Nuptials in Nature: Best U.S. Cities for DIY Outdoor Weddings in 2026

What makes your city or region special for planning outdoor weddings?

New Orleans has the most incredible backdrops for an outdoor wedding. We have bayou settings, oak trees that are hundreds of years old and covered in Spanish moss, the Mississippi River, and architecture that spans centuries and cultures.

Our wedding seasons are unlike any other and lend themselves to so many more possibilities because when the rest of the country is preparing for winter, we’re just getting the party started.

But the beauty of getting married in New Orleans doesn’t stop with the views and locations; it’s a city that has a history and story that will entertain your guests and loved ones. Whether you’re doing a wedding ceremony at the Tree of Life in Audubon Park, an oak tree planted around 1740, or doing a New Orleans courtyard wedding in at a venue such as Margaret Place, a Greek revival home that was built in 1854 and at one point served as a local orphanage, you are not just surrounded by nature and beautiful architecture, but you’re adding your love story to the history of the city itself.

What are your top three tips for couples planning an outdoor wedding?

In Louisiana, always have a rain plan.

Consider that June, July, August, and most of September in New Orleans is almost unbearably hot and humid, so doing an outdoor ceremony or entire event means that you are going to need to either erect a walled tent with fans and portable AC units to keep guests from getting overheated, or you’ll need to have indoor space for guests to cool off.Best to just stick to the rest of the year for your event in New Orleans. Also, from April through September, there are no clear tents that are rented out as they trap too much heat and will essentially bake your guests, so white tents are recommended for those months.

Lastly, just the opposite of the summer months, but our winter months, typically January and February only, the cold here is very different from the rest of the country. The humidity, which is almost 90% in the winter months, is what keeps the cold in your bones and can really get your guests sick quickly.If you are doing an outdoor ceremony or reception in the winter months, a small space heater will not be adequate. You’ll need to factor in the rental of a number of large patio heaters to surround your guests on all sides for the event. Also, in the winter months, use a clear tent as it will allow the sun to warm up the space underneath.

What outdoor wedding trends are you seeing gain momentum in 2026?

Couples are looking for more natural and historic settings this year compared with the last two years.

This year, we have more garden ceremonies at places like the New Orleans Botanical Garden for those who want a southern garden party look.

We are also seeing an upswing in couples looking to use historic outdoor spaces like the Peristyle in City Park for their romantic ceremonies. Couples are being drawn to spaces where the oak trees are adorned in lights, creating that feeling of elegant southern nights with local jazz musicians playing in the background as your guests sip on cocktails.

What’s the most common mistake you see couples make when planning an outdoor wedding, and how can they avoid it?

First bit of advice will always be to hire either a wedding planner or an event coordinator who is local. New Orleans weather is unpredictable, and knowing how to keep you and your guests safe and comfortable is the most important thing when doing an outdoor wedding.

The other bit of advice to any couple would be to be flexible with the plan for the day and have a trustworthy team of vendors. If the winds are over 30 mph, you cannot have a tent put up at all because it can potentially be a projectile, so you cannot make a tent your only weather plan.

Also, don’t forget that hurricane season is June 1st to November 30, so working with a good wedding planner and team of vendors can help in the case that your entire wedding has to be postponed due to an incoming storm. Make sure you have solid contracts with all of your vendors, and they have a part in their contract about postponements due to “Acts of God/Weather” because you don’t want to lose money if you have to reschedule your entire event for 6 months or a year later due to a storm.

What’s the most creative or unique element of an outdoor wedding you’ve seen that made the guest experience unforgettable?

I’ll give you two examples, one was an amazing experience for guests, the other was so off the wall that it almost didn’t make sense for the money it cost.

The best fun outdoor wedding element that I’ve seen was actually such a big hit that remembering it now, almost 4 years later, still makes me giggle. The couple was doing an outdoor reception with a tent in early June; it was warm but not unbearable thanks to the proximity to the bayou.

One of the couple’s close friends wanted to give them a fun gift and had a large ice luge custom-made for the reception with their initials in the ice. As guests were arriving, they were offered to find their seat for dinner by finding their custom-made shot glass and being offered a cold shot from the ice luge.

