An outdoor celebrant-led wedding in winter
A celebrant wedding outside.
I’m Michelle Park - an independent wedding celebrant. I live outside of Leeds, West Yorkshire and I love travelling the lengths and breadths of Yorkshire, and beyond, telling love stories. My celebrant weddings are beautiful, meaningful and very unique. As a celebrant, I’m able to offer you the autonomy and flexibility required to curate a wedding ceremony to suit your individual style and personality, leaving you free to harness your own creativity for your ceremony and beyond.
That’s because, as an independent celebrant, I am not restricted to officiating weddings in only venues solely licensed for weddings. You’ll find that, all of a sudden, a wealth of new opportunities open up for your wedding - venues which you might not have first considered, can now provide the backdrop to your special day. Whether that’s standing beneath the trees of Roundhay Park or bathed in swathes of heather in Otley Chevin, the opportunities are endless.
In this blog post, I hope to inspire you with different Yorkshire venue options which give you the opportunity for an outdoor wedding.
Venue: Lineham Farm, Leeds. Photographer: Matt Sim Photography.
Celebrant Weddings in Yorkshire
As a Leeds wedding celebrant, I’m privileged with trusted supplier status to many wonderful local Yorkshire wedding venues. So many of these, come with their own designated outdoor ceremony space: Weetwood Hall Estate in Leeds, Carlton Towers in Goole or Sedgewell Barn in North Allerton.
Some of my favourite weddings, over the years, have been outside.
I love being in nature and there is nothing more romantic than gathering your loved ones in the woods, surrounded by hundreds of ancient trees. At Saltmarshe Hall, East Yorkshire, there is a designated ceremony space within their woods. Adorned with hundreds of fairy lights, and trees for as far as you can see, it’s an unforgettable space.
At Carlton Towers, you can get married in their secret vineyard. Here, a designated arch and seating area means you can enjoy something that feels romantic yet refined. And with the impressive stately home standing proudly in the background, it’s a venue sure to impress.
And at Lineham Farm in Leeds, you can enjoy an outdoor wedding and also give back to society as all of their profits from weddings go straight back into their children’s charity.
Celebrant weddings all year round.
It would be understandable to assume outdoor celebrant weddings are reserved for the warmth and sunshine of the Spring and Summer months.
Celebrant weddings can take place outside all year around. Even winter.
For a start, there is no doubt most wedding venues can be cheaper at this time of year for a start.
Of course, there is the question on everyone’s lips: what about the weather? Snow in particular, can bring everything to a standstill. There is one thing though, when you draw back the curtains to find an unexpected blanket of snow resting on everything outside-sparkling in the frosty sunlight, it is undeniably beautiful.
Let’s be honest here though, as your wedding celebrant I am completely realistic about expectations surrounding a winter wedding outside and I will plan accordingly: I’d advise you and your guests to dress appropriately and I’d do the same, I’d hatch a plan with the wedding venue and wedding coordinators to endure a smooth transition inside if we needed to make a quick exit and perhaps most importantly, I’d stay calm!
I offer complete flexibility to you in terms of the days, times and location of your wedding ceremony and whether it’s inside or outside!
It has got me thinking though, about the unrivalled magic of outdoor weddings in Winter. Think, twinkling fairy lights, ivy and eucalyptus and maybe the odd snow drop or daffodil emerging from the icy grounds. It certainly makes for some cracking pictures.
Useful celebrant hints and ticks
What to wear to an outdoor wedding in Winter:
1. Layers for Comfort:
Opt for a chic long-sleeved dress, cosy faux fur stole or a stylish velvet suit to keep the chill at bay.
Layer with a cashmere wrap for added warmth and a touch of luxury.
2. Fabric Matters:
Choose fabrics like velvet, wool, or heavy silk for dresses and suits to provide insulation against the cold.
Ensure your outfit is weather-appropriate by avoiding lightweight materials that may leave you shivering.
3. Elegant Footwear:
Ladies, consider stylish ankle boots or closed-toe heels to keep your feet warm.
Gents, polished leather or suede shoes can complement your winter wedding ensemble seamlessly.
4. Statement Accessories:
Sparkling accessories add a festive touch. Think statement earrings or a tasteful brooch.
Don't forget gloves and a coordinating winter hat or headpiece for both fashion and function.
