Woodland Weddings - Why Are They So Popular?

Woodland weddings are on the rise...

With traditional church weddings at an all-time low, couples are choosing alternative locations for their big day. Many couples dream of a woodland wedding; exchanging vows under a romantic, leafy canopy and enjoying a whimsical reception off the beaten path. There are some things to consider when planning your wedding – in the UK, you can’t legally marry in the woods unless you do so under a registered fixed roof like a pagoda or bandstand. So, a woodland wedding is technically a blessing hosted by a celebrant following the ‘paper work’ signed in a local register office. This gives couples the freedom to get married wherever they want. From the ceremonies we’ve witnessed, a blessing is every bit as emotional and heartfelt as a legal civil ceremony or religious wedding.

So, why the woods? In this blog, we look at the top 4 reasons couples are choosing a natural setting over the church:

'Greenery' is Pantone's Colour of the Year 2017

Reconnect with nature

The 2017 Pantone colour of the year reflects our need to reconnect with nature. In a fast-paced world, we need to find a way to disconnect from technology. The colour ‘Greenery’ is about unity - “connecting to oneself and others and a higher purpose – nature” says Pantone Vice President Laurie Pressman. A natural setting like a forest or woodland can recharge the batteries, which makes it an obvious choice of wedding location for those who want to escape the rat-race.

There's no beauty like natural beauty

Nature is beautiful

Choosing a woodland setting makes decorating very easy, Mother Nature does it all for you! You simply have to add a few details to make it your own. Rustic touches like hay bales, bunting, hand-written signs, hessian and tipis are made for a woodland wedding. Note - with beauty comes unpredictability, so ensure you have a plan if the skies decide to open on your big day.

Love the outdoors

Adventurous couples have shunned the idea of marrying in stuffy venues – the freedom to spread out and embrace the great outdoors chimes with nature-loving personalities. A ceremony outdoors means dogs can attend the wedding too –  who else can be the perfect ring-bearer than your very own furry friend?

If you like to break the rules…

There are many rules and regulations you must adhere to when marrying in a church or a traditional venue. A woodland wedding gives you the authority to create the wedding you and your partner want, with little in the way of limitations. This can include personalised vows, the order of the day a reception that reflects your tastes.

Woodland weddings give you absolute freedom

So, you think you want to get married in the woods? In this video, we see Sam and Dean marry in a beautiful woodland setting. The location has made the perfect backdrop for their big day and the video captures the essence of adventure and fun. If you’re planning a woodland wedding, give us a call to discuss your requirements, we’d love to hear all about it.