Outdoor Wedding: Planning, Tips and Costs 2026
Author: Magdalena RabaWielki Dzień, a wedding decoration studio in the Tri-City
An outdoor wedding is the dream of a growing number of couples in Poland. Fresh air, natural light, the scent of flowers and the rustle of trees create an atmosphere that no banqueting hall can recreate. But planning a wedding under the open sky takes careful preparation, a solid plan B and a budget larger than you might expect. In this guide you will find everything you need – from legal requirements and types of venue to a detailed cost breakdown and 10 tried-and-tested tips.
What is an outdoor wedding?
An outdoor wedding (in Polish, wesele w plenerze) is a wedding reception held wholly or partly in the open air – in a garden, a meadow, a vineyard, beside a lake or in another open space. An important distinction: the ceremony and the reception are two separate parts, and they can take place in different locations.
In Poland, the term “outdoor wedding” most often refers to a reception held outside, but more and more couples are also choosing to hold the ceremony itself under the open sky. A church ceremony can be held outdoors with the parish priest’s consent (for example in a garden chapel or on monastery grounds), while a civil ceremony outdoors has been possible since 2015, provided certain legal requirements are met.
The trend for outdoor weddings in Poland grows year on year. Many couples consider a reception under the open sky, although in the end only a smaller share of them go through with it. The main barriers are uncertain weather and higher logistics costs – we look at both of these challenges in detail later in the article.
Types of outdoor venue
The venue you choose shapes the whole character of the wedding – from the style of the decorations and the menu to what your guests wear. Here are the most popular options in Poland:
Private or hotel garden
The most popular type of outdoor wedding in Poland. A well-kept garden at a manor house, palace, hotel or farm stay. Advantage: it is often close to a building (an easy plan B), with facilities on site (toilets, kitchen, electricity). Cost of the grounds: 3 000–10 000 zł.
Vineyard
A trend that has been growing for several years – Polish vineyards (Lower Silesia, Podkarpacie, Lesser Poland, the Lublin region) increasingly offer to host weddings. A one-of-a-kind landscape, with wine tasting as an added attraction. Cost: 5 000–15 000 zł to hire the grounds, often including catering.
Meadow / clearing
The cheapest option – but the one that demands the most logistics. Everything has to be brought in: marquee, tables, chairs, toilets, generator, lighting. The effect can be magical (especially at sunset), but it calls for a professional wedding planner. Cost of the grounds: 0–3 000 zł, but logistics: 15 000–30 000 zł.
Beach / lakeside
A romantic option, popular in Masuria, the Drawsko Lakeland and by the sea. The challenges: sand (which makes walking in stilettos difficult), wind (which knocks over decorations) and midges (in the evening). It needs well-thought-out logistics and often the permission of the landowner or the local council.
Forest / park
A fairy-tale atmosphere, with natural “decorations” in the form of trees and a woodland path for the couple. The challenges: insects, damp, uneven ground, and the need to obtain permission from the Polish State Forests (Lasy Państwowe) or a private owner. Ideal for a ceremony, less practical for an all-day reception.
Wedding marquee (as a venue in itself)
A large stretch or hall marquee on any site – a garden, a field, a meadow. Full control over the space, decorations and lighting. It gives an “outdoor” feel while protecting you from the weather. Marquee hire for 100 guests: 8 000–20 000 zł.
Pros and cons of an outdoor wedding vs a traditional hall
Before you decide, it is worth comparing the two options honestly. An outdoor wedding has its own magic, but it also brings specific challenges:
Pros
- A one-of-a-kind atmosphere and natural light
- Beautiful photos without an artificial backdrop – photographers love the outdoors
- No limits on space – you can arrange the tables in any configuration
- Fresh air and a connection with nature
- Greater scope for decoration (arches, garlands, lights)
- An intimate, cosy feel (especially in private gardens)
- The chance to personalise the space completely
Cons
- Dependence on the weather (rain, heat, wind)
- Higher costs (marquee, toilets, generator, lighting)
- More logistics (everything has to be brought in)
- Insects and midges (especially in the evening)
- Uneven ground (a problem for older guests and anyone in heels)
- Noise from outside (roads, neighbours, animals)
- The need to book early (marquee, mobile catering)
Weather and plan B – how to protect yourself
The Polish climate is unpredictable – even in the middle of summer it can pour with rain, and a June evening can be surprisingly chilly. A plan B is not an option, it is a necessity.
The golden rule: The best time for an outdoor wedding in Poland is June (long days, 20–25°C) or September (golden light, settled weather). July and August can be too hot (30°C+), while May and October carry the risk of rain and cold.
Plan B scenarios
Marquee with side walls
The safest option. A stretch marquee with roll-up walls gives full protection from rain and wind. On a sunny day the walls are rolled up (for an outdoor feel), and if it rains they can be lowered in 5 minutes. Cost: 8 000–15 000 zł.
Building on the venue grounds
If your wedding is in the garden of a hotel, manor house or farm stay, make sure there is a hall on site where the party can be moved. Many venues include this in their package. Agree with the owner that the hall will be ready “just in case”.
Covered terraces and pergolas
A light shower does not mean moving the whole wedding. Covered terraces, pergolas and gazebos can shelter guests during short downpours. It is worth making sure that at least the dining area and the dance floor are covered.
Additional weather protection
- ●Patio heaters (“mushroom” heaters) for cooler evenings – 200–400 zł each to hire
- ●Fans / air coolers for hot days – 500–1 500 zł to hire
- ●Umbrellas and ponchos for guests – 200–500 zł per set
- ●Wooden platforms or walkways over the grass – they protect heels and make it easier to get around
- ●Mosquito repellents (candles, oils, coils) – 100–300 PLN
What you need to arrange – outdoor wedding checklist
A hall has most things included “in the package”. Outdoors, almost everything has to be arranged separately. Here is the complete list:
Marquee / covering
A stretch marquee, pagoda tent or marquee hall. Size: at least 5 m² per person (tables + dance floor). For 100 guests: a marquee of 150–200 m². Cost: 5 000–25 000 zł.
Lighting
Fairy lights, lanterns, candles, spotlights. An outdoor setting needs more lighting than a hall (there is no ceiling or walls to reflect the light). Cost: 2 000–6 000 zł.
Portable toilets
Luxury sanitary trailers (VIP) or premium portable toilets. Not the basic TOI-TOI type! At least 1 toilet for every 25 guests. Cost: 1 500–4 000 zł.
Dance floor
A portable wooden or tiled dance floor. Size: at least 30–50 m². Cost: 1 500–4 000 zł to hire, including installation.
Generator
If the site has no permanent power supply, a generator is essential (lighting, sound system, cooling). Cost: 1 000–3 000 zł to hire for 24 hours.
Tables, chairs, tableware
Outdoors, nothing is provided – everything has to be hired. A full set for 100 guests (tables, chairs, tablecloths, tableware): 3 000–8 000 zł.
Mobile catering
Not every caterer does outdoor weddings (they need their own mobile kitchen). Make sure your chosen caterer has outdoor experience. The price may be 10–20% higher than standard catering.
Sound system
Outdoors, sound disperses (there are no walls). You need more powerful equipment than in a hall. Agree this with your DJ – most DJs who work outdoors have suitable equipment. Additional cost: 500–1 500 zł.
Decorations for an outdoor wedding
The greatest advantage of an outdoor wedding is that nature is the decoration – trees, flowers, the sky and the sunset create a backdrop that no decorator can recreate in a hall. The key is to complement nature, not overwhelm it:
Fairy lights
An absolute must-have for an outdoor wedding. Hung between trees, on the marquee or on a pergola, they create a magical atmosphere after dark. 100 m of lights = 300–600 zł (to buy) or 500–1 500 zł (to hire, including installation).
