Weddings at Cedar Creek Lodges

There are few things as beautiful as saying ‘I do” in a magical outdoor setting. However, planning an outdoor wedding comes with a unique set of challenges and requires a bit of extra forethought. This article provides our top tips to help you put together a bulletproof plan for your outdoor wedding ceremony.

Choose the right location

Top of the list in your wedding planning should be the location. Outdoor wedding ceremonies lend themselves to a truly breathtaking nature experience, whether it'll be with the beach, mountains or a rainforest as a backdrop, however, you still have to choose one. Once you have decided where you’d like to tie the know, there are a few things you should take into consideration:

  • Accessibility: Make sure the location is easily accessible for all your guests, especially elderly participants and those with mobility issues.
  • Amenities: Check if the location has restrooms, parking, and other facilities that your guests will need.
  • Size: Make sure the location is large enough to accommodate all your guests, and also has enough space for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
  • Availability: Check if the location is available on your desired wedding date and if it has any other events scheduled for the same day.
  • Permits: Check if a permit is required to hold a wedding at the location and if there are any restrictions or limitations on the time, noise level, or decorations.

Get a permit

Most councils in Australia require permits to use public places like parks and beaches. You may have to apply for a permit if you wish to have a particularly large wedding, or if you intend to play loud music pas a certain time. You also want to ensure there are no planned roadworks or construction by the council in or around the area on your wedding day that can disrupt your ceremony. To avoid disappointment, make sure you check with the council in your area well ahead of time.

Plan the wedding photos

Wedding photography is a crucial aspect of capturing the memories of your special day. It is essential to hire a professional wedding photographer or videographer who has experience in capturing the essence of your wedding ceremony. This is especially true when the wedding is held outdoors. A professional photographer or videographer will have the expertise to make the most of the natural lighting and know the ideal time of day to take the photographs. They will also have the skills to work with any natural elements such as wind or rain, ensuring that the photos are still of the highest quality.

Additionally, it's a good idea to plan and find some great locations for your photos before the wedding day. This way, you can be sure that the photographer knows where to go and what to do. In case of rain, it is also wise to have a backup location in mind, so that your day is not disrupted.

Prepare for inclement weather

Having an outdoor wedding means you have to work with elements – and they can be unpredictable. You can do your best in planning where to have your wedding, what time of the year and time of day, but mother nature may still throw you a curveball last minute. Therefore, it’s always best to have a plan B prepared. Some easy solutions to escape inclement weather are:

  • Hiring a marquee
  • Use a gazebo
  • Book an indoor reception venue
  • Provide guests with ponchos or umbrellas

Make sure to keep in touch with your vendors and let them know of any changes in plans due to inclement weather. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and working together to ensure a smooth and successful event.

Consider the sun

When it comes to an outdoor wedding in Australia, the sun can be a formidable factor to consider. To ensure the comfort of your guests, it's important to protect them from the hot rays. Providing plenty of seating in shaded areas, water cooling stations, and sun umbrellas and parasols during the ceremony will help. If you're getting married during the hottest summer months, with temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees, having an air-conditioned room nearby for guests to cool down would be a thoughtful touch.

Moreover, the position of the sun will impact the layout of your ceremony. You want your guests to be able to comfortably enjoy the event, so make sure the sun is behind them and avoid scheduling the ceremony during the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky. By considering the sun and taking steps to mitigate its effects, you can ensure that your outdoor wedding is a beautiful and comfortable event for everyone.

Audio checks

Having a microphone and speakers is a must for outdoor weddings with more than ten guests. Your guests should be able to hear the vows, speeches, and other important moments. Even a light breeze can carry the sound away, making it difficult for guests to hear.

Most professional wedding celebrants will come equipped with their own sound system, so make sure to ask about this when you book them. However, I have attended outdoor weddings where a sound system was not used, and it resulted in the celebrant projecting their voice effectively but the couple speaking softly and inaudibly. To avoid this, it's crucial to have a microphone in place and check the sound pre ceremony.

Consider a professional wedding planner

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to an outdoor wedding where there are many variables to consider. If you have the budget, hire a professional wedding planner. They know what works best for your outdoor location and are experienced various unexpected circumstances. With their experience, expertise, and problem-solving skills, they can help you navigate the planning process and ensure that your wedding is a beautiful, memorable, and stress-free event.

Outdoor Weddings At Cedar Creek Lodges

Cedar Creek Lodges is a premier rainforest wedding destination on Tamborine Mountain within the Gold Coast hinterland. Our award-winning wedding venues are surrounded by subtropical a rainforest and palm groves that provide the ideal backdrop for wedding photography.

Plan your celebration or elopement with the ceremony, wedding reception and guest accommodation all in one unique hinterland wedding location. Browse through our stunning range of wedding ceremony venues and outstanding reception venues, and feel free to give us a call at 07 5545 7996 or enquire online.