How To Have a Forest Wedding That Feels Like a Fairytale
You may be in the beginning stages of your wedding planning and are deciding on the perfect location to hold your ceremony. You and your partner have a true connection to nature and feel the call to begin and celebrate your marriage surrounded by the forest. How do we create the fairytale wedding of our dreams?
Choosing the forest as a backdrop to your wedding can create a truly magical atmosphere. From the towering trees to the natural light and earthy details, you have a beautiful foundation to plan upon.
In this article, we’ll explore the who, what, where, when, and why of planning a forest wedding, guiding you through the details to consider for creating your perfect day. We’ll give you a few tips that will help your wedding planning be a little less stressful and keep the focus on the joy of celebrating your love.
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How to Have a Forest Wedding: The 5 W’s for Your Nuptials in Nature
Couples who love nature and have a connection to the outdoors may feel as though their perfect wedding should be surrounded by life’s natural beauty. Deciding what elements you’d like to incorporate, where the perfect location is for you, and deciding the best time of year and day that feels most authentic to you will help you prepare for your magical wedding in the forest.
Who: The Ideal Couple To Say ”I Do” in the Woods
Starting your ever after among the trees with the sounds of nature surrounding you can feel enchanting and personal. Whether you are creative souls, adventurers, romantics, minimalists, or simply nature lovers, a wedding in the forest may be the perfect location to say your vows and celebrate your commitment.
Forest weddings are for those who want to incorporate nature's details and atmosphere into the feel of their wedding. From the songs of the birds to the chirps of the crickets, the magical light filtering through the trees, and the sense of peace that only nature can offer, the beautiful woods are ready for your personal touch.
What: Elements To Bring a Forest Wedding to Life
The woods may create a natural atmosphere, but your theme and personal touch are what will create the mood and feel for your wedding.
Types of themes for a forest wedding include:
Whimsical – Incorporating flowing fabrics, fairy lights, and fairytale-inspired decor
Woodland – Utilizing forest aspects such as moss, wood, and ferns
Rustic – Using lanterns, burlaps, and wood features
Mystical – Decorating with jewels, dramatic lighting, and otherworldly decor
Minimal – Using subtle accents while using the forest as the main decor
Bohemian – Incorporating eclectic decor, macrame, and rugs
Once you’ve determined the theme or feel of your wedding, you will be able to choose the decor, food, and floral arrangements that complement the surrounding forest and your style.
Where: Considerations for Finding the Perfect Woodland Venue
Public vs. Private Forests: How Much Does It Cost To Get Married in a National Forest?
The cost for hosting a special event in a national forest varies by state and park. The majority of public forests require a special use permit fee and other permitting at an additional cost. Each park has its own fees, permits, and set of rules.
For example, Redwood National Park's pre-approved locations cost $100 to apply for a non-exclusive permit, and other locations around the park cost $200.
Permits, Rules, and Red Tape
Regardless of whether you're holding your event at a national park or a private forest, you’ll likely need permitting and other licensing, depending on the state and venue.
Common permits, rules, and red tape in a national forest:
Special use permit
Liability insurance
Guest limits
Vehicle access
Decoration restrictions
Fire restrictions
Noise ordinances
Limited facilities
Twenty Mile House is a 200-acre estate that is a breath of fresh air from the busy everyday life. Our venue specializes in utilizing our natural surroundings throughout your wedding day.
As a private venue, we take the stress out of planning, so you won’t have to worry about the permits that come with hosting a wedding in a national park. You will be free to have fun, celebrate as loudly as you like, and dance the night away without worrying about strict end times or curfews.
When: Deciding on the Best Time To Have Your Wedding
Seasons Matter
When planning your wedding, the time of year affects much more than just the temperature. As with any outdoor wedding, you’ll need to look up the weather history for the time of year you choose. Consider focusing on temperature, rainfall, snowfall, wind, and common large storms.
The season you choose plays a big role in the look of your wedding. Whether you choose the spring season when everything is blooming, the summer when the leaves are vibrant, the fall with its stunning array of colors, or the winter for a winter wonderland, each season brings its own beauty and considerations to plan for.
