There’s something undeniably captivating about a wedding held in a vast, open space. Whether it’s a sprawling meadow, a quiet countryside field, or a wide beachfront, a Wide-Open Wedding offers the kind of flexibility and natural beauty that indoor venues can’t always match. But planning a wedding in such a large space comes with its own unique set of considerations.
Here’s a guide filled with practical tips and creative inspiration to help you pull off a Wide-Open Wedding that’s both organized and visually stunning, without losing the intimate feel you want for your big day.
1. Choose the Right Location
The first step to planning a Wide-Open Wedding is choosing a venue that aligns with your vision. Do you want open skies and mountain views? A working farm with rustic charm? A peaceful lakeside clearing?
When scouting locations, think about:
- Accessibility: Is it easy for guests, vendors, and deliveries to reach the site?
- Amenities: Are there restrooms, power sources, or shelter available, or will you need to bring those in?
- Local ordinances: Check for sound restrictions, event permits, and any regulations that could impact your celebration.
A wide-open venue gives you creative freedom but also means more responsibilities. Make sure your site supports the wedding you’re planning, both logistically and aesthetically.
2. Think About the Layout
One of the biggest challenges with an expansive venue is preventing it from feeling too empty or disjointed. You want to create a flow that guides your guests through the day and keeps everyone engaged.
Here are some layout tips:
- Create defined zones: Use rugs, lighting, or furniture clusters to define spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing.
- Use signage: Especially helpful in large venues, signs can guide guests and make them feel more comfortable navigating the space.
- Centralize key moments: Don’t spread things out too much, concentrate the high-energy parts of the celebration (like the dance floor or bar) in the heart of the space to keep things lively.
3. Prioritize Comfort and Shelter
Wide-open areas are at the mercy of the elements. Whether it’s too sunny, too windy, or a surprise drizzle rolls in, you’ll want to prepare for the unexpected.
Consider:
- Tent rentals: A clear-top tent can keep the view intact while offering coverage from sun or rain.
- Heating or cooling: Fans, portable heaters, and shaded areas can make a big difference in guest comfort.
- Seating: Lounge areas with comfy chairs or benches create cozy spaces that feel intentional and welcoming, especially in large venues.
4. Invest in the Right Lighting
As the sun goes down, lighting transforms a Wide-Open Wedding into something truly atmospheric. But with no walls or ceilings to bounce light off of, you’ll need to be strategic.
Ideas to consider:
- String lights or festoon bulbs: Create a canopy of lights over dining or dancing areas.
- Lanterns and candles: Line walkways, highlight centerpieces, or mark the perimeter of your event space.
- Uplighting and spotlights: Use these to draw attention to focal points like the ceremony arch or cake table.
- Lighting not only ensures visibility, it helps define your space and sets the mood for the evening.
5. Choose Decor That Elevates the Space
Decor can be tricky in open spaces—too little and it feels empty, too much and you risk visual overload. Focus on big-impact pieces and elements that complement the natural surroundings.
Some tips:
- Use vertical elements: Arches, hanging installations, and tall floral arrangements help fill vertical space and give the area dimension.
- Play with scale: Oversized signs, statement tablescapes, and dramatic aisle markers work well in larger spaces where small details might get lost.
- Keep it cohesive: With a wide area to work with, choose a consistent palette and design theme to keep everything feeling unified.
6. Sound Strategy: Don’t Forget the Audio
In large, open areas, sound can easily get lost. Your guests should be able to hear the vows, announcements, and music no matter where they’re sitting or standing.
Pro tips:
- Use professional sound equipment: Your DJ or live band should come equipped with gear that’s powerful enough for the setting.
- Consider multiple speakers: Spread out the sound to avoid dead zones or feedback issues.
- Do a soundcheck: Always do a full walkthrough with your vendor team before the event to make sure everything sounds just right.
7. Plan for Restrooms and Power
If your location doesn’t have permanent facilities, you’ll need to bring in essentials like restrooms and power sources.
Here’s how to plan:
- Luxury restroom trailers: These offer a far more comfortable experience than standard porta-potties and are worth the upgrade.
- Generators: Ensure there’s enough power for lighting, sound, catering, and entertainment.
- Vendor needs: Coordinate with your team ahead of time to determine how much electricity and water access they’ll require.
It’s the behind-the-scenes logistics that keep the day running smoothly, so this step is key.
8. Consider Transportation and Parking
With remote or nontraditional venues, guest transportation can be a hurdle. Make sure everyone knows where they’re going and how to get there.
Tips for a stress-free arrival:
- Shuttle service: Renting a shuttle from a nearby hotel is a great way to streamline arrival and avoid parking issues.
- Clear parking signage: If guests are driving, ensure there’s a designated area and signs to direct them.
- Prep your guests: Include all location and parking details in your invitations or wedding website.
9. Add Personal Touches That Make It Feel Intimate
Even in the most wide-open spaces, you can create moments that feel warm and personal. It’s all about thoughtful details.
Consider:
- Handwritten notes at each seat
- Photo displays of your relationship journey
- Interactive guest book stations
- Personal details go a long way in making a large venue feel inviting and special.
Bringing It All Together: Design, Comfort, and Smart Choices
A Wide-Open Wedding offers incredible creative freedom from sweeping landscapes to custom layouts, but it also takes thoughtful planning to make sure every part of the day feels intentional, welcoming, and well-coordinated.
If you’re still choosing your venue, look for one that supports the kind of flexibility you need: open layouts, accessible amenities, and the ability to truly shape the space to reflect your style. Even venues that are already designed for spacious weddings can vary greatly in what they offer behind the scenes, so ask questions, explore the grounds, and think about how the space will support your vision throughout the day.
Whether you’re building from the ground up in a meadow or using a location that’s already set up for wide-open celebrations, it’s all about turning that space into something that feels like you.
Wide-open doesn’t mean overwhelming—it means open to possibilities.
Weddings With K. Lenox Photography
To all my readers, I hope you found these tips and ideas helpful. If you enjoyed the featured weddings, don’t miss the individual posts for more details, including vendor highlights and full photo galleries.
- Lakefalls Lodge Wedding: A Day in Blues and Sunflowers
- Monica and Daniel’s Hindu Wedding at The Ruins at Sassafras
- Amanda + Jared’s Cobb Hill Estate Wedding: A Mountaintop Magic
If you or someone you know is looking for a wedding photographer, reach out to me by sending an email. You can find more information about my services and view my portfolio on my website. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more inspiration and to see my latest work!
Venues featured in this blog:
