Outdoor Weddings

Outdoor ceremony, what if it rains?

We're looking into cutting costs everywhere we can without sacrificing TOO much. We live in NE Ohio and are looking at a reception in Vermilion-on-the-Lake. We have some really nice parks up here and I've seen many brides having their ceremonies in the Metroparks. It's definitely affordable and therefore something I'm considering.

My concern though, obviously, is what to do if it rains. I don't want to use their covered shelters because they're set up like picnic areas with picnic tables (in a lot of cases bolted to the ground.) I don't want to invest in a back-up indoor location because that's money we can't afford to spend if we don't have to (otherwise I'd just do that and not pay to rent a location in the park) so I was wondering if there are any ways to protect the wedding from rain in a public location like this? I can't imagine you're allowed to bring in your own tents/chairs but then again... I honestly don't know.

I'm still trying to figure out details so we may not go with this option if it's not going to work for what I want/our budget. So any insight would be more than appreciated. Thanks!

Re: Outdoor ceremony, what if it rains?

  • We are having an outdoor wedding in june... Washington weather is iffie then so renting a huge tent. May want to check into that :)
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  • We are having an outdoor wedding in june... Washington weather is iffie then so renting a huge tent. May want to check into that :)
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • Are you planning on having the wedding and reception outdoors in the park?

    If so, you might just need to bit the bullet and rent a tent/covering.

    If not, and you are having a reception in a hall or somewhere else, you could check with them about using the reception room as the Plan B ceremony location. They would just need to part the dinner tables to create an aisle (and maybe place a row of regular seats up front for the VIPs. If there is a good focal wall (fireplace, french doors, whatnot) use that or bring in a couple large plants or something to make special.  That's my Plan B, anyway.  Just prepare a plan of action to inform the guests of the change :)

  • I'm from MN doing an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception.  I know it's not as rainy as in some places, but I was really concerned too.  Our reception hall will allow us to get married there as a Plan B in case it does rain.  My FI and I also have a super cute GIANT umbrella, just in case. 
    You could also just get wet! Part of me thinks it would be fun saying our vows with just our close family and our WP huddled around us in umbrellas :)  Very intimate!  But our ceremony might only be 10 mins or so long.
  • Only way to make sure it to see if the park you want to have the ceremony at will allow you bring in a tent to be set up. Depending on the park they may or may not let you, if they do, be prepared to pay a fee to the park.

    I would recommend checking with cities in the area too, I live in NE Ohio too (eastside) and you would be surprised on some of the facitilies different cities have that are available to rent. I was looking at Mentor and they had a couple of nice buildings that had garden areas so the ceremony could be outside but if needed, could be moved inside.

    I know Mentor isn't close to where you are looking, but you may want to check out some of the cities in the area you are interested. You never know what you may find.
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