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Looking to get married in a forest or woodland rather than a church or registered building? If that's your dream, we've got all the advice you need to make it a reality.

PROS AND CONS OF A FOREST WEDDING

Just need a quick overview of this type of wedding to see whether or not it’s right for you? Here’s our at-a-glance look.

PROS

+ Cheaper than a wedding in a church or approved structure

+ Perfect for a more relaxed ceremony

+ Cheaper accommodation (guests could stay in tents or teepees)

+ You'll be surrounded by nature

CONS

- Not legal in every country

- Inclement weather may disrupt plans

- You won't be able to wear high heels

- Squirrels, wasps, etc. may cause havoc (especially for city types)

WHAT HAPPENS AT A FOREST WEDDING?

Saying your vows while surrounded by the majesty of nature is a magical thing. But beyond adding 'woodland critters' to your guest list, there isn't that much difference between a forest wedding and a traditional one. It's all about the venue. Your chosen ceremony will be much the same.

But that's not to say that a wedding in a wood won't feel different to a wedding indoors.

For one thing, forest weddings tend to be more relaxed than their indoor counterparts. The natural world tends to have a calming influence on people, and you'll feel this in the general vibe of your ceremony.

The season can also have an impact on how your wedding plays out. A winter forest wedding is very different from one in spring, and you'll have to take this into account when planning your forest wedding. Umbrellas, ground coverings, and sunblock for forgetful guests should be on your list of considerations. However, some venues may have all these bases covered.

IS A FOREST WEDDING LEGAL IN THE UK?

That depends on where you're planning to get married.

In the UK, forest weddings are only legal in Northern Ireland and Scotland. In England and Wales, you have to get married in a permanent structure that's accessible to members of the public (such as a church or town hall).

But if you do get married in a country where forest weddings are legal, then that wedding is legally recognised everywhere else. So hop over the border, tie the knot, and when you jump back into England you'll still be legally married.

IS A FOREST WEDDING LEGAL IN THE USA?

It is indeed. However you'll need to get permission from the land owner to stage your ceremony. That includes National Parks, where you'll have to apply for a permit.

And bear in mind that if you choose to get married in a woodland or forest that's not part of a managed venue, you'll have to plan everything from bringing portable toilets onto site to setting up electricity generators.

And don’t forget to bear bears in mind too.

CAN YOU HAVE A RELIGIOUS FOREST WEDDING?

Religious wedding in a woodland in the UK

It depends on your religion and the views of your chosen celebrant or religious community.

Less conservative religions may give you the thumbs up without any trouble. In fact religions like paganism are likely to encourage a wedding in a woodland, as it's more in line with their views.

Forest weddings are also becoming more popular, so are less likely to raise a priest's or cleric's eyebrows today than twenty years ago. But again it's all down to your religious community.

Ask for their views on the subject next time you see them.

CAN YOU HAVE A NON-RELIGIOUS FOREST WEDDING?

Absolutely. The only things that might try to stop you are family members holding on to traditional views, and a concern over the unpredictable weather (especially in the UK).

Don’t forget that forest weddings do have some legal complications around them. Scroll up to find our section on the legalities of forest and woodland weddings.

WHAT SEASON IS BEST FOR A FOREST WEDDING?

This depends on what kind of theme or vibe you're after.

For a Gothic wedding in a woodland, autumn or winter can't be beat. Imagine walking up a carpet of fallen leaves to the sound of a violin while candle flames flicker in the winter twilight…

For a Boho forest wedding, then spring is perfect. And for a woodland wedding between two people worried about the rain, we'd have to recommend summer. Just remember to pack the sun block.

IS A FOREST WEDDING GOOD FOR A GOTHIC BRIDE?

A forest is second only to a graveyard in terms of top Gothic wedding spots.

Aim for the colder months of the year to get the right Gothic aesthetic (think bare trees with candles suspended from their twisted branches). And make sure that your guests are suitably dressed for both the theme and the location.

A woodland wedding is perfect if you’re more of a classic or nature-focused Gothic couple than an industrial Gothic couple (for obvious reasons). You might want to look at making the ceremony less traditional too. Perhaps opt for a civil or pagan wedding, where you can craft your own Gothic vows.

STILL LOOKING FOR A DRESS FOR YOUR FOREST WEDDING?

All wedding gowns from Ivory Black are made in the couture tradition. That means our masterful British designers craft them by hand, stitch by stitch, from only the best quality materials.

All of our gowns are made from strong materials too. So they’ll hold up against the elements and won’t get ruined by muddy woodlands or fallen leaves. Take a look at our selection of forest wedding dresses below.

SEE ALL OUR WEDDING DRESSES

GOT YOUR OWN FOREST WEDDING TIPS?

Share your knowledge, ideas, and experiences in the comments below! You might make a bride-to-be very happy.

THE GOTHIC BRIDE'S GUIDE TO PLANNING A FOREST WEDDING