Outdoor Weddings

This is a serious question: Why plan an outdoor wedding? As a wedding officiant, this is something that often crosses my mind when meeting with clients who are set on having their big day surrounded by nature's beauty.

Don't misunderstand me; I completely grasp the allure behind the concept. The dreamy notion of exchanging vows on a beach, beneath a majestic tree, or against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset is undeniably romantic. However, I can't help but think that perhaps this romantic vision is best left as just that – a dream.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of officiating numerous weddings, approximately half of which were held outdoors. Regrettably, less than a quarter of those outdoor ceremonies have been blessed with favorable weather conditions. I've presided over weddings while gusty winds played havoc with decorations, turning serene scenes into chaotic affairs. I've seen rain turn wedding venues into temporary waterlogged marshes and snow showers create frosty obstacles. Bugs have taken advantage of the opportunity to feast on both guests and officiants, while extreme heat has led to awkward sweating for all involved.

Upon learning of an outdoor ceremony plan, my first question is always, "Do you have a backup plan in case the weather doesn't cooperate?" Disappointingly, more often than not, the answer is a resounding "no." It baffles me to think that couples would hinge their hopes on the assumption that the weather will be picture-perfect on a specific date, which might be a year or more away. This expectation almost comes across as a form of unwarranted optimism – as if the universe will conspire to ensure their wedding day remains untouched by climatic whims.

In part, this attitude might be attributed to a touch of hubris – a belief in one's own importance. It's easy to envision the cosmos aligning to grant favor to a single event. Admittedly, my somewhat skeptical view might stem from a tendency to anticipate that outdoor weddings won't live up to all the anticipation, despite my role as a wedding officiant. However, my skepticism isn't entirely unfounded, given the weight of evidence accumulated over the years indicating the precarious nature of relying on the elements.

Compounding the issue, I operate in Ohio – a state infamous for its unpredictable weather patterns. In my time, I've witnessed June hailstorms and February heat waves. An outdoor celebration in Ohio can be a gamble with meteorological forces that are anything but accommodating.

Over the last decade, a discernible trend has emerged in weddings – a competitive streak to outdo the last ceremony. While this isn't a new phenomenon, it's apparent that couples often strive to one-up their peers. If a friend's wedding took place in a charming city park, the next might be staged atop a remote hill in the countryside. This competitive spirit can lead to impractical choices, such as challenging parking situations and treacherous seating arrangements that test guests' dexterity.

While my number one motto as a wedding officiant is "it's your day and no one else" I do think that part of that should be empathy with your guests. Subjecting guests to challenging conditions or uncertain weather can detract from the joyous atmosphere that should prevail on such an important occasion.

In conclusion, while the allure of an outdoor wedding is undeniable, it's essential to approach such plans with practicality and a dash of realism. The romantic ideal of an open-air celebration is beautiful, but the unpredictability of weather should not be underestimated. When considering an outdoor wedding, having a solid backup plan in place is not just a prudent measure but a thoughtful gesture toward both the couple's dreams and the comfort of their cherished guests. In the end, the goal is not just to have a beautiful wedding, but to create lasting memories that can be cherished without the unpredictable interference of the elements.