If you and your spouse-to-be love to spend time outside, consider holding your wedding ceremony and reception outdoors. Instead of choosing a basic park or backyard setting, get creative with the venue to make your big day even more memorable. When picking the perfect outdoor venue, take your specific interests and passions into consideration. For instance, if you enjoy spending time boating or fishing, a lakefront location may be right for you. 

It's also important to decide if you want to keep the celebration local or if you desire a destination wedding. Ocean-lovers who live in a landlocked state may choose to hold their wedding in a tropical climate, or some couples dream of saying "I do" in a mountain setting. If the location will require friends and family members to travel, give them as much notice as possible so that they can make arrangements. 

Following are some creative outdoor wedding venue ideas to add to your list of possibilities: 

1. Country Barn

When it comes to relaxed outside event spaces, you can't get more relaxed and casual than a country barn. You can either use a friend's barn or rent one for the day and night. One of the benefits of a barn venue is that although it is open to the outdoors, it's also covered in case of inclement weather. While a barn is a rustic setting, you can glam it up with a few luxe touches, such as crystal chandeliers hung above tables from the rafters, classy linens and chair cushions, ornate glass vases filled with fresh flowers, and twinkling string lights. 

2. Botanical Gardens 

If you live in a cold-weather climate and are set on a winter wedding, you can rent event space at a botanical garden attraction. Even if it's snowing outside, you and your guests can enjoy a balmy tropical setting surrounded by greenery and vibrantly colored flowers. As a warm-weather option, choose a charming garden space complete with a vine-covered gazebo to say your vows under. If you're having a small, intimate wedding, you can host your guests and get ready at a bed-and-breakfast inn, and then hold the ceremony and reception outdoors in the onsite garden. 

3. Zoo

Animal-loving couples can hold their wedding at a local zoo, which will keep both kids and adults entertained. Many zoos offer both indoor and outdoor event space, such as a private room and a picnic area.

Ask the attraction's event team if they coordinate with a catering service, which you may be able to secure at a discounted rate. To learn more, contact a company like Rainbow Gardens.