While outdoor wedding venues offer many advantages, they can also come with additional cost considerations that need to be factored into your budget. Here’s what you need to know.


Venue rental: The cost of renting the outdoor venue itself can vary widely depending on factors such as location, popularity, and amenities. Some venues may have different pricing tiers or packages, so make sure to inquire about the costs upfront.

Rental equipment: Outdoor venues may require additional rentals such as tents, chairs, tables, lighting, and dance floors. Find out exactly what they venue offers – down to table sizes and chair counts. Budget for any rentals to fill that gap. These rentals can add up quickly, so it’s important to include them in your calculations.

Decorations: While outdoor venues provide a stunning backdrop, you may still want to enhance the space with decorations. Consider the cost of flowers, arches, centerpieces, draping, lights, and other decor elements when budgeting for your outdoor wedding.

Catering: Some outdoor venues have exclusive partnerships with catering companies or require you to choose from a list of approved vendors. Make sure to inquire about the catering options and their associated costs.

Parking and transportation: If the venue doesn’t have sufficient parking, you may need to arrange transportation for your guests. Consider the cost of shuttles or other transportation options.

Insurance: Some venues may require you to have liability insurance to protect against accidents or damages. Check with the venue coordinator to see if this is a requirement and factor in the cost of insurance when budgeting.

Additional services: If the venue offers additional services such as bar service, wedding coordination, or on-site accommodations, consider the costs associated with these services and whether they fit within your budget.

Contingency plan: Consider whether you have a solid plan in place in case of inclement weather. How much would it be to relocate your ceremony or reception? Can you bring in a giant tent the week of your event? Don’t find yourself woefully unprepared during an already stressful week.


It’s important to have a clear understanding of all the costs involved when choosing an outdoor wedding venue, so you can plan accordingly and avoid any surprises down the line. For more information on logistics and accommodations at an outdoor wedding venue, check out this blog post.