From Real Wedding: Santa Monica Poolside Wedding with a Modern Tropical Feel

Lakefront wedding ceremony

Photo by Michael Carr Photography; Planning & Design by Ann Whittington, Event Planner; From Real Wedding: Romantic Lakefront Ceremony & Elegant Tented Reception in Texas

Bride and groom at beach wedding

Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Floral & From Real Wedding: Elegant Summer Beach Wedding in Southern California

Bride and groom at Malibu wedding ceremony

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Ethereal Garden-Inspired Morning Ceremony & Alfresco Brunch

Green outdoor wedding ceremony

Photo by Karlisch Studio; From Real Wedding: Southern-Chic Wedding in Oklahoma with a Performance by Boyz II Men

wedding ceremony outdoor ocean view pastel color palette

Photo by Ashley Paige Photography; From Real Wedding: Romantic Ocean-View Ceremony & Charming Reception in California

outdoor wedding ceremony at spanish style ranch courtyard

Photo by Jodee Debes Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Ceremony & Reception with Bright Color Palette at LA Ranch

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