Want to get wed under wide open skies or say ‘I do’ with sandy toes? Outdoor humanist, civil, or religious ceremonies are legal in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, in England and Wales, current regulations require all marriages to be conducted under a permanent structure with a fixed roof and solid floor.
Yet, the rules are set to change. Marriage laws, dating back to the 1800s, are being reviewed, which means that by 2021 couples could have a greater selection of al fresco wedding venues. For now, here are some of the most beautiful outdoor wedding venues in the UK.
Fforest, Pembrokeshire
If you’re after a rustic, rural wedding but fear it might seem clichéd, Fforest Farm will put your worries to rest. Nestled in 200 acres of the stunning Welsh countryside, this secluded retreat is managed by two creatives who have designed an assortment of lodges, barns, cabins, and geodesic domes, all featuring local materials, handmade textiles, and wildflowers picked on-site.
Say ‘I do’ in an old quarry, in expansive fields (humanist ceremonies can be held almost anywhere on site), or choose a civil ceremony in the open-sided garden pavilion. Afterwards, enjoy a locally-sourced feast, toast in a quaint 200-year-old pub, and dance around an outdoor fire pit.
Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides
Was your love written in the stars? Consider a wedding on the wild Isle of Coll, Scotland’s only dark sky island. This 13-mile-long Inner Hebrides island, home to approximately 200 residents, boasts virtually no light pollution, making for unparalleled stargazing opportunities—especially on clear winter nights when you might even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
The local community center, An Cridhe—which translates to ‘the heart’ in Scottish Gaelic—can accommodate up to 120 guests. You can exchange vows on nearby Toristan Beach, where you may even have a few extra witnesses in the form of bobbing seals.
Temple Island, Oxfordshire
Marriage isn’t always plain sailing—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. These are just two of the slightly misplaced idioms that best men and fathers of the brides might feel compelled to use in their speeches during a wedding on Temple Island near Henley-on-Thames, which famously marks the start of the Royal Henley Regatta each summer.
Indeed, you can hire this intimate island on the River Thames for your wedding blessing and reception. The temple itself is an 18th-century folly that features an Etruscan-style dining room seating 40 guests. With the addition of a marquee on the lawn, the island can host up to 120 guests, who will arrive in style by boat.
Finnebrogue Woods, County Down
If your officiant agrees, your wedding ceremony—even if it’s religious—can take place almost anywhere in Northern Ireland. Finnebrogue Woods is a splendid option. Located on the grounds of a private mansion less than an hour from Belfast, you can exchange vows in a magical woodland glade above a 30-acre lough (lake) and celebrate with a nighttime dance in a giant tipi surrounded by fairy-lit trees.
Planning for social media? Capture stunning couple shots on a photo safari, where you’ll be driven around the estate, hunting for the ideal backdrops—April is perfect for posing amidst a carpet of bluebells.
River Cottage, Devon/Dorset
Did your romance blossom over a shared meal? Whether you choose to say ‘I do’ in the walled kitchen garden, the restored threshing barn, or within the famous farmhouse itself, you can rely on exceptional (and fresh, seasonal, organic) catering at River Cottage, located along the Devon/Dorset border.
Unfortunately, you can’t contract celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall to conduct the ceremony or walk you down the aisle; however, brides may still arrive in quintessential pastoral style: on a tractor-drawn trailer!
Hush, Norfolk
Hoping for a festival-style wedding? Grab your flower crowns and make your way to Hush in Broads National Park. Here, civil ceremonies are held in the Old Woodshed amidst ancient oaks and beeches, complemented by outdoor hammocks, a communal fire pit, and canvas tipi accommodations that enhance the laid-back atmosphere. A limited number of weekend-long wedding slots are available each year, offering a beautiful natural setting that acts as a blank canvas for couples to curate their perfect day. Additionally, for those concerned about rain, Norfolk is recognized as one of the UK’s driest regions.
Tunnels Beaches, Devon
In North Devon, you will need to journey through a 200-year-old tunnel to reach seaside Tunnels Beaches, where you can seal your vows beneath a gazebo overlooking the rugged beach and the Bristol Channel beyond. Ilfracombe’s four historic tunnels, carved by miners in the 1820s, grant access to hidden beaches and a tidal pool. After the ceremony, you and your guests can explore the private beach and witness the sky transform into fiery hues at sunset from the venue’s rooftop terrace.
Harvest Moon, East Lothian
Dreaming of a barefoot wedding? Just a 45-minute drive from Edinburgh, you’ll find a broad sandy beach sheltered by dunes and tree-lined trails. With Harvest Moon Weddings, you can unite on this wild stretch of coastline and celebrate with your guests in a marquee on the nearby fields. The venue features seven luxury beach cabins, including a honeymoon suite with a four-poster bed and stunning sea views. During autumn and winter, you can also opt for whimsical treehouse lodgings and a woodland ceremony.
Pergola and Hill Garden, London
Couples in London need not be restricted to stuffy hotels or chilly churches for their wedding ceremony—England’s capital is brimming with quirky venues, including al fresco treasures. Hampstead Heath’s little-known Pergola and Hill Garden is one such spectacular spot; its 800ft-long walkway is a Grade II listed structure, and its vine and wisteria-clad columns exude old-world charm. This venue can be rented for just two hours, so we recommend reconvening at a nearby pub (with a garden) to continue the festivities.
Carnglaze Caverns, Cornwall
While not technically outdoors, Carnglaze Caverns are just as enchanting as any beach or forest wedding. Featuring four venues on-site, two of which are underground, you might choose to traverse one of the longest aisles in Cornwall in the expansive Rum Store cave, which is 80 meters long. Alternatively, you can descend 60 candlelit steps to meet your partner beside the turquoise underground lake for a more intimate setting. The consistent temperature of 10°C year-round in the caverns ensures your outfits won’t be affected by the weather!
This article was first published Dec 11, 2019, and updated Feb 12, 2020.