By the 3rd hour of the reception, the ice luge had been used so much that the luge part was the size of the opening of a Big Gulp cup. So, it was jokingly suggested to start doing face shots from the ice luge. The groom’s father was the first to try it, and from there, a line formed to do just that. They continued doing face shots until the poor ice sculpture broke in half, and the groom’s father and groomsmen hoisted the two halves over their heads and tossed them into the bayou in triumph.

The other was a couple that brought in an inflatable rodeo bull ride and an inflatable jousting arena for the reception. When asked what time this would be used for, the couple said “cocktail hour,” but it turned out that it was for the children in attendance so that the parents could be inside at the reception and the children could play outside. The ways that this could have gone horribly wrong are countless. Thankfully, it was something the children enjoyed, and no one got hurt, but it was way too hot for that kind of activity, and a few of the kids did get overheated.

What makes your city or region special for planning outdoor weddings?

I am in the Savannah area. This area is beautiful for the beautiful Spanish moss that drapes the massive oak trees that are throughout the city and coastal areas. There are also beautiful scenes by the waterways with marsh grass in the background and absolutely breathtaking sunsets.

The South may be hot in the summer, but the spring, fall, and short winter hold beautiful weather for outdoor weddings.

What are your top three tips for couples planning an outdoor wedding?

1. Always think about the weather and have a contingency plan. Plan for a tent in the possibility of rain or heat to shade guests.

2. Think of your guests’ comfort. If your wedding is in the summer, think about having your reception indoors. If it’s outside, provide a lot of refreshments to keep everyone hydrated, shade, and a lot of seating.

3. Find vendors that are able to navigate outdoor areas. Dance floors, sound system setup, and outdoor florals.

What outdoor wedding trends are you seeing gain momentum in 2026?

Ceremony to reception flow without flipping the space.

A lot of nature-minded design. Greenery, ferns, wildflowers

Intentionally thinking of the guest’s experience. Ample seating, live music, and interactive moments.

Money-saving options. Reusing florals from the ceremony to the reception, not having favors, and opting out of a large wedding cake for desserts.

What’s the most creative or unique element of an outdoor wedding you’ve seen that made the guest experience unforgettable?

An affogato and espresso bar to keep the guests ready to continue dancing the night away.

What makes your city or region special for planning outdoor weddings?

Savannah, Georgia, is recognized for its significant history, distinguished architecture, and vibrant culture. These attributes, along with its unique charm, have established the city as a premier year-round destination for weddings in the South.

Savannah offers a variety of beautiful outdoor wedding venues to consider. For a classic outdoor ceremony, you might consider one of the city’s 22 squares or the iconic Forsyth Park.

What are your top three tips for couples planning an outdoor wedding?

1. Consider the local permits and regulations for an outdoor wedding.
2. Consider a venue that has an indoor as well as an outdoor option.
3. Consider the season of the wedding.

What’s the most common mistake you see couples make when planning an outdoor wedding, and how can they avoid it?

It is important to plan for the possibility of inclement weather. You can avoid potential issues by working closely with your wedding planner to develop a contingency plan.

What’s the most creative or unique element of an outdoor wedding you’ve seen that made the guest experience unforgettable?

When planning your wedding, the choice of an outdoor venue serves as the foundation for your overall design and experience. We have seen many couples successfully integrate their surroundings into their celebration.

For instance, one riverfront wedding concluded with a fireworks display over the water, while another featured a grand exit by boat from a marsh-side venue.

We have also received wonderful feedback from guests regarding weddings that fully embody the seasonal food and drink elements associated with their specific outdoor location.

What makes your city or region special for planning outdoor weddings?

Colorado is a dream destination for outdoor weddings, boasting over 300 days of sunshine each year. The abundance of clear skies, combined with our low humidity, ensures that weddings are not only picturesque but also comfortable, no matter the season.

Whether it’s a summer ceremony surrounded by wildflowers or a crisp autumn celebration with golden aspen trees, Colorado’s climate and natural beauty make it an exceptional choice for couples.

What are your top three tips for couples planning an outdoor wedding?

1. Hire a coordinator: A skilled coordinator is essential for managing any unexpected weather delays and ensuring seamless communication with your venue and vendors.

2. Dress for comfort: Choose attire that suits the climate — light and airy fabrics for warm weather or cozy layers like a stylish fur wrap for cooler temperatures.

