Think outside the box for an outdoor wedding location.
When you're planning a small wedding, you have a great advantage in choosing a location because you don't have worry about accommodating a huge crowd. Any place that is special to you, from a back yard to a favorite spot in the woods, can be a potential setting. Just be sure to have a backup plan in case of rain or bad weather.
Back Yard
Don't dismiss what is right under your nose. If you have the space, think about having your wedding in your own back yard or in the yard of a friend or family member. Consider building an archway or gazebo in the garden or renting tents for the lawn. Since you don't have to spend money renting a location, you can splurge on the perfect dress, gourmet meal or special honeymoon.
Beneath The Trees
Instead of using a man-made arch, PerfectOutdoorWeddings.com suggests using a nice spot in the woods where large trees can act as an archway for your ceremony. The site says the natural arch will lend itself to some great photos, and there's plenty of shade if you have a sunny day.
Destination Wedding
This is a popular choice for couples who want a small wedding and have friends and families willing to do a little traveling on their behalf. Resorts, such as the Sandals chain, will plan everything from a Caribbean beach side ceremony to a reception by the pool with tropical foods. You can walk straight from the wedding to your honeymoon
Local Parks
Contact your local park authority or check its website to see if there are spots you can reserve for a wedding ceremony or reception. Many offer scenic gazebos or woodsy backdrops for your special day. Picnic shelters can be used for a casual reception and offer protection just in case it rains. If you're trying to save money, this is a good option to consider.
Poolside
Consider exchanging vows or having a reception by the pool--your own or one at a hotel. PerfectOutdoorWeddings.com says that with "great lighting and a nice tent," your wedding can be a showstopper.
Sailboat
PerfectOutdoorWeddings.com says you can "sail away with the love of your life" if you have your wedding on a sailboat. It does advise you bring along a few umbrellas in case you hit some rainy weather.
Stuck On A Location
If you're not sure where you would like to have your wedding, there are books and websites to help. Kim Knox Beckius, author of "The Everything Outdoor Wedding Book," has a website with a state-by-state guide to outdoor wedding locations. Go to outdoorweddingguide.com/outdoorweddinglocations.html, and click on your state to find B&Bs, historic properties, inns, gardens or wineries that will host weddings.
Tags: your wedding, back yard, ceremony reception, have your, have your wedding