5. Embrace Seasonal Colours:
Rich jewel tones, deep burgundy, forest green, or navy blue are excellent choices for winter weddings.
A pop of metallics or sequins (my personal favourite) can elevate your look and add a touch of glamour.
6. Men's Winter Wedding Style:
Consider a tailored wool suit paired with a sophisticated tie or bowtie.
A classic overcoat or a stylish trench can complete the ensemble while keeping you warm.
7. Be Weather-Ready:
Check the weather forecast and bring a stylish umbrella or a shawl in case of unexpected snow or rain.
Opt for outfits with a bit of length to avoid chilly winds sneaking in.
How to keep your wedding guests warm at an outdoor Winter wedding ceremony:
1. Winter-Ready Outerwear:
Provide a coat check in area or a designated space for guests to leave their outerwear during the day.
2. Accessorise for Warmth:
Consider offering a basket of complimentary hand warmers for guests to grab on their way to the ceremony or reception.
3. Cosy Footwear Options:
Recommend closed-toe shoes, boots, or stylish winter footwear to keep guests' feet warm.
Provide a shoe-check in station for those who may want to switch into more comfortable shoes during the celebration.
4. Blankets for All:
Offer warm blankets or shawls for guests to use during the outdoor ceremony or while enjoying the festivities.
Incorporate the blankets as part of the wedding décor, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
5. Warm Beverage Station:
Set up a hot beverage station with options like cocoa (with Baileys for the grownups!) mulled wine, or hot cider.
Personalised thermal cups or mugs can serve as both a practical and memorable wedding favour.
6. Heated Seating Areas:
Arrange heated seating areas or provide heated cushions for guests to sit comfortably during the outdoor ceremony or reception.
Ensure there are enough areas inside or undercover for guests to retreat to when needed.
7. Communication is Key:
Include a warm attire suggestion in the wedding invitation, so guests come prepared.
Keep guests informed about the weather forecast, allowing them to plan accordingly and layer up if needed.
8. Thoughtful Venue Planning:
Choose a venue with indoor spaces for guests to warm up between outdoor activities.
If possible, incorporate outdoor heaters strategically to create warm pockets throughout the venue.
How to have fun at a Winter, celebrant-led wedding:
1. Snow Games and Playful Activities:
Organise winter-themed games like snowball fights, ring toss with holiday wreaths, or even a snowman-building competition.
Consider setting up a fire pit with marshmallow roasting for a delightful outdoor activity.
4. Blanket Forts and Snuggle Zones:
Create cosy corners with blankets, cushions, and warm lighting for guests to relax and enjoy the winter ambiance.
Encourage guests to build their own blanket forts for a whimsical touch of playfulness.
5. Dance the Night Away:
Heat up the dance floor with high-energy music that keeps everyone grooving.
Encourage a mix of classic and festive tunes, ensuring a lively and spirited atmosphere.
6. Starlit Strolls and Snowy Stargazing:
Take advantage of the winter night sky by organizing guided starlit strolls.
Set up an area with blankets and pillows for guests to enjoy the beauty of the snowy landscape.
7. Capture the Magic:
Provide disposable cameras or encourage guests to use smartphone apps to capture the enchanting winter scenery and candid moments.
Create a hashtag for the wedding to easily collect and share these delightful memories.
8. Toasts by the Fire:
Set up a fireside lounge area for guests to gather, share stories, and make memorable toasts.
Provide warm blankets, hot beverages, and perhaps a s'mores station for a delightful fireside treat.
9. Sparkler Send-Off:
End the celebration on a sparkling note with a winter-themed sparkler send-off.
Provide sparklers and encourage guests to create a dazzling exit for the newlyweds.
Michelle Park as your wedding celebrant
I live outside of Leeds and offer beautiful, memorable and bespoke weddings across Yorkshire.
As part of my service as your wedding celebrant, I offer all couples a no-obligation discovery Zoom call. I’m eager to get to know your story and see how I can support you in the creation of wedding ceremony which celebrates you.
If you’d like to receive the latest copy of my digital brochure, please drop me an email: michelle@michelleparkcelebrant.com
Remember: I can officiate your wedding ceremony outside and the wedding venue doesn’t need to be licensed.
Celebrant-led wedding ceremonies offer flexibility!
