What is a Garden Wedding?
A garden wedding is a romantic and picturesque celebration held outdoors, typically in a lush garden setting filled with blooming flowers, greenery, and natural beauty. Whether hosted in a botanical garden, private estate, or backyard, this style of wedding embraces nature as its backdrop, creating an intimate and whimsical atmosphere.
Why Choose a Garden Wedding
A garden style wedding is a timeless and romantic way to celebrate your love in a naturally stunning setting. With blooming flowers, lush greenery, and an open-air ambiance, a garden wedding offers the perfect blend of elegance and intimacy. Whether you’re envisioning a grand botanical affair or a cozy backyard gathering, here are some reasons why a garden wedding might be the perfect choice for you.
One of the biggest draws of a garden wedding is the stunning backdrop that requires minimal decoration. Instead of spending a fortune on floral arrangements, you’ll be surrounded by nature’s finest blooms, towering trees, and manicured lawns. The colors, scents, and textures of a garden create a truly enchanting atmosphere that enhances your special day. The natural setting makes for incredible wedding photos! Whether you want a fresh, sunlit brunch wedding or a romantic evening under the stars, a garden wedding offers versatility for any time of day, too.
There’s something undeniably romantic about saying "I do" under a canopy of flowers, with birds chirping in the background and a gentle breeze flowing through. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration, a garden wedding provides a cozy and welcoming ambiance that makes everyone feel at ease. Twinkling string lights, candles, or lanterns can add an extra touch of magic for an evening garden wedding.
How to Start Planning a Garden Wedding
Spring and summer are the most popular seasons for garden weddings because of the blooming flowers and warmer weather. Fall can also be beautiful with colorful leaves, while winter may require additional preparations for comfort. A garden setting is a beautiful blank canvas that pairs well with many themes such as: Rustic Chic, Romantic & Elegant, Boho Garden, Enchanted Forest, etc. Garden weddings can take place day or night in venues such as:
Botanical Gardens – Ideal for a grand, curated floral setting.
Private Estates – Offers exclusivity and elegance.
Backyard Gardens – A charming and intimate option for smaller weddings.
Public Parks – A budget-friendly choice (be sure to check for permits!).
Outdoor weddings come with unpredictability, so it's essential to rent a tent or canopy for shade and rain protection and have an indoor venue as a backup in case of extreme weather. It’s also nice to provide blankets or heaters for cooler evenings for your guests. A garden wedding requires minimal décor since nature is already a stunning backdrop, however outdoor settings may require microphones for the ceremony, and additional lighting, like fairy lights or candles, which enhances the ambiance, too. Garden weddings pair well with fresh, farm-to-table catering, refreshing cocktails, and light, floral-inspired desserts. Consider things like signature drinks with edible flowers or fresh herbs, a relaxed buffet or picnic-style dining option, or an elegant garden tea party theme.
When thinking about a theme or color scheme, remember to choose garden friendly attire. Brides may opt for lightweight, flowy fabrics like chiffon or lace and grooms can consider linen or breathable suits for comfort. Guests should be informed of the outdoor setting to dress appropriately and you’ll want to consider their comfort as you decide on the venue and time of day for the celebration.
A garden wedding is romantic, intimate, and naturally beautiful, but it does require extra planning. Whether you’re envisioning a whimsical garden fairytale or an elegant botanical soirée, Historic Acres of Hershey is a fantastic location for a garden wedding. Our grounds make for a beautiful wedding and event venue along rolling hills in the Pennsylvania countryside. Contact our team to learn more about our availability and to schedule a tour.