Top Tips for September Outdoor Weddings

Ah, September in the UK. The air turns crisper, the light gets softer, and nature throws one final, golden hurrah before autumn fully arrives. It’s no wonder so many couples choose this beautiful month to tie the knot outdoors – especially with that dreamy late-summer glow.

But while September weddings have their charms, they also come with a few quirks (we’re looking at you, unpredictable weather). If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in the UK this September, here are our top tips to help you prepare, stay stress-free, and make the most of this magical time of year.

Ceremonies in September are beautiful when surrounded by late summer / early autumn nature. It’s a great time of year for rustic woodland weddings with guests sat on wooden benches or hay bales covered with soft blankets. You could even theme your ceremony around the change of season, with September often being seen as a time of new beginnings.

💡 Tip: Outdoor ceremony spaces are often surrounded by trees, but try to pick a spot with evergreen trees or erect a canopy in September so you’re not showered with falling leaves!

September can be gloriously sunny – or stubbornly soggy. It’s one of those months where you may start the day in shorts and end it in a raincoat. But you’ll need to embrace the weather whatever it brings and not let a bit of rain spoil your fun! Preparation and planning is key to make sure there’s enough shelter for you and your guests.

💡 Tip: Have a solid backup plan. A well-pitched tipi or sailcloth tent doesn’t just add atmosphere – it adds peace of mind. Make sure guests know if parts of the day will be outside, and consider offering umbrellas and wellies in case the forecast turns.

The best part of a September wedding? The colours! Late summer into early autumn offers a beautiful palette of oranges, reds and browns, softer lighting and seasonal flowers (think dahlias and hydrangeas), creating a naturally romantic setting.

💡 Tip: Choose a colour palette that mirrors the season – burnt oranges, dusky pinks, deep greens or muted neutrals. It’ll blend beautifully with the surroundings and make your photos pop.

A good structure is worth its weight in gold when you’re planning an outdoor wedding in the UK – especially in September, when you’re balancing sun and rain, warm and cool. If your chosen venue doesn’t have a designated indoor space, go for a Nordic tipi, sailcloth marquee or a stretch tent – something that suits your style and offers shelter.

💡 Tip: Bonus points if you can add flooring and a carpeted walkway to your marquee or tipi – no one wants to heel-dig in soft grass.

Sunset comes earlier in September – which can be a bonus if you’re dreaming of having photos during the ‘golden hour’ – within an hour of sunset when the light is very soft and warm, which makes for stunning romantic photos. This is a perfect time of day for your couple shots, and an earlier sunset means you can get these taken after your meal and before the party starts.

💡 Tip: Work with your photographer to plan the day’s timeline around the best natural light. And for the evening? Lanterns, festoon lighting, candles in jars… it all adds atmosphere and helps people find their way to the bar.

While the daytime may be mild, UK evenings in September can get chilly – especially in the countryside. Don’t let cold fingers spoil your sparkler send-off! If guests know that some or all of your wedding will be outdoors, they can bring some warming accessories to help them relax and enjoy the day.

 Tip: Use your wedding website, invites or welcome signs to explain things like footwear recommendations, layers or the fact that they’ll be walking across a field. Consider providing blankets, hot drinks or a fire pit for a little extra warmth and wow-factor after dark.

Late summer and early autumn bring amazing ingredients – think figs, blackberries, root veg and all kinds of comforting flavours. Build your menu around seasonal produce (your caterer can advise you) and embrace the many possibilities that September outdoor catering brings – barbecues, pizza ovens and marshmallows toasted on the firepit!

💡 Tip: For your welcome drinks, consider ditching the standard summer options of Pimms and Prosecco in favour of more autumnal choices like mulled cider or spiced apple punch to really set the tone.

We hope you’ve found our top tips for September outdoor weddings useful! If you’re planning your own outdoor wedding, why not browse our directories of outdoor venues and outdoor suppliers across the UK?