Autumnal Wedding Ideas

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and it’s swiftly becoming our favourite time of year: autumn! The perfect autumnal wedding will capture all the joys of the season. That’s cosy bonfires, pumpkin spiced treats and gorgeous fall colours.

This is a great time to have a wedding as it is considered an off-season for most venues. This means you will not be paying those summertime premiums. Don’t let the prospect of rain dampen your spirits. Instead, consider the endless potential for cosy indoor celebrations and stunning autumnal backdrops for your wedding photos.

Read on for our top tips for planning an unforgettable autumnal wedding.

The Venue

The setting really is key when planning your autumnal wedding. Once you know when you plan to marry, the next stage is to have a realistic look at the weather possibilities and plan around them. If you are set on having the riot of autumn leaves as a wedding photo backdrop you must time your celebrations well.

Make sure you choose a venue with both indoor and outdoor space, and ensure that you have chosen a wedding package which gives you access to both! A great option would be to choose a country house or stately home with its own woodlands. Think Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, or Dewsall Court in Hertfordshire. These make for a gorgeous autumnal backdrop whilst also having a safe cosy haven to retreat to for dinner and dancing!

If rustic is your goal, there is no better option than a barn wedding. You can go all out with cosy autumnal décor and really make the space your own. Try the Happy Valley Barns in Norfolk for a glamping barn wilderness wedding experience. The lower ceilings and period features will add a rustic charm to your event. The cosy interior will match perfectly with fall themed decorations like pumpkins, leaves, candles, and brass fixtures. Somewhere like the Hidden River Cabins in Cumbria combines the concept of both these venue suggestions, as it is a series of cabins in the secluded Cumbrian woodlands.

The Dress

Getting married in autumn opens up so many possibilities for your wedding dress. It is the perfect excuse for sleeves, long veils and lots of drama! You can even add a cape to your ensemble if you so desire and it will not look overdone or out of place.

We love the way an off-white lace looks against a forest or autumnal backdrop. Why not try champagne or cream instead of pure white for a beautiful vintage look.

Cathedral length veils with lace edges look stunning against a colder backdrop. They also photograph wonderfully indoors.

The Rings

Autumn is the season of gold, so it would be amiss to not include some golden tones in your wedding jewellery! Whether you go for yellow gold,  rose gold, or even a mixture of the two, the colours will set off your theme perfectly.

We love the way the sandcast texture of this ring enhances the tone of the 9 karat gold it is made from. The rustic finish would work perfectly with any autumnal wedding venue.

You can even match rings with your partner to complete the rustic look. Who says diamonds are just a girl’s best friend? We love the idea of a little diamond in the groom’s wedding band for a little extra touch of sparkle.

The Invitations

keep things simple and chic with good quality paper, sustainable ribbon and hints of autumn colours. Why not use dried leaves or flowers as accent pieces to make for a really festive invitation set!

Again, gold accents work perfectly with this theme. You could consider gold leaf, gold ink or gold sealing wax to complete the look.

The Details

Detail oriented couples will love the autumnal wedding theme. It has so much scope for little touches to make the theme your own! We have previously written about autumnal wedding cakes and bouquets, so have a look through those lists for a little bit of inspiration.

If PSLs are life, why not opt for a wedding cake or dessert of the same flavour. Serve hot toddies at cocktail hour, mulled wine or cider, or a cinnamon spiced beverage. Catering options can range from gorgeous charcuterie tables to fortifying hog roasts. You could even choose a classic sit down pie and mash.

Make sure you remember to provide cosy blankets for your guests if you plan to have portions of the celebration outside. A lovely moment would be a s’mores session by a bonfire outside. This is ideal for a small or micro wedding! The romantic crackle and smell of the fire will create a perfect ambience to end your wedding day.