Planning an outdoor wedding in the Charlotte area? Outdoor weddings can be wonderful, but there are some factors you may want to consider.

Have a backup plan in case of weather.

You plan your wedding so far in advance that there is no way to determine what the weather will be like.  What if it rains?  Good venues will have an indoor area where you can move your wedding in case of inclement weather.

Alert your guests.

Make sure everyone knows that your ceremony will be outdoors.  Don’t assume everyone knows that the ceremony or reception is outside.  Guests may have allergies or other issues that you may not know about.  The polite thing to do is give them warning so they can so they can prepare appropriately.

Be aware of the sun.

If you’re having a mid-day ceremony, consider that the sun may be beating down on your guests and you may want to have a brief ceremony.  Getting married a little later in the evening might be a great idea – but keep in mind: if you have your ceremony at sunset; be sure that your guests are not staring straight into the sun.

Be aware of insects

- especially in spring, and especially if it has been rainy lately.  Setting up citronella candles or fans can clear the air of mosquitoes.  Also, some venues will spray an area for bugs before your wedding – be sure to check.

Consider the temperature.

If it is hot and you are having an outdoor reception, it’s a bad idea to have food that cannot stand up to being outdoors.  Things like fish or anything with mayonnaise should be avoided.  If your outdoor reception will last into the night, it may get colder.  Make sure your reception venue has indoor space, or be sure to let your guests know that it may get a little chilly.

Working with a good wedding director can take a lot of these hassles out of your hands.  Great venues – like the ones listed below – have taken into account all of these considerations (and many more!) and will assist you greatly in making your outdoor wedding perfect.

Check out these great outdoor wedding venues:

Victorian Crow’s Nest

Monroe, NC

Located close to Charlotte in Monroe, NC, the Victorian Crow’s Nest is a beautiful Victorian styled wedding venue. Available for weddings and receptions, with a capacity of 250.

Learn more about the Victorian Crow’s Nest

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Belmont, NC

Located in Belmont, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a beautiful Botanical Garden that hosts both weddings and receptions. A truly unique location for your wedding. Available for weddings and receptions.

Learn more about Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Birkdale Golf Club

Huntersville, NC

Located in Huntersville, Birkdale Golf Club is a fantastic location for your wedding. Have your ceremony outdoors on the lawn, then celebrate your reception inside the Palmer Pavilion. Available for weddings and receptions.

Learn more about Birkdale Golf Club

University Hilton

Charlotte, NC

Located in uptown Charlotte, the Hilton Charlotte University Place provides an urban outdoor location for your wedding. Available for weddings and receptions.

Learn more about The University Hilton.

Carrigan Farms

Mooresville, NC

Located Mooresville, Carrigan Farms features a beautiful rock quarry and a sandy beach. Carrigan Farms can host your outdoor wedding and reception from March through November. Available for weddings and receptions.

Learn more about Carrigan Farms

The Point Lake Club

Mooresville, NC

Located just north of Charlotte in Mooresville on the shores of Lake Norman, The Point Lake and Golf Club is a beautiful location for your wedding and reception. Available for weddings and receptions.

Learn more about The Point Lake Club.

The Peninsula Yacht Club

Cornelius, NC

Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Norman, The Peninsula Yacht Club’s quiet elegance offers an unparalleled experience on your wedding day.  Weddings and receptions.

Learn more about The Peninsula Yacht Club.