Above The Bay

An outdoor wedding is beautiful, especially with the south Cornwall coastline as your backdrop. As we know, the UK weather can be unpredictable, which means considerations and contingencies when planning an outdoor wedding. In this blog, we provide our tips on everything you need to think about when planning an outdoor wedding.

Have a Venue Backup Plan

The most important thing to consider when planning an outdoor wedding is the weather. In the case of rain, wind or unpleasant weather it is crucial to have a backup plan. If you are having a wedding in an open space we recommend making sure you have a backup option. If you are in a venue with an indoor option, then making sure you are ready to use it if needed is important.

Protect your guest from the weather

Sunshine in the height of summer can be just as problematic as heavy rainfall or strong winds. If you are getting married in the summer, make sure to not plan your ceremony during peak sunshine or make sure to provide options of shade, refreshments and breaks for guests. If it is due to rain, provide umbrellas that, match your theme and can be included in photos. If a lot of your evening is outside, having blankets and outdoor heating options can keep guests warm and happy if the temperature drops in the evenings.

Think about your menu

If you are having your wedding meal outside, think about your menu. If your wedding is in summer you may want to tweak your menu slightly to match the weather, opting for food that won’t melt or spoil in high heats quickly. If you are having a buffet you may consider keeping the food inside or undercover to protect it from the heat or bugs.

Protect your decor

The UK wind can be as unpredictable as the rain, especially if you are getting married on the coast. When choosing your decorations, consider items that aren’t going to get blown over or damaged. For flowers choose heavy vases, or ensure they are weighed down. Secure signage to the easel or stand to stop it blowing around or getting damaged. If you’re getting married in the summer, high heat can affect your flowers so taking this into consideration if you’re getting married during on of the UK’s heatwaves is also important.

Footwear Options

If the majority of your wedding will be outside, consider the flooring. Will it be paved or will the wedding be mostly on sand, stones or grass. If it is on loose or uneven ground you may want to provide some additional space to store a second pair of shoes for guests or provide flip flops yourself. You don’t want guests to be put off dancing just because of the floor.

Speakers and Microphones

Audio can quickly and easily be distorted outdoors by wind, the waves or wildlife. We recommend making sure to have speakers that can handle an outdoor environment. For speeches, we also recommend having a microphone, especially if you are having a larger wedding, making sure everyone can hear is important.

Choose a Wedding Photographer Experienced in Outdoor Weddings

Most wedding photographers and videographers are experienced in indoor and outdoor settings, however, making sure they are strong in outdoor settings is important to ensure you get the photos and videos you’ve dreamed of.

Why choose an outdoor wedding at Above the Bay special?

At Above the Bay, we have hosted outdoor wedding ceremonies for many wonderful couples, our wedding venue has:.

Fully licensed for legal outdoor weddings, no need for a separate ceremony
Panoramic sea views over Falmouth’s coastline, inside or out. We have a beautiful clifftop pagoda for the ceremony which can host up to 80 people.
Indoor ceremony room with sea views as a stylish weather backup
Reserved parking for up to 8 cars for close family, with additional parking available
Golf buggy transport available to help guests reach the ceremony space with ease
A calm, thoughtful setting with onsite catering, indoor options, and a team who truly care
You can say your vows and sign the register under the open sky and our beautiful pagoda – it’s all official, all in one go, and all with that glorious coastal backdrop.

Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a relaxed celebration with family and friends, Above the Bay offers a coastal setting that feels personal, picturesque, and intentionally designed for meaningful moments.