Nature Wedding Venues
A nature wedding venue is any venue where the natural landscape - woods, forest canopy, meadows, lakes, botanical gardens, creeks, fields - plays a starring role in your wedding. Instead of a building, pavilion, mansion, or tent, the earth, sky, and trees become part of the design.
Benefits of Nature Wedding Venues
A nature-based venue tends to attract couples who want something organic, soulful, and deeply connected to the earth.
Natural scenery: forest groves, tall trees, meadows, lakes or ponds, wildflower fields, botanical gardens.
Flexible layout and flow: Since nature is the backdrop, you're often working with more open, free-form space - ceremonies under trees, receptions on the lawn or beside a pond, cocktail hour near water, strolls on wooded paths, sunset photos by the lake.
Sense of escape and serenity: Nature venues are more secluded, private, and removed from urban bustle. Guests often feel a deeper sense of calm, connection, and intimacy.
Big on ambience and sensory experience: The sounds, smells, and sights of nature, it becomes part of the emotional experience.
Potential Visions for Nature Wedding Venues
Nature venues are a great match for couples who…
Love the outdoors and want their wedding to feel grounded in nature.
Crave a more relaxed, immersive, natural vibe.
Want their celebration to feel intimate, soulful, and “away from it all”.
Like flexibility. A nature site can be used for ceremony, reception, cocktails, and photos.
Possible visions & vibes:
Enchanted Forest: Under a canopy of trees, with sunlight filtering through leaves and wooden benches for guests.
Meadow or Lakeside: Tables set on a grassy field or near a pond/lake at golden hour; wildflower centerpieces, soft acoustics, ambient lighting (string lights, lanterns), natural decor (wood, moss, wildflowers).
Botanical: lush greenery, flowers, curated nature but still “wild” feel; ideal for couples who want nature plus beauty without the “roughness” of the woods.
Considerations
Weather and seasonality: Rain, wind, heat, humidity, bugs - all can affect comfort. Always have a backup plan (tent, pavilion, indoor access, etc.).
Guest comfort and logistics: Ensure parking is adequate (or plan shuttles), restrooms exist or bring trailers, consider accessibility (especially if the ceremony is on forest floor or uneven ground), think about footwear and guest attire if land is grassy, muddy, or wooded.
Electrical Equipment: Depending on remoteness, you may need generators and lighting.
Permits/regulations: Some nature spots (parks, preserves, private forests) require special permits. Confirm with property owners or park authorities.
Environmental impact: Be mindful of the land. Avoid damaging flora, use eco-friendly décor, leave no trace in natural areas.
Nature Wedding Venues Near Charlotte, NC
The venue featured in this blog is Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, NC, one of my favorite venues.
Looking for something else? Here are some of the other best natural wedding venues near Charlotte!
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Vendor Credits
Planning – SC Signature Celebrations
Photo - Sydney Lynn Photography