Outdoor ceremony, too cold in the 50s?

I think that's too cold to be out for the ceremony, primarily because people don't have recourse to go in during the ceremony. You could still have fires set up during the reception though, people could go back and forth between the heated indoor location and the fires. You and your FS should definitely still get your outdoor photos though! It shouldn't take too long for the two of you and your photographer to get some great outdoor shots (My brother and SIL had to move their wedding inside due to a tropical storm, and they still did some outdoor pictures)

We went to a wedding on the Catskills just a few weeks ago. They had the same issue. The whole weekend was chilly and rainy. Their outdoor ceremony was moved indoors. In all honesty, I think the indoor ceremony felt more intimate than if they had it had outside. At the end of the day they were married and they loved and enjoyed every minute of their day. While it's not what you've been envisioning it can still be beautiful and special and amazing. Think about it, do you really want to be standing outside in the chilly rain in your gown, shoes, hair and makeup to say your vows?


I just saw a sneak peak of their professional photos that were taken outside. Gorgeous!! The clouds really gave it an ethereal feel. You can definitely have the woodsy/outdoor pictures but moving the ceremony indoors is probably for the best.
Enjoy your day for the special day that it is and try not to focus on the "should have beens". Congratulations!!!

Personally, I think getting married near a fireplace sounds really cozy! Could you get lighting or something to brighten up the room? I agree with both posters that you could still take pictures outside. I'm sure it will be a lovely day

My photographer said that a cloudy day gives the BEST photos. Something to do with too much sunshine making you look shiny as opposed to the clouds which still offers all of the natural light without the glare.


Good luck! I hope you can get a few photos outside! Maybe it won’t rain the entire time

I think it’ll be okay if you warn your guests to dress appropriately and make sure they know it’ll be outdoors. I can relate to having an outdoor wedding because that was our vision as well. I was planning on providing guests with a pashmina or blanket if the weather would be in the 50s. But it turned out to be much warmer than usual!

My sisters ceremony was outside in a field and it was 40 degrees with 30 mph winds. All the guests were huddled in their winter coats and us girls were FREEZING in our dresses. I remember virtually nothing about her ceremony beyond the fact that I was freezing cold (she got married end of April when its common to have 60 to 70 degree days but she just wasnt lucky enough to get that). The day before her wedding it was like 65 and sunny...

Way too cold to be outside. I run very hot but once it gets to 50/60 I put on hoodies and your guests don’t want to be bundled up outdoors.

Are most of your guests from upstate NY? We are more used to the cold than people that live in the south . I personally wouldn't mind it if the ceremony was only 15 minutes. You know how big fall weddings are around here, I've been to plenty of outdoor weddings in October and it was fine. One bride did provide blankets for guests though, which was a nice touch and all were used. Definitely let people know ahead of time if you do have it outside so they can dress appropriately.

It was about 58, we provided blankets and *most guests were happy and comfortable…. one guest complained to complain I think even though they had a warm scarf.


I was probably the most scantily clad and was so so comfortable, maybe the emotions of the day. The rain held off, our coordinator said we could have had everyone hold umbrellas if need be. I’m so happy we got a woodsy picture rather than a dark fireplace. It all worked out and I couldn’t be happier.

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Congratulations! That's awesome!

Omg Jewish wedding! So glad it worked out!!! The photo looks amazing! Looks magical with the nature and trees! I love your floral decor!

Omg it looks incredible! So glad you got to have your dream wedding that fulfilled your vision. Congratulations!!!

View Quoted Comment I was wondering how your wedding went. And was thinking if a bride can be in a wedding dress outside for 15 minutes so can everyone else.
Beautiful pic!

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It was great! We didn't end up hanging out outside too much in the late evening but that was okay. I honestly didn't feel a thing even though I was rocking a deep v on both sides and no sleeves or scarf! The heat of the moment I suppose. Others were a little cold but they managed.

Biggest issue was muddy ground and guest chairs slipping into dirt! We had a chair collapse when everyone got up at the end! They needed those heel add ons ha!