One of the reasons that outdoor weddings are so popular is the appeal of being married in a beautiful natural setting.
It is true that nothing can match the spectacular beauty of nature at its peak.
When you begin visiting sites for your wedding, one of the most important things to look for is really breathtaking views.
Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, and this is definitely the case when it comes to weddings.
For some couples, there is nothing more wonderful than seeing the sun set over the ocean.
Another bride and groom might think that a field of wildflowers is the prettiest sight on earth.
For winter lovers, what could be more stunning than a towering pines with snow-capped mountains in the distance? Whichever of these styles speaks to you, there will be plenty of terrific venues that offer them.
Almost any natural setting has an unspoiled grace, but some are definitely more gorgeous than others.
Look at a location as though you were looking through the lens of a camera.
Do you see elements that would have great visual appeal for photo shoots, like bridges over streams, a row of flowering trees, or a country lane covered in a canopy of fiery autumn leaves? Perhaps your site has a powerful view of a pair of mountains or a graceful pair of hundred year old oak trees.
These are the types of elements that will take your wedding location from merely pretty to spectacular.
Once you have found that ideal location, be sure to play up its best features.
Let's say that you have decided to be married in the fall, with the brilliant leaves of that season as your backdrop.
You can emphasize the glorious autumn colors by featuring them in your wedding.
Fiery reds, warm yellows, and pumpkin oranges are wonderful colors to use in so many ways for everything from décor to bridesmaid dresses to the bride's bouquet.
A warm and cozy autumn setting can be made even more inviting with accents to make your guests feel welcome.
Just as you would put out paper fans for your guests on a hot summer day, if there is a nip in the air, greet your guests with a basket of cozy lap blankets that they can snuggle under during your ceremony.
Rich tartan blankets would be very nice.
A hot toddy is another hospitable way to welcome guests to an outdoor wedding in cool or cold weather.
As a nice tie in, you can give your groomsmen flasks for their groomsmen gifts.
(Actually, flasks are equally popular for groomsmen gifts in the summer too - men just like them!) Having done all that you can to work with the beauty of your wedding site, you will want to have a careful talk with your photographer.
If he is not familiar with the location, it will be especially important that you take him out there before the wedding, so that he can scope out the best vistas for photographs.
Be sure to let him know what in particular drew you to that spot so that he does not miss a photo that you would really like to have in your album.
The right backdrop will go a long way towards making your wedding feel even more magical.
It is such a momentous occasion that you deserve an equally impressive site.
Having an altar with a stunning view is definitely a great idea.