It’s a question every engaged couple has to ask at some point in the wedding planning process. Sooner rather than later, but unless you’ve had a dream venue in mind for some time, how on earth do you go about choosing the perfect place to say “I Do”? So let’s bring it back to basics and start with one very simple question – do you have an indoor wedding or an outdoor wedding? This question alone will narrow down your venue search immensely and will set the tone for your wedding day.

Bianca from Victoria Park has whipped together a quick pro and con list for holding your nuptials indoors or outdoors, and I’m going to break it down for you for some perspective and to hopefully help with making your decision a little easier.

Image via Victoria Park

AN OUTDOOR WEDDING

Whether it be both your ceremony and reception or just one or the other, an outdoor setting is a big favourite for many couples. It’s open, airy, and with endless space comes endless decor and entertainment possibilities. So what are the pros and cons of such a spot?

Image by Lucy Sheedy of Sophie & Jase’s Romantic Tamborine Mountain Wedding

Pros:

Picturesque views and stunning surrounds…

Depending on where the venue is located, the views or general surrounds could be breathtaking or simply so beautifully you hardly need any styling elements at all. Always a win. AND every angle will look amazing for your photographs.

Natural lighting for photography…

Not only will the photography options be endless, but natural lighting for photos is also a huge plus and can make your photographer’s job easier, and your wedding day images truly stunning.

Image via Victoria Park

Romantic ambiance with the sun setting!

For the romantics at heart, the sun setting over their wedding ceremony and/or reception is something so special that money can’t buy (unless you’ve forked out to have this particular venue at this particular time to capture said sunset… then, by all means, pay the money and get the sunset!).

Outdoor ceremonies/receptions allow for a larger guest list!

Let’s talk guest list. Having trouble culling to suit a setting that requires smaller numbers? An outdoor setting lends itself wonderfully to generally having the space for a larger guest list, so you really CAN invite ALL your nearest and dearest!

Image by Amy Tomlinson Photography of Naasirah & Elijah’s Light & Airy Perth Garden Wedding

Less budget needed to decorate the space.

As previously mentioned, the beauty of a natural outdoor setting really sets the scene so stunningly that a large amount of styling and decor may not be needed. If you’re happy for the great outdoors to be the backdrop for your day, then you save quite a bit on styling pieces. You can either simply save this cash, OR put it towards something else that is really important to you.

Image by Marcus Bell of Studio Impressions of Jane & Tin’s Luxurious Victoria Park Wedding

Cons:

Unpredictable weather conditions.

The well-known risk of holding your wedding outdoors is having your weather turn on you at the last minute! Wet weather can cause a lot of stress on a wedding day, and this is something to consider when choosing to have your wedding outdoors. Rain is not the only weather forecast that can cause problems on your day! Weddings held in the height of summer can also pose problems with a lack of shade for you and your guests. The good news is that wet weather options such as stunning marquees or gorgeous market umbrellas can be hired to accommodate you and your guests while still having your wedding outside.

Noise levels – people at the back of the ceremony may not be able to hear properly!

With a wide-open space comes the issue of acoustics. It can be difficult to hear speeches and announcements if they are no properly amplified in an outdoor setting. Be sure to organise a proper sound system so you and your guests don’t miss a single moment!

Image by Penny Ryan Photography of Stacy & Danielle’s Relaxed Culburra Beach Wedding 

Uncontrollable surrounding sounds – nature, traffic, passers-by…

Depending on the layout of the venue, an outdoor setting may not be as private as an indoor one. The sounds of nature, while generally creates a whimsical ambiance can sometimes interfere with key moments in your day – think screeching birds or gusty gales of wind. Or perhaps the venue is near a high traffic area so the sound of cars could float on in to disrupt the proceedings. Or the venue might be right near a highly-populated area where a lot of people pass by and may be privy to your day. These are all considerations when you take a venue tour and decide if an outdoor wedding suits you.

Not as much flexibility as an indoor venue to decorate the space…

While you may need as much decor in an outdoor setting if you have a set “look” of theme in mind this may not be as possible if you are situated outside. Some decor needs to be set up inside or simply won’t handle wind or sun. It’s best to chat with the venue and/or your stylist to see what can be achieved. Some decor and styling will be perfectly fine, but if you have your heart set on something and it just won’t work outside, then you may have to weigh up which is more important.

Image via Victoria Park

AN INDOOR WEDDING

There really are so many options for holding your wedding at an indoor venue. Whether it be a hall, event venue, industrial space, or barn, the options for creating your day to be uniquely yours in an indoor setting are many indeed!

Pros:

The more intimate and private vibe in comparison to an outdoor setting.

A wedding inside creates an intimate gathering, no matter how large your wedding is. It keeps you and your loved ones altogether without interference from outside elements or unwanted guests!

More freedom for décor options!

Decor and styling can run wild at an indoor wedding. With structures to hang things on and a stable environment for many styling elements, an indoor venue is your oyster and you can create, create, create!

Images by Amanda Alessi Photography of Loretta & Elliot’s Wintery & Romantic Luxe Wedding

Suitable for weddings all year round…

You definitely won’t have to worry about the elements if your wedding is set indoors. Rainy or sunny, this is one stress you can push aside knowing that you and your guests will be perfectly comfortable during your day.

Built-in audio-visual systems perfect for pumping the tunes!

Not having to think about how a sound system connects or if it works properly outdoors is a mega plus with an indoor wedding. All audio and visual systems will work terrifically indoors and won’t get lost in the wind or with the sun shining.

Image via Victoria Park

Cons:

The lighting can make it difficult to capture certain images!

Indoor lighting doesn’t always lend itself to beautiful natural light photography. If an indoor venue space has plenty of light this is something you can cross off your list of considerations, but if it doesn’t then you’ll have to decide if this is a major decision swayer! Night-time photography indoors can also be a little bit harder to work with. Discuss all of this with your photographer to make a plan for how best to use the venue and location to their advantage when taking your wedding photos.

Image by Evan Bailey of Elisa & Anthony’s Elegant & Modern Adelaide Wedding

Could limit the number of guests you can invite…

An indoor space will limit how many people you can have at your wedding. If you have your heart set on a certain location then it will be up to you to limit your guest list. Or if you simply HAVE to have everyone (which is understandable) than it might be an idea to discuss this with your venue and see if they have other options for a larger group.

Can require an additional budget to decorate the space.

So while it is SUPER exciting to have so many options to style and theme your indoor wedding space, to do so may incur a larger budget. Without the added benefit of natural beauty, and indoor space may need a fair bit of styling to create the vibe and feel you’re after for your day. (Or maybe a striking, minimalist wedding just what you’re after, in which case – winning!) Some venues require you to use their decor or won’t allow you to bring in your own stylist. Have a list of questions handy when you view indoor venues so that ou are fully prepared to budget accordingly!

Image via Victoria Park

With so many things to plan for, deciding whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding should be a painless, easy decision. That is not always so! Hopefully, these considerations have given you some food for thought and will help you in your quest to pick the perfect location for your wedding day.

Header Image via Victoria Park

About Victoria Park: Victoria Park is proud to have been twice named “Brisbane Wedding Venue of the Year” 2019 & 2020 in the LUXLife Global Wedding Awards Program. Stunning gardens with a parkland ambiance, ancient trees, and a large golf course with city views are all part of the package when you get married at Victoria Park. All our wedding reception venues feature private bars and exclusive outdoor decks providing the best unique city views, perfect to entertain your loved ones.