Indoor weddings can happen anywhere, but one of the reasons so many couples choose to tie the knot in Vermont is for the beauty of the natural landscape.  Create a charming and stylish wedding “set” by dividing your outdoor space into discrete areas for specific purposes, which can be as fanciful as they are functional.

The thrill of planning an event that really engages these surroundings and makes them an integral part of the day’s celebration really fires up the imaginations of our state’s wedding professionals. “As an event planner, for me the outdoor space is divine,” says Belinda Norris of Belinda Norris Events.



In addition to being a marriage of two people, an outdoor wedding must be a marriage of fantasy and practicality. While the end result should feel carefree and effortless, careful planning is key to an event that is unforgettable for all the right reasons. While Vermont is predictably beautiful, what’s a bit less predictable is the weather. “Focus on your rain plan to avoid disappointment,” says Norris. A large party tent provides not only rain insurance, but also protection from hot sun. And far from being just a utilitarian necessity, tents can lend their own magic, especially when they’re “warmed up” with decorative elements like small trees, ornamental grasses, flowers, branches, and fabric dividers.

With the rain plan in place, take stock of the landscape you have to work with. Carrie MacMillan-Lane from Storied Events recommends identifying natural enclaves - big, shade-giving trees, for example - and noting level surfaces where you can place tables and seating. Also look for natural boundaries, like ponds, streams, or rivers that can help define and contain your gathering. If there are no natural boundaries in place, you can partition an outdoor space with branches, wrought-iron canopies, bamboo poles, clothesline, torches, or hanging fabrics. Use “indoor” furniture, along with canopies and rugs to create inviting outdoor “rooms.”

And remember, when night falls, the right lighting can really work magic - think strings of lights in the trees, dramatic uplighting, antique hurricane lamps, and maybe a roaring bonfire to warm a cool evening. With an outdoor wedding, the sky really is the limit.

Drinks Al Fresco
Setting up a “field bar” is a great way to lure guests into exploring the outdoor space you’ve created for your celebration. The requirements are simple, says Alex Finberg of Bevo Bar Catering. “Don’t try to anticipate what everybody wants and go broke in the process,” he advises. Stock a mix of beers, white and red wines, and the makings for one really great cocktail. “Use fresh juice, good liquor, and get way too much ice - it won’t go to waste.” Use glassware that works for a variety of beverages - if the drinks are good, no one will complain that they’re in the “wrong” type of glass.

Make Yourself Comfortable
“Think of the outdoors as your living room and dining room,” advises event planner and designer Belinda Norris. “Create warmth, community, family, and love.” Use furniture, canopies, and even rugs to create casual, comfortable outdoor “lounges.” Kate Hays of Dish Catering suggests hot colors like bright pink and orange to warm up wide-open or cool-feeling spaces.

Infuse your celebration with a sense of wonder and whimsy by planting surprises throughout the landscape. Why let the photographer have all the fun? Allowing guests to call the shots - and take them, too - is a great way to get people interacting and documenting your day in a way that is personal, informal, and fun. Set the tables with disposable cameras and encourage everyone to explore the grounds and snap away; collect the cameras at the end of the day to make a unique keepsake album that shows your wedding from a guest’s point of view. For something a little more elaborate, set up an outdoor photo studio where guests can coordinate their own shots or pose for a pro.

Water expresses a fresh, new beginning. Toast to your partnership on the riverbank - or ankle-deep in the stream - to celebrate your next chapter.

Go with the Flow  
If you’re fortunate enough to have selected a natural setting that includes a waterfall, creek, or river, make the most of it. Make sure the main opening of your tent frames the water view - even if the weather is wetter than you hoped for, you and your guests will be able to enjoy the scene while staying protected from the elements. Even if you can’t see the water from your wedding site, you can still enjoy the soothing sounds of a nearby brook by placing guest areas within earshot.

Time to Reflect
With the wedding day behind you, you’re probably ready for a really relaxing outdoor brunch with the special guests who’ve spent the night. Set some beautiful tables by the water, if possible, and encourage folks to roll up their pants, wade in, and wander, enjoying the fresh morning air and the chance to spend just a little more quality time with old and new friends. Toast the new day with champagne or good sparkling wine, and keep the mood informal - the flowing water, the songs of the birds, and the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze are all the entertainment you need.