pros and cons of outdoor ceremonies vs indoor? do indoor have to be religious?

Hello, an indoor ceremony does not have to have a religious feel. I married a lovely young couple only a few weeks ago in a Chapel it was person, intimate and simply lovely. 

Depending on what sort of ceremony you have eg: if your going to incorporate a sand blending ritual or unity candle ritual you would need to keep in mind the weather conditions, if your having a unity candle ritual incorporated into your ceremony there is always the risk of the candles being blown out. A wedding I am doing next weekend is outside and the couple are having a family sand blending incorporated into their ceremony.

Either way be it indoor or outdoor you can with the help of your celebrant create the ceremony you want "Its your wedding your way"

Your day is exactly that. You choose the location. Indoor ceremonies can be in a purpose built function centre or your lounge room. The main advantage of this is that it does not matter very much what the weather throws at you on the day.

Outdoor ceremonies can be on a beach, in a park, on the banks of a lake or in your backyard. The advantage or disadvantage of outdoor ceremonies is again the weather. Your ceremony photos look lovely in the sunlight but if the weather is raining or cold, you and your guests will be uncomfortable.

You choose what you want and your celebrant will gladly oblige. She/He may even have a list of places to hold your ceremony for you to choose from. 

Take time to decide exactly what you want your day to be and your celebrant will work with you to ensure a very special day to remember.

The best part of having a civil celebrant create a special ceremony for you is that you can have just about anything you want on your special day!  If you want some religious content, that's fine, just check that your celebrant is happy with including this.  Don't want anything religious?   That's most common and is absolutely okay!  Indoors or outdoors - the content is up to you!  Except for the LEGAL WORDING which must be said by the celebrant and yourselves to make your marriage legal. If choosing a chapel, you will need to check whether they allow civil celebrants to perform the ceremony.  There are some stunning purpose-built, non-denominational chapels available these days where civil ceremonies are welcomed.

The obvious pro for an indoor ceremony is that you will have shelter from inclement weather and wind/hot sunshine.

The pro for outdoor ceremonies is the spectacular locations you have to choose from.  ALWAYS have an indoor back-up please in case the weather is not on your side for your important day. 

Jacqui Clarke, Sunshine Coast

Hello Bride. No, indoor ceremonies do not have to be religious. You can hold your wedding almost anywhere you want to. Some places you may have to book or they may charge a fee. Research the area where you would like to hold your ceremony and see what sort of different venues there are around. Celebrant Judy

Indoor ceremonies do have to have any religous content unless it is the couples wish.

Out door ceremonies often bring with it a relaxed atmostphere with warm weather approaching it is nice to embrace parks or venues.

Down side I guess would be guests not being able to hear the ceremony due to poor PA, not having a rehearsal & couple plus their guests standing in the full sun, lack of seating in some cases.

Inside, size of venue in relation to number of guests, once again good PA, plus being: guests in shade (for all seasons), seating can be arranged for older guests, access to toilets.

It really comes down to taking time to have a good look around at what is available, time of year & your budget, remember it is  always your choice.

This is your day to enjoy.

Judy Duff (Brisbane)