Feb 28 2025
Even in a country like ours that doesn't exactly have a tropical climate, outdoor weddings have become increasingly popular for couples seeking a unique, romantic, and memorable way to celebrate their day. If you’re hoping to incorporate outdoor elements into your wedding, the location is one of the most important decisions you have to make.
Having photographed dozens of outdoor weddings, we’ve come to love Larchfield Estate for its idyllic setting and unrivalled flexibility. Even though it’s just a short drive from Belfast, it feels wonderfully secluded and rural. It provides the perfect setting for an outdoor-focused wedding, including ceremony, drinks reception & speeches.
Here is some of what Larchfield offers to those who want to invite a little nature into their wedding.
Let’s start with stating the obvious. Larchfield Estate, spanning acres of meticulously maintained gardens, woodlands, and parkland, offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding. Imagine exchanging vows under a canopy of ancient trees, with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves as your soundtrack.
The Estate’s Walled Garden, with its manicured lawns and vibrant plants and flowers, is a particularly popular spot for outdoor ceremonies, providing an intimate and romantic setting.
From a photographer’s perspective, the natural light, vibrant colours, and natural backdrops at Larchfield Estate create an atmosphere that is hard to replicate indoors.
One of the greatest advantages of an outdoor wedding at Larchfield Estate is the flexibility it offers. The estate’s diverse landscapes allow couples to create a truly personalised experience. The natural environment also provides endless opportunities for creative décor in your own style e.g., floral arches, lanterns & signage.
And speaking of creative décor, nature itself is the ultimate decorator for outdoor weddings so you can let it do its own thing. The natural beauty of the surroundings reduces the need for elaborate decorations, saving you money while still creating a stunning ambiance. Any editions are best left simple, to enhance the natural beauty without overwhelming it.
As photographers, we are spoiled for choice at Larchfield. Every corner of the estate offers up stunning backdrops that change beautifully with the seasons - spring blossoms, summer greens, autumn foliage and even the earthy tones of winter. Ask a dozen couples what their favourite spot in the grounds is, and you’ll probably hear a dozen different answers. Even though we’ve had over a decade of photographing weddings at Larchfield, we always find new places to explore.
Outdoor weddings often have a more relaxed and informal vibe compared to traditional indoor ceremonies. And there’s actual scientific evidence behind it. The open air, natural surroundings, and connection to nature create a sense of calm, lowering stress levels. This laid-back atmosphere can help everyone, including the couple, it’s less nerve-racking standing at the top of an aisle when you can hear birds chirping.
An outdoor wedding at Larchfield Estate is not just a special day for the couple, but also a memorable experience for your guests. They will love the feeling of doing things a little differently and will relish the opportunity to explore the beautiful grounds and enjoy some fresh air.
We’ve photographed outdoor weddings in Ireland from March to December, so just because you’re not getting married in summer, don’t be put off focusing on the great outdoors. Just be mindful of the weather and the seasons. In summer you may have to provide some water for guests, and in spring and autumn, light blankets can ramp up the snuggle factor. Having a venue as accommodating as Larchfield is really helpful when faced with our unpredictable weather. (and don't forget your wedding events team at Larchfield always have a plan B with an inside option up their sleeve just in case!)
The sounds and scents will give you a real meaningful connection to nature. Outdoor weddings are a sensory celebration for any nature lover. Being within the secluded countryside, Larchfield will allow you to fully appreciate this without distraction.
Outdoor weddings open the door to a variety of fun activities for you and your guests. From watching confused Irish people trying to figure out croquet to the (literally) crushing defeats in giant Jenga, games can make your wedding more playful and fun. They’re also a great opportunity for grabbing candid photographs of your guests with their guard down.
One of the unique advantages of hosting your wedding at Larchfield Estate is the opportunity to hold outdoor speeches. Picture your friends and family sharing stories and laughs in the estate’s courtyard. This takes the sting of formality out of the speeches and can make them less stressful and more enjoyable.
Outdoor-focused weddings can take advantage of the golden hour—the period just before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and perfect for photos. This magical time of day adds a romantic and dreamy quality to your evening reception, and is great for a couple of bonus portraits. There are lots of locations within Larchfield to take advantage of beautiful evening light.
Just because the sun has gone, it doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Larchfield has outdoor fire pits to keep you toasty warm under the stars. And for even more photo fun, bring some sparklers along for your guests.
With its gorgeous gardens, historic charm, and accommodating staff, Larchfield is already a great choice as a wedding venue. But when you factor in its unique connection to nature while being only half an hour from Belfast, it is likely to go to the top of your list. There’s an indescribable magic to having a wedding that draws in the beauty of nature, and if that’s what you’d like on your wedding day, we can think of few places that offer what Larchfield does.
All photos in this blog are courtesy of Simple Tapestry at Larchfield Estate.
Thank you to Simple Tapestry for their kind words and if we can help you with your wedding planning please do contact us on events@larchfieldestate.co.uk