3. Time it right: Plan your ceremony for early morning or late afternoon, about two hours before sunset, to take advantage of the best lighting and avoid the harsh midday sun.

What outdoor wedding trends are you seeing gain momentum in 2026?

Couples are increasingly drawn to mountain settings, and the combination of lakeside views with towering peaks is particularly captivating. These serene, natural locations offer a sense of intimacy and grandeur that’s hard to match.

Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, with couples opting for eco-friendly decor and locally sourced elements to minimize their environmental impact.

What’s the most common mistake you see couples make when planning an outdoor wedding, and how can they avoid it?

In Colorado, it’s hard to call anything a mistake when the scenery is so stunning — it’s truly a built-in advantage. However, one potential oversight is underestimating the need for weather preparedness. While the state’s beauty is undeniable, its weather can be unpredictable.

Couples can avoid stress by having a solid backup plan. In Colorado, that simply means to bring umbrellas, because pop-up storms are very short-lived.

What’s the most creative or unique element of an outdoor wedding you’ve seen that made the guest experience unforgettable?

One of the most memorable elements I’ve seen is hosting weddings in remote, lesser-known locations that aren’t traditional venues. These hidden gems offer a sense of adventure and exclusivity.

To enhance guest comfort, we’ve provided wooden benches that can be transported to these off-the-beaten-path spots — something most rental companies can’t accommodate. This thoughtful touch ensures that even small micro-weddings of 25 guests feel intimate, comfortable, and truly special.

What makes your city or region special for planning outdoor weddings?

The weather in Louisiana, specifically in the spring or fall seasons, is very popular for outdoor weddings.

Spring is beautiful with blooms and sunshine, with average temps in the 70s — mostly, March can be a wild card.

Fall is pleasant with comfortable weather, not too hot and not too cold, but just right.

What are your top three tips for couples planning an outdoor wedding?

1. Always have a rain plan.

2. Be prepared to accommodate guests in uncomfortable weather. A few examples here, but there are so many others: Heaters for cold temps, patio umbrellas, handheld fans, water and lemonade stations for hot temps.

3. Be prepared to accommodate vendors. DJs and equipment need protection from the sun or rain, food should be covered to protect from outdoor elements, be aware of noise ordinances, and respect neighbors.

What outdoor wedding trends are you seeing gain momentum in 2026?

Offering cool treats like ice cream to guests and full reception builds with flooring, luxurious tent draping, and other style ideas you would find at an indoor venue.

What’s the most common mistake you see couples make when planning an outdoor wedding, and how can they avoid it?

Not having a Plan B for the weather, or having a seamless floor plan.

What’s the most creative or unique element of an outdoor wedding you’ve seen that made the guest experience unforgettable?

A station with furs, blankets, and a coffee or hot chocolate bar with all the fixings to help brace the cold weather.

What makes your city or region stand out as a destination for outdoor weddings?

With locations in both LA and New York, the possibilities are endless.

In California, the consistently beautiful weather makes outdoor events a dream — sunny skies, ocean views, rolling hills, or dramatic desert landscapes mean nature does most of the heavy lifting.

New York offers a different kind of wow factor. The city’s energy is unmatched, and there’s nothing quite like watching the skyline sparkle from a rooftop or terrace while guests dance late into the night. Venture upstate in the fall, and you’ll experience stunning seasonal colors, rich textures, and the cozy, unforgettable scent of an outdoor fireplace.

Add in access to some of the best designers and planners in the world on both coasts, and you really can’t miss.

What are your top three tips for couples planning an outdoor wedding?

1. Know your budget. Remember, outdoor weddings require you to bring everything in, down to knives, forks, and even restrooms!

2. Have a great rain plan — you may think this will not happen to you, but sadly, your wedding day could also be a bad weather day

3. Be sure to provide air conditioning or heat. Your guests’ comfort level will define whether they have a good time at your wedding and remember it in a positive way.

What outdoor wedding trends are you seeing gain momentum in 2026?

We’re noticing a move toward less structure and a lot more fun. Grand reception–style events are becoming the go-to, replacing formal seated dinners so guests can graze, dance, and flow through the night at their own pace.

What’s the most common mistake couples make when planning an outdoor wedding, and how can they avoid it?

Going over budget is easier than you think. If you’re planning without a professional, resist the urge to sign contracts right away. Collect all vendor quotes first, review the full picture, and make sure the numbers truly align with your budget. And don’t forget to build in a cushion for rain plans — just in case.

