2022 Outdoor & Backyard Summer Wedding Ideas

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Minimal Aisle Decor

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Carmen Santorelli Photography,Bright Event Rentals,To Be Designed San Diego,Sisti&Co

Don't worry about going over-the-top with summer wedding decor, especially if your venue is particularly breathtaking. In fact, we recommend letting the views speak for themselves. We love how this couple opted for minimal ceremony aisle decorations as to not distract from the sweeping views surrounding the venue.

Minimal Aisle Decor

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Pool Party

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Liron Erel & Co,Finca Es Cabas

Up for a swim? If your venue has a pool (or body of water you have access to), invite guests to cool off and take a splash. This summer wedding idea is particularly fitting for a welcome party or a day-after brunch. If swimsuits are requested, though, don't forget to tell guests on your wedding website and your formal invitations.

Pool Party

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Camp-Inspired Seating

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Lena Mirisola Photography

Camping aficionados may prefer to give a nod to their favorite pastime with tent-inspired seating. This outdoor wedding idea is a great way to encourage guests to sit back, relax and mingle with each other at your reception. Plus, nothing screams "summer" like a good old-fashioned campfire circle.

Camp-Inspired Seating

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Angular Ceremony Arch

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Ellie McKinney Photography,The Gathering Co.,Dustin Byrd

Looking for a unique way to spice up your altar? Consider investing in a statement arch. This angular shape will draw everyone's attention to you and your S.O. as you stand underneath. Plus, you can definitely repurpose it at your wedding reception to get the most bang for your buck.

Angular Ceremony Arch

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Lawn Games

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Alison Conklin Photography,Shindig Bespoke

No backyard summer party is complete without a few lawn games. If you're hosting your wedding guests outdoors or in your own backyard, give them a few summery games to play in between events, like cornhole, giant Jenga or ladder toss.

Lawn Games

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Tent With String Lights

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Liron Erel & Co,42 North Weddings,Exquisite Events Light & Decor

A tent is a great investment, especially for an outdoor summer wedding. Not only will it help protect against the elements, like hot temperatures or an unexpected rain shower, tents can be easily decorated to fit your theme. 

Tent With String Lights

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Regardless of your style, consider decorating the interior of your wedding tent with romantic string lights—they're an easy (and affordable) way to set the mood and cast a cozy, welcoming glow over your space.

Tent With String Lights

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Lantern Walkway

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Liron Erel & Co,42 North Weddings,Chesterwood

Keep guests on the right path by creating a lantern walkway from the ceremony venue to the reception space. Just imagine how stunning the lights will look as golden hour sets in—the effort of creating a path will be worth it.

Lantern Walkway

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Statement Draping

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Lynne Reznick Photography,Ryan Designs,2 The 95 Events,Newport Tent Company

Get creative with your venue decor, especially if you'll be celebrating outdoors. We love how this couple accented their reception space with ethereal drapes and string lights across towering trees.

Statement Draping

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Waterfront Ceremony

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Elena Wolfe Photography,Faye and Renee Floral Event Design,Cedar Lakes Estate,Rose Co. Interiors

What's not to love about an outdoor ceremony situated right on the water's edge? Located in a pocket of trees along a serene lake, this whimsical summer wedding venue offers stunning views and scenery. To emulate this aesthetic, look for venues that have waterfront views for your summer soirée.

Waterfront Ceremony

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Versatile Wedding Favors

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Christina McNeil Photography,Shindig Bespoke,Unveiled Hawaii

One of the best summer wedding ideas revolves around your favors. While not mandatory, guests will certainly appreciate a small goody bag to keep—especially if it's filled with essentials for a hot summer's day. 

Versatile Wedding Favors

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We recommend investing in useful wedding favors like sunscreen, fans, sunglasses, parasols or even DIY bottles of bug spray. Not only will these keep guests comfortable in warm weather, you can be assured that your money won't go to waste.

Versatile Wedding Favors

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Nautical Entertainment

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Emma Cleary Photo & Video,Brilliant Event Planning

Wedding entertainment isn't limited to live music and time spent on the dance floor. To give your guests an evening to remember, consider hiring additional activities to keep them busy in between cocktail hour, reception speeches, dinner and dancing. 

Nautical Entertainment

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This couple took their summer wedding to the next level by hiring maritime performers dressed as mermaids for a sunset boat cruise. Let your wedding venue and theme guide your entertainment selections.

Nautical Entertainment

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Sparkler Exit

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Avonne Photography,Wrightsville Manor

What better way to close your outdoor summer wedding than with a pyrotechnic sendoff? Give guests plenty of sparklers to hold as you and your S.O. depart into your getaway car at the end of the evening. 

Sparkler Exit

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Or, if you're feeling bold, go all out with a colorful fireworks display. Either will serve as the perfect way to complete your summer wedding.

Sparkler Exit

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