With summer around the corner, you may be considering an outdoor wedding. Or, maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting hitched in the great outdoors.

Outdoor weddings require lots of practical considerations. The Wedding Team at Delamere Manor are here to help with some handy tips on how to plan outdoor weddings!

Venue Choice For Outdoor Weddings

While in theory you can have your ceremony wherever you like. Current laws in England mean that it won’t necessarily be legally-binding.

In England and Wales a marriage ceremony is only legal when it takes place within a permanently immovable structure, featuring a fixed roof and a solid floor!

However, if you want to tie the knot in the open air you could look at having a celebrant-led ceremony, with a legally binding marriage at a registry office a couple of days before.

The other option is to hold your ceremony in a licenced structure in the grounds of your venue. .

At Delamere Manor we have four licensed and flexible spaces for outdoor wedding ceremonies. There is also a fifth option within our stunning, starlit Courtyard.

The Great British Weather

Summer is obviously the best bet for an outdoor wedding but even then the British weather doesn’t always play ball, so you’ll need a back-up option.

Delamere Manor, Courtyard features a retractable roof – meaning guests have cover for any eventuality! If you do opt for a summer wedding you’ll also need to plan for a scorcher too. Liaise with your venue and suppliers to discuss options for warm weather, including pre-ceremony drinks to keep everyone hydrated. 

The weather may also influence your choice of dress and hairstyle. Should a ceremony be held in a location that is exposed to the elements, avoid light fabrics like chiffons! The wind can also affect sound quality so it’s definitely worth considering a microphone and speakers during your ceremony so your guests don’t miss a beat.

Décor

Outdoor weddings benefit from the beauty of the landscape, offering you a stunning backdrop before you even start!  Liaise with your florist so they can create installations that work well within your chosen setting. Plus there are lots of beautiful finishing touches you can add. Consider fairy-lit trees, rustic signage, fabric backdrops and oversized balloons depending on your theme.

Food For Outdoor Weddings

Having outdoor weddings may mean you may want to go with a less formal food choice. Maybe you fancy an Instagrammable grazing table instead of serving up traditional starters or you could opt for street food traders including wood-fired pizza, tacos and waffles instead of an evening buffet for more of a festival vibe.

Invitations

Although you may want to keep it as a surprise, it’s a good idea to let your guests know your plans for an outdoor wedding, that way they can plan their wedding outfits accordingly and bring an extra layer just in case.

Here’s a little about each of our Outdoor Wedding spaces at Delamere Manor:

The Terrace

The Terrace overlooks the adjacent manicured parkland, lake and mature woodland. The south-facing paved terrace is a spectacular place for you to say ‘I do’. Direct access from the Drawing Room for the bride’s magnificent entrance provides a real wow factor. The Terrace provides a blank canvas for you to create the wedding ceremony of your dreams.

The Jetty

A short walk from the Manor is our fabulous jetty, which provides a waterside wedding ceremony option on our six-acre lake. The Jetty is surrounded by wildlife, resident swans from the area regularly appear for photo opportunities! The Jetty has panoramic views back towards the Manor, across the meadows and gardens and is an idyllic setting.

The Pergola

Our gorgeous Pergola is the perfect outdoor spot to sign the register following your vows on The Terrace. It’s also a wonderful place for an intimate ceremony for up to 12 guests.

The Summer House

The Summer House provides a stunning photo opportunity and the chance to say your vows within the grounds of Delamere Manor overlooking the idyllic lake.

The Garden Folly

Our romantic, roman style Folly is another perfect outdoor location to say ‘I do’ in the grounds of the estate, suitable for intimate and large weddings with views of the parkland and lake.

Delamere Manor is Cheshire’s most sought-after wedding venue. To find out more, including availability for 2021 & 2022 weddings, get in touch with the Wedding Team at Delamere Manor on 01606 261361 or email us at enquiries@1120601262.test.prositehosting.co.uk