We find most of our couples prefer to have an outdoor wedding — and for good reason! There are so many attributes to love about an outdoor wedding, including nature’s stunning backdrops and being under gorgeous Florida weather. The outdoors truly lend themselves perfectly to memorable ceremonies of all kinds.
At the same time, every outdoor wedding poses different challenges, which means if you’re planning to have an outdoor wedding, you’ll need to take several factors into account to make it as stress-free as possible.
Today, we wanted to go over our number one tip for planning an outdoor wedding so your big day can still be everything you dreamed of in the case of some weather hiccups. Plus, we’ll share our favorite outdoor weddings in Orlando that aren’t just beautiful but also do everything to make sure your outdoor wedding goes off without a hitch!
Our number one tip for having a great outdoor wedding: have a weather backup plan
Florida may be known for its gorgeous weather, but it can also be pretty unpredictable. That’s why for every wedding we plan, the weather is one of the first pieces we research to see how we can tailor our couples’ weddings without infringing on their vision.
The reality is that when first starting to plan a wedding, most couples have expectations about how their wedding day is going to play out. However, when planning an outdoor wedding, it’s rare for a couple to consider that they might have to adjust their plans because of the weather. This can be a real nuisance and if a proper backup plan isn’t in place, the weather could potentially ruin a couple’s wedding.
Our goal is to make sure that our couples love their weather backup plan in case weather gets in the way so that they still get their dream wedding.
To learn more about how to create a backup plan that you love, you can read this blog post about how one of our couples had to move their outdoor wedding indoors, but their wedding still ended up being just as (if not more) magical!
Outdoor Venue 1: Bella Collina’s Grand Lawn
If you’ve been following us for a while (or any other Orlando wedding planner), you’re probably very familiar with the name Bella Collina now! Bella Collina remains to be one of our couples’ top choices for outdoor wedding venues in Orlando because it offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and luxury. In case you’re not familiar with the Orlando venue already, Bella Collina is a 200-acre wedding venue nestled in the rolling hills next to Lake Apopka. Overlooking Lake Sienna and Apopka Springs, the property is a picturesque spot, perfect for an outdoor ceremony.
We (and many of our clients) are particularly fond of Bella Collina’s Grand Lawn, which faces the impressive, Tuscan-inspired architecture on one side and Lake Apopka on the other side. It’s a gorgeous venue that can also be transformed into a beautiful reception, complete with a dance floor! Another bonus is that Bella Collina has indoor spaces that can be used as a just-as-stunning weather backup plan.
Outdoor Venue 2: Casa Feliz
Located in Winter Park, Casa Feliz is a charming Spanish-inspired museum and hotel that also happens to be a stunning outdoor wedding venue. With its lush gardens, spacious terraces, and beautiful architecture, Casa Feliz makes for a gorgeous backdrop for an outdoor wedding in Orlando. The Casa Feliz gardens are also perfect for photos: subtle, romantic, and stunning.
If you happen to have your wedding on a rainy day, Casa Feliz can provide tents upon request to protect you and your guests from the elements! Additionally, they have a gorgeous indoor area for both your ceremony and reception.
Outdoor Venue 3: Howey Mansion’s Courtyard
One of the most impressive places to have an outdoor wedding in Orlando is at Howey Mansion. The Howey Mansion is a beautifully restored mansion in Howey-In-The-Hills that also happens to boast one of the most idyllic courtyards around.
With regal Mediterranean Revival style architecture, the mansion’s Courtyard is a dreamy and romantic spot for an outdoor ceremony in Orlando. The Courtyard is also available for receptions, so you can transform your ceremony area during cocktail hour.
In case of weather emergencies, you can easily take your wedding indoors to celebrate in the great halls of the historic mansion or they can organize a vendor to provide a tent as well.
Outdoor Venue 4: The Alfond Inn
The Alfond Inn is one of the most unique places to have an outdoor wedding in Orlando. The inn is a boutique lakefront hotel in Winter Park. It boasts a tranquil courtyard that’s perfect for an elegant outdoor ceremony. The Alfond Inn’s courtyard is also available for receptions, which isn’t just picturesque but also incredibly versatile considering it can host intimate gatherings all the way up to extravagant weddings for 240 guests.
There are also various indoor options you can choose from, making it a very accommodating wedding venue space!
A wedding backup plan of your dreams
Before you start thinking about the perfect outdoor wedding venue in Orlando, it’s important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to check the forecast before making plans, and if you’re hoping to host your event outdoors, be ready to create a weather backup plan!
While Florida’s outdoor venues are typically solid bets for hosting outdoor ceremonies, you’ll want to take note of the risks and prepare for them as best you can. Now that you know what to expect, you can start exploring outdoor wedding venues in Orlando and plan your perfect day.
Need an extra helping hand? Let’s chat! We would love to talk about how to best prepare for your outdoor wedding and make sure you’re absolutely in love with your backup plan!
