Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by SampleBoard
You’re not the ballroom type. You’d rather say “I do” under a canopy of trees than under a chandelier
Maybe it’s the smell of pine, the open sky, or the idea of dancing barefoot on the grass.
Whatever pulls you outside, one thing’s for sure: planning a wedding in a remote setting is a whole different ballgame.
You’re trading fancy venue packages for raw beauty and a bit more DIY grit. But don’t worry. It’s doable with a little planning and a few smart moves.
From hauling in your power to keeping the cake from melting in the sun, you’ve got some details to handle. But once the stars come out and your people gather around the fire, it’s all worth it.
Here are four real-world tips to help you pull off the outdoor wedding of your dreams, no banquet hall required.
You probably already have a dream location in mind. Maybe it's a hidden lake you camped at once, a wide-open meadow your cousin mentioned, or a forest clearing you stumbled across during a hike.
That’s the magic of a remote wedding—you get to make your own rules and pick a place that means something to you.
But before you commit, make sure the road to your dream is drivable. Can your guests get there without blowing a tire?
Can a box truck fit around that bend? If the road is sketchy, it might be worth renting a 4x4 shuttle or hauling gear in advance.
Also, think about how flat the ground is, what the weather does in that area, and if there's enough space to set up everything from a tent to a dance floor.
You don’t need a luxury venue, but you do need a solid plan. Cell service might be spotty, so download offline maps and share directions the old-school way—like with a printable map or a text the night before.
Choosing the right location is step one. Just make sure it works not only for your photos, but also for your guests, your vendors, and that cake that needs to arrive in one piece.
Rent a moving truck or get a 40ft shipping container and fill it with everything you need for the perfect weekend.
When you're getting married off the grid, the venue doesn’t come with walls, lights, or restrooms. That’s part of the fun.
You get to build your own space from scratch and make it feel exactly how you want. Think of it as setting the stage for a celebration no one will forget.
Start with the basics. A tent gives you shelter and a backup plan in case the weather gets weird. You can go with something simple or something super dreamy, like a clear-top tent that lets you see the stars.
Don’t forget a floor—wood platforms or thick rugs can turn uneven ground into a cozy space to eat and dance.
You’ll also want to bring in portable restrooms. The fancy ones with sinks and mirrors are worth it. Add a few generators, string lights, and you’ve got power, sparkle, and a place to plug in the DJ gear.
Decor is up to you. Wildflowers in mason jars, lanterns hanging from trees, or even a big rug for the ceremony spot can make it feel warm and personal.
You’re not stuck with banquet hall rules. Out here, it’s all yours. Just pack it in, set it up, and watch the space come to life around you.
Out in the wild, ice melts fast, and food goes bad even faster. A reefer trailer rental can save the day. It’s basically a giant portable fridge that runs on a generator.
You park it near your setup, plug it in, and you have cold storage in the middle of nowhere.
A reefer trailer gives you the freedom to store everything from drinks and desserts to floral arrangements and meal prep without stressing about the heat.
Your caterer can keep trays chilled until serving time. Your signature cocktails will still have ice. Your cake won’t collapse before the first slice.
This also helps if you’re DIY-ing part of the food or bringing your own booze.
You can load it up the day before, drive it to the site, and avoid last-minute grocery store runs. It’s like having a walk-in fridge at your wedding in the woods.
You don’t have to be fancy to be smart. Renting a reefer trailer is one of those behind-the-scenes moves that makes everything else run smoother. Guests won’t see it. They won’t even think about it.
But they’ll notice that the shrimp is cold, the drinks are crisp, and nothing tastes like it sat in the sun all day.
You might dream of blue skies and a light breeze, but Mother Nature tends to do her own thing. That’s why it helps to be ready for pretty much anything.
Sun, wind, bugs, cold nights, surprise rain—it’s all part of the adventure. If you pack smart, you’ll roll with it like a pro.
Start with the guest experience. Set up a little comfort station with sunscreen, bug spray, hand fans, and extra water.
If you're getting married in the mountains or desert, throw in a few cozy blankets for when the temperature drops.
You can even add flip-flops for dancing or towels for those extra sweaty moments.
Keep your own gear close, too. Have extra layers, backup shoes, and a clear umbrella just in case the weather pulls a plot twist.
A few battery-powered lanterns or flashlights never hurt either, especially when the sun sets early or the trail to the parking area gets dark.
The key is to think like a camper and a party planner at the same time. Your wedding can still feel magical even if the wind kicks up or the clouds roll in.
Just be prepared, stay flexible, and laugh when something unexpected happens. It makes for better stories anyway.
When you get married in a remote spot, you're not just throwing a wedding—you’re creating an experience. It’s wild, a little unpredictable, and totally your own.
Sure, there’s more to plan, and you’ll need to think outside the ballroom, but that’s part of the fun.
You’ll bring the party with you, keep things cool with smart gear like a reefer trailer, and make sure your guests feel taken care of.
Out there, the view is real, the air is fresh, and the memories hit differently. So lean into the adventure.
Embrace the dirt, the stars, the wind, and the quiet. Because once the sun sets and you're dancing under the sky, you’ll know you got it exactly right.
