Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies At Gaynes Park

Now that spring is most definitely in the air and the winter is behind us, it’s time to look forward to longer and warmer days. At Gaynes Park, you’ve got acres and acres to enjoy so it’s no surprise that outdoor weddings are becoming increasingly popular. If you love the thought of al fresco vows or if you’d just like to know more, read on.

Say ‘I do’ to the outdoors

Outdoor weddings are a relatively new phenomenon in the UK. Even when venues such as Gaynes Park first became licensed to hold weddings under the direction of a local registrar, ceremonies all took place inside. Then, things started to change and whilst the law itself hasn’t altered, registrars have become more flexible in their interpretation of the rules, giving you more choice. And we’re all for that!

But where has our desire for outdoor ceremonies come from? As with so many wedding trends, we can thank couples in the US for giving us the urge to get outside. We’ve all seen so many amazing outdoor weddings online that it’s easy to fall in love with the idea of holding your ceremony in stunning, natural surroundings.

And at Gaynes Park, we’ve got some truly fantastic options for you if you’d like to embrace the trend of outdoor weddings ceremonies.

A beautiful bride walks down the Long Walk making her way to the outside wedding ceremony — © Justin Bailey Photography

beautiful three-tier wedding cake covered with flowers makes a stunning feature — © Tim Winter Photography

Gypsophila combined with other white flowers looks pretty laid on the grass and lining the outdoor wedding aisle — © Tim Winter Photography

A white canopy for the outside wedding ceremony stands in the beautiful gardens at Gaynes Park — © Tim Winter Photography

Al fresco options

The exquisite Gather Barn is a unique setting for your vows and it’s licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. Think how gorgeous this impressive structure would look decorated for your wedding as you and your guests look out over the countryside beyond. The Gather Barn seats 150 guests in rustic comfort.

Colour is brought into this outside wedding ceremony with chairs dressed in bright pink and purple chair sashes — © Tim Winter Photography

Chairs are dressed in white chair covers for this outside wedding ceremony in the Gather Barn — © Sergerius Bruce Photography

A couple sit at the registrar table in the Gather Barn in front of family and friends - outside wedding

A happy couple sign the register inside the Gather Barn which is perfect for an outside wedding

Another option is to use our Orangery, another of our spaces that’s licensed for legal wedding ceremonies. Set up the registrar’s table just inside the entrance to the Orangery and stand inside as you take your vows whilst all your guests sit outside either side along the Walled Gardens aisle. Surrounded by nature in our exquisite gardens, you’ll have a truly special backdrop to your ceremony.

Having the doors open in the Orangery brings the outside in with views of the Long Walk

Chairs are neatly lined in rows in front of a white canopy for the outside wedding ceremony — © Tim Winter Photography

Wedding chairs lined up next to the pavilion at Gaynes Park — © Justin Bailey Photography

Beautiful blessings

Alternatively, you might like to consider a wedding blessing or humanist/celebrant-led ceremony. Complete your legal ceremony at a suitable location and then hold your alternative celebration completely outside. In our gardens, you’ll find our pretty pavilion and this makes a delightful focal point for blessings. Or, speak to us when you visit and we can help you find your dream location in our gardens. Set up chairs for your guests and maybe a fabulous backdrop and you’ll have created your own individual ceremony location!

Of course, Gaynes Park is also ideal for a whole range of outdoor ceremonies and celebrations. Our gardens are an excellent choice for Jewish and Indian weddings too. Discuss your plans with us and we’ll help you decide on the best location for your chuppah or mandap. All couples who choose Gaynes Park enjoy total exclusivity on their big day so you and your guests can enjoy the great outdoors in peace.

The wrought iron Pavilion is adorned with foliage for a natural feel and is perfect for an outside wedding — © Cristina Rossi Photography

Wedding flowers in the outdoor space at Gaynes Park — © Justin Bailey Photography

A stunning floral arch stands in the grounds of the beautiful Essex wedding venue and creates a wow factor — © Tim Winter Photography

The best of both worlds

We understand that whilst you might love the thought of an outdoor wedding ceremony, the sometimes-unpredictable English weather could make you think twice. Don’t worry! The Gather Barn gives you that outdoor feel whilst protecting you from the weather and, if it becomes too chilly, we can easily move your ceremony into the Orangery or Mill Barn instead.

We would love to talk to you about all the ceremony options that you have at Gaynes Park and seeing the outdoor space for yourself is equally as important. Why not get in touch with us today and arrange a time to visit? We can’t wait to show you around.

If you’d like to see how other couples have celebrated at Gaynes Park, take a look at Amanda and Steve’s Stunning Spring Wedding and find even more inspiration today!

Images from Paula Pryke Wedding Flowers by Paula Pryke, photography by Tim Winter, published by Jacqui Small

Say ‘I do’ to the outdoors

Al fresco options

Beautiful blessings

The best of both worlds

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