Golden Hour vs. Midday: Lighting for Photography
Consider hiring a photographer who has experience photographing outdoors. The weather and lighting can vary throughout your ceremony and celebration, so having a professional who can adjust accordingly will ensure your photos come out beautifully.
Golden hour is the ideal time for photographers as it provides gorgeous soft lighting. The effect of this time frame creates a more magical and dreamy picture compared to photographing midday. Weddings that take place when the sun is at its highest can result in harsh lighting, which often creates strong shadows and less flattering photos.
Why: Benefits of a Forest Wedding
Reasons to choose a forest wedding are as follows:
The natural beauty
The serene atmosphere
Incorporates your connection to nature
Stunning backdrop
Private and secluded
Scenic photo opportunities
Dog-friendly vows
Eco-friendly
Having a wedding surrounded by nature offers so much more than just a stunning location for your ceremony. It also creates opportunities for you and your guests to enjoy an adventure. After the celebrations, take the opportunity to explore the great outdoors with the best hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking in Northern California.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, craving relaxation, or hoping to explore the rich local history, the surrounding area has something to offer every guest on your list.
5 Tips for a Stress-Free Forest Wedding
#1: Plan for the Elements
To keep your special day stress-free and magical, plan for inclement weather by having an indoor venue as a backup or having tents on standby. Tents may also be a benefit on days where the sun is shining beautifully and also hot, as they can provide shade from the sun as well as cover from the rain.
By anticipating the “what ifs,” you can relax and focus on the joy of the day, knowing that rain or shine, your wedding will still be every bit as beautiful and memorable as you dreamed.
#2: Keep Logistics Simple
A forest wedding can be enchanting, but it may leave guests unsure of exactly where the ceremony will take place. To avoid confusion, provide your guests and vendors with clear directions, maps, and parking instructions.
#3: Consider Guest Comfort
Holding your ceremony and celebration in the woods can create an unforgettable atmosphere, but it also comes with unique challenges you’ll need to consider during the planning process.
When planning, consider the following factors to keep your guests comfortable:
Provide study chairs
Be sure there are shaded areas
Create easy paths for those who need accessibility
Consider offering bug spray, fans, and bottled water
#4: Hire Experienced Vendors
Choose vendors who have experience with outdoor weddings and are able to execute them well. Professional caterers, photographers, florists, and event planners who are familiar with forest weddings will be able to adapt to changing weather and the challenges that come with setting up an event in the forest.
With your choice of a forest wedding, consider eco-conscious venues and vendors who care for nature and have similar values. By choosing Twenty Mile House, you’ll have access to our top-notch local vendors who align with our eco-friendly commitments.
#4: Delegate and Relax
Planning and coordinating a wedding is a tall task, especially when taking on most of the work yourself. Consider asking a trusted friend, family member, or wedding coordinator to take charge of your wedding day so you are able to focus on yourself and enjoy the day.
Booking with Twenty Mile House means more than just having your wedding day taken care of — it means having a dedicated team by your side every step of the way. Our team and vendors will make sure your dream wedding is truly one of a kind.
Reach out to schedule an in-person or virtual tour of our beautiful estate or to let us know if you’d like us to begin creating a custom eco-elegant wedding package, just for you.
Celebrate Your Dream Forest Wedding at Twenty Mile House
Choosing a forest wedding venue in California that is intentionally designed to highlight and incorporate the surrounding scenery can help create a beautiful celebration. Not only is Twenty Mile House situated in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, but we also provide a charming historic venue and all-inclusive wedding packages.
The property provides a range of unique areas, including:
Getting ready:
The Main House
Mountain Viewscape
Northfield Cabin
Trackside Cabin
First look:
Bridge over Jackson Creek
Miner’s Cabin
Ceremony:
Enchanting Forest
Main Garden
Rushing River
Reception:
The Garden
General Store
Outdoor Patio
Let us create a personalized wedding package and watch your dream wedding come to life. Our team truly enjoys creating one-of-a-kind weddings and memories that will last a lifetime.