Luxury Outdoor Wedding
When most people think of a “luxury wedding,” they picture a ballroom with marble floors, a ten-piece band, and champagne towers under crystal chandeliers. But we’re here to tell you something we know to be absolutely true:
Luxury isn’t about where you are, it’s about how it feels.
And yes, that absolutely includes outdoor weddings.
We’re a Tennessee wedding venue nestled in the woods with a lake and a barn, so we’ve seen firsthand how couples have turned natural settings into elevated, unforgettable celebrations. Whether you’re planning a mountaintop ceremony, a lakefront reception, or a cozy gathering in the forest, your wedding can feel just as luxury, if not more so, than any five-star hotel affair.
Here’s how to create an outdoor wedding experience that’s relaxed, refined, and truly luxurious, no matter your budget.
1. Luxury Starts With Thoughtfulness
The number one thing guests notice at a “luxury-feeling” wedding? It’s not price tags. It’s how taken care of they feel and their experience.
From the moment they arrive, luxury is about ease, comfort, and little touches that say, “We thought of you.”
For an outdoor wedding, that might mean:
Welcome drinks on arrival (iced tea, champagne, or a signature cocktail)
Clear signage to help guests find their way
Cozy seating nooks with soft lighting
Weather-friendly comfort (fans, blankets, umbrellas as needed)
When you prioritize guest experience, everything else feels elevated.
2. Invest in a Few Statement Pieces
One common misconception about outdoor weddings is that you have to go big with everything to make it feel high-end. You don’t. Just focus on a few intentional upgrades that create a big visual impact.
Ideas we’ve seen work beautifully at our venue:
A floral arch or dramatic ceremony install that frames your vows
Lounge furniture under string lights for cocktail hour
A bold, curated tablescape with real linens, glassware, and layered textures
A wow moment, like a champagne wall, custom bar, or floral chandelier under the trees
Pick one or two of these areas to splurge a little, and let the natural beauty of your venue do the rest.
3. Keep the Natural Beauty, Elevate the Style
Outdoor venues like lakefronts, gardens, or wooded spaces already come with their own built-in wow factor. So instead of covering that up, lean into it and elevate around it.
Some styling tips to keep things luxe and cohesive:
Choose a refined color palette (neutrals, soft greens, warm tones, gold accents)
Go for quality over quantity with florals wild, unstructured blooms feel modern and luxe
Use textural layers: soft linens, ceramic plates, gold flatware, and real glassware
Stick to intentional minimalism: keep decor clean and uncluttered to let the scenery shine
This works especially well at woodland and barn venues, where natural elements like wood and water pair beautifully with more polished decor.
4. Set the Mood with Lighting
Lighting is one of the most underrated ways to add luxury to your wedding, especially outdoors.
As the sun sets, light becomes everything. The right glow makes your space feel intimate, elegant, and almost magical. Here’s how to do it:
String lights over tables or pathways
Hanging lanterns from tree branches
Candle clusters in hurricane vases
Warm-toned uplighting on trees, florals, or backdrops
We’ve seen couples use a combination of market lights, floating candles, and even chandelier installations in trees. It turns your outdoor venue into something straight out of a magazine.
5. Hire a Coordinator Who Gets Your Vision
A wedding can only feel luxurious if it runs smoothly. And for outdoor weddings, that often means working with someone who knows how to manage all the moving parts: weather, vendor load-in, logistics, timing, and guest flow.
Whether it’s a full-service planner or just a month-of coordinator, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Look for someone who:
Has experience with outdoor venues
Understands design and flow
Communicates well with vendors
Has backup plans in case of rain or delays
Trust us, it makes everything feel more elevated when you’re not the one running around with a clipboard on your wedding day.
6. Elevate the Food & Drink Experience
Outdoor weddings don’t have to mean picnic-style food (unless that’s your thing!). Many caterers can provide restaurant-quality meals in outdoor settings, you just need to plan for the setup.
Ways to add a luxurious feel to your meal:
Go for plated meals or upscale family-style service
Offer a signature cocktail or two, garnished beautifully, of course
Include a gorgeous dessert display or mini cakes for each guest
Set up a stylish bar area with real glassware and elegant signage
Pro tip: don’t forget service staff. Well-dressed, professional servers instantly elevate the feel of any meal.
7. Make It Multi-Day for a True “Retreat” Feel
One of the ultimate luxury wedding moves? Turning your celebration into a full weekend experience. Especially if your venue includes onsite accommodations, you can turn your wedding into a mini getaway for your favorite people.
At our Tennessee venue, couples often host:
A welcome dinner or bonfire by the lake
A relaxing rehearsal dinner with sunset views
Morning yoga, lake activities, or brunch the day after
It feels intentional, indulgent, and deeply personal. And when your guests get to slow down and connect in a beautiful place? That’s luxury.
8. Luxury Is Personal, Not Pricey
Here’s the truth: luxury is about how something feels. It’s about warmth, comfort, and quality. It’s about creating an experience that’s rich in love, thoughtful in details, and surrounded by beauty.
You don’t need to rent gold thrones or book a 12-piece band. You just need to be intentional with your choices and pick a venue that already offers natural beauty, good bones, and flexible options.
Thinking About an Outdoor Wedding That Feels Luxe and Down-to-Earth?
Our venue offers a unique blend of rustic charm and natural elegance. Nestled in the Tennessee woods with a view of the lake, a charming barn, and onsite cabin accommodations for your crew, it’s made for couples who want a wedding that feels refined, peaceful, and personal.
Whether you're planning a one-day celebration or a full wedding weekend, we’d love to help you craft a day that feels luxurious without the fuss.
Let’s tour the venue, dream up the vibe, and make it happen. Tour here! Find us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and tiktok for more wedding planning tips! We think you’ll feel the magic the moment you arrive.