What’s the most creative or unique element you’ve seen at an outdoor wedding that made the guest experience truly unforgettable?

The open air gives us the perfect stage to create unforgettable moments.

Whether it’s a breathtaking drone show or a show-stopping performance to end the night, these experiences linger long after the event. A special musical guest or a dance performance is just a few of the ways we bring the evening to life. Cooking outdoors is fun too. Bring in an interactive gourmet moment, such as a celebrity chef or toasting marshmallows by an open fire with friends and family, is always a favorite.

What makes your region special for planning outdoor weddings?

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city of hushed elegance and coastal poetry. It’s the way the Spanish moss drapes over centuries-old live oaks and how the salt breeze carries the scent of jasmine through hidden wrought-iron gates.

Our landscape offers a rare duality: the refined, European-style intimacy of a downtown historic courtyard and the expansive, grand scale of a riverfront estate. It’s a place where history feels alive, providing a soulful, permanent backdrop that no ballroom could ever mimic.

What are your top three tips for couples planning an outdoor wedding?

1. Respect the humidity: In the Lowcountry, the air is part of the guest list. Choose florals that won’t wilt, think hearty garden roses or architectural greenery, and ensure your hair and makeup plan accounts for the coastal dew.

2. The “flooring” factor: Never underestimate the importance of a solid foundation. Whether it’s a sisal carpet over the grass or a custom-built wooden deck, ensuring your guests aren’t sinking into the soft Southern soil is a true mark of luxury hospitality.

3. Curated climate control: We don’t just plan for rain; we plan for temperature. High-end oscillating fans disguised in greenery or “cool-down” lounges with chilled, lavender-scented Oshibori towels are essential for keeping the celebration feeling effortless.

What outdoor wedding trends are you seeing gain momentum in 2026?

We are seeing a move toward “residential realism,” creating outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of a private home. This means sourcing high-end indoor furniture, such as velvet sofas and antique side tables, and placing them directly on the lawn to create a “living room under the stars.”

Additionally, monochromatic green palettes are huge; using various textures of foliage rather than bright blooms allows the natural beauty of Charleston’s live oaks to take center stage.

What’s the most common mistake you see couples make?

Ignoring the soundscape. Couples often forget that outdoor spaces can “swallow” sound. Without a professional-grade, discreet audio setup, even for an intimate ceremony, your vows can be lost to the wind or the rustle of the trees. To avoid this, always do a “sound check” at the specific time of day your ceremony occurs to understand the ambient noise of the environment.

What’s the most creative or unique element you’ve seen that made the experience unforgettable?

We recently designed a “Midnight Garden” transition. After dinner, we led guests through a hidden path lined with night-blooming jasmine to a circular lounge surrounding a massive, sophisticated fire pit. By shifting the sensory experience, the smell of the flowers, the warmth of the fire, and the sight of the stars, we moved the wedding from a “party” to a true immersive environment that felt entirely separate from the ceremony that preceded it.

See our portfolio at: www.fireflywed.com and www.instagram.com/fireflywed_charleston

What makes your city or region special for planning outdoor weddings?

It is often much warmer here in Orlando when the rest of the country is freezing, making it a great location for weddings in the fall and winter. We’re also lucky to have lush green grass and foliage pretty much year-round.

What are your top three tips for couples planning an outdoor wedding?

Be sure to be flexible when it comes to your planning. As much as you dream of that outdoor wedding, you always need to plan for a backup. Especially in Florida with rain, wind, and heat.

What outdoor wedding trends are you seeing gain momentum in 2026?

Color-blocked gardens, Sperry Tents, outdoor daytime fireworks, and light canopies.

What’s the most common mistake you see couples make when planning an outdoor wedding, and how can they avoid it?

Not having a backup plan. So, get that backup plan with an indoor location or a tent in place well in advance.

Also, putting a wedding cake outside around heat and bugs. Be sure to keep that in mind and perhaps have your cake wheeled out closer to the cake cutting time!

What’s the most creative or unique element of an outdoor wedding you’ve seen that made the guest experience unforgettable?

I always love having a puppy dog included in the wedding. Not as easily done in an indoor wedding. But be sure to have someone to be your puppy sitter.