How To Do It Outside

“Let's go outside”, sang George Michael, but in reality, how easy is it to plan your wedding ceremony or event outside in England?

Imagine saying your vows with the sea breeze in your hair, the sound of waves below, with the wild beauty of a Cornish clifftop as your backdrop? Humanist ceremonies are perfect for couples who want a truly personal, meaningful wedding in nature whether you’re planning a micro wedding, elopement, or small gathering. Check out my website gallery for Adam and Gemma’s surfboard elopement this summer. Here are my top tips and advice for creating an unforgettable outdoor celebration on the Cornish coast.

However much we would like to say ‘welcome to Kernowfonia’, Cornwall does rain and weather can be fabulously stormy. As winter arrives, I love to embrace it and say - go all in! Your event would be fabulous in a stormy winter with my top tips:

Location Location Location

Sofie Michelle Photography

Choose a Location That Speaks to You. One of the greatest freedoms of a humanist wedding is that you can hold your ceremony anywhere on a secluded beach, a dramatic clifftop, or a hidden cove. The most important thing is to pick a spot that feels special to you. Do your research. Visit at different times of day and in different weather (howling winds, glorious sunshine) to get a feel for the light, the wind, and the views. For cliff tops, ensure the area is safe - landslides happen regularly - and make sure you think about accessibility for everyone.

Accessibility and Comfort

Whether a micro wedding or a theatrical event, always consider it from the point of view of your audience. Think about your guests: can everyone reach the site easily? Think about parking. Can your guests park easily? Provide clear directions and consider the needs of guests with limited mobility. Shade, seating, and shelter are important, especially for older guests or little ones. Cushions, blankets, or even a basket of flip-flops can make everyone comfortable.

Is your ceremony happening in winter? Flasks of hot chocolate (with or without an extra alcoholic kick) can ensure everyone is warm and smiling. For a month when heavy rain is more of a risk a Humanist ceremony can be as short as 20 minutes.

I can recommend locations, and we can discuss how best to make the ceremony comfortable (and memorable for the right reasons) for all your guests.

Plan for the Elements

Plan, plan, plan! The Cornish weather is famously unpredictable! (Yes, we had a tornado blast down one street in  January 2025! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr46zy96prxo)

Have a backup plan for rain, wind, or blazing sun. Lightweight wraps, umbrellas, and waterproofs can be both practical and stylish additions. For beach ceremonies, opt for dresses and outfits that are easy to move in and won’t drag in the sand. A wet wedding dress is very heavy! Avoid heels—sparkly sandals or barefoot is best! For Cornwall, in particularly cliff tops, forget umbrellas (unless you have a sheltered beach), with our winds, how about stylish yellow rain macs over your dress?

With me, we will plan and organise a plan B, C and D for your outdoor event.

Permissions and Practicalities

Some beaches and clifftop spots may require permission or permits for gatherings—always check with the local council. If there are no nearby facilities, consider hiring portable restrooms. Research tide times for beach ceremonies to avoid being caught out by the sea. Surfline is used by surfers and can give accurate details about the tides and conditions of the sea. If you don’t live by the sea and are not from Cornwall make sure you are aware of the tides, and also the size of the tide. The landscape changes quickly and dramatically on our local beaches.

If in the summer season, check with the lifeguards some beaches are busy. Again, if you work with me, I can help with this.

Sound and Setting

The sound of waves is beautiful, but it can make it (very!) hard for guests to hear. A small portable sound system or microphone can help everyone feel included, especially on windy days. Remember this will get full or sand and potentially rain/sea water, so plan accordingly. Consider the position of the sun for photos and comfort sunset ceremonies are stunning, but make sure you have enough light for the whole event.

Keep It Intimate

Micro weddings, elopements, and small gatherings are perfect for outdoor ceremonies. They allow you to focus on what matters most: each other, your vows, and the people you love. With fewer guests, you can be more flexible with locations, think small beach cave, intimate cliff fire or even in the water on surfboards - create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

Legalities

In England and Wales, legal marriages must take place in a licensed venue, so most couples complete the legal paperwork at the registry office before or after their humanist ceremony. This means your outdoor celebration can be entirely about your love and your story, free from legal constraints and somewhere that means something to you

Capture the Magic

Sofie Michelle Photography

Choose a photographer who understands the wild, natural beauty of your chosen location and can work with the light and landscape (weather and conditions!). I can recommend photographers like https://www.sofiemichellephotography.co.uk who is skilled and experienced at creating beautiful shots in all our crazy Cornish weather!

If your plan to do it outdoors feels overwhelming, get in touch, and I can do it all for you.

For the ultimate outdoor elopement wedding, see my recent photo shoot on surfboards.

Sofie Michelle Photography