Wedding arch / outdoor altar
Wooden, metal or made of natural branches – the focal point of the ceremony. Decorated with flowers, fabrics and greenery. Cost: 800–3 000 zł (hire) or 400–1 200 zł (DIY from branches and flowers).
Natural materials
Wooden crates, hessian table runners, glass jars with flowers, stones, moss, pine cones. Rustic and boho styles fit the outdoor look perfectly. Cost: 500–2 000 zł (DIY) or 2 000–5 000 zł (professional decorator).
Candles and lanterns
Romantic, warm lighting for tables and pathways. A word on safety: use candles in glass holders or lanterns (wind!). An alternative: LED candles – safe and just as pretty. Cost: 200–800 zł.
Chill-out areas
Pouffes, blankets, hammocks, wicker armchairs – a relaxation area for guests tired from dancing. Outdoors this makes particular sense, because guests like to “rest on the grass”. Garden furniture hire: 1 000–3 000 zł.
In Kashubia, by the sea and in the Kociewie region we decorate outdoor weddings and ceremonies, with set-up and take-down included in the price.
Outdoor vs traditional wedding costs
Contrary to what you might expect, an outdoor wedding is often more expensive than a classic wedding in a hall. The main reason: everything a hall has “in the package” (walls, roof, toilets, lighting, chairs) has to be hired separately outdoors.
| Item | Hall wedding | Outdoor wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Venue hire | Included in catering | 3 000–15 000 zł |
| Marquee | - | 5 000–25 000 zł |
| Toilets | Included | 1 500–4 000 zł |
| Generator | - | 1 000–3 000 zł |
| Additional lighting | 500–1 500 zł | 2 000–6 000 zł |
| Dance floor | Included | 1 500–4 000 zł |
| Furniture (tables, chairs) | Included | 3 000–8 000 zł |
| Additional outdoor cost | - | 17 000–65 000 zł |
In summary: an outdoor wedding for 100 guests costs on average 60 000–100 000 zł (including catering, services and outdoor logistics). By comparison, a similar wedding in a hall costs 50 000–80 000 zł. The difference of 10 000–30 000 zł covers the cost of the marquee, toilets, generator, furniture and additional lighting.
Outdoor civil ceremony – legal requirements
Since 1 June 2015, Polish law (Article 85 § 5 of the Civil Status Records Act) has made it possible to enter into a civil marriage outside the register office (urząd stanu cywilnego, USC). For this to happen, the following conditions must be met:
- 1The location must guarantee a dignified setting. The head of the register office assesses whether the location is suitable. A hotel garden, palace or vineyard is usually not a problem. A beach or forest clearing may be harder.
- 2Privacy and solemnity must be preserved. The ceremony cannot take place in a public place that cannot be cordoned off (for example, in the middle of a market square). A quiet space must be ensured.
- 3Consent of the head of the register office. You must submit an application to the register office for the place of residence of one of the future spouses. It is worth submitting it at least 3 months in advance.
- 4Additional fee: 1 000 zł. An administrative fee of 1 000 zł is charged for a ceremony outside the register office (a standard register office ceremony costs 84 zł).
If you are planning a church ceremony outdoors, the situation is more complicated. Canon law requires the sacrament of marriage to be administered in a church. Exceptions (a garden chapel, monastery grounds) require the consent of the diocesan bishop, which takes 3–6 months and is not guaranteed.
10 tips for a successful outdoor wedding
Planning a wedding in the open air calls for attention to details that don’t arise with a traditional wedding in a hall. Here are 10 tried-and-tested tips from couples who have already been through it:
- 1Always have a plan B. A marquee with side walls or a hall in a building on the venue grounds. Never plan an outdoor wedding without emergency cover – even if the forecast is perfect.
- 2Book in advance. Marquees, sanitary trailers and generators are snapped up in the season. Book at least 6–9 months ahead, ideally a year.
- 3Visit the venue at the same time of year and the same time of day. A garden looks different in March than in June. Check what the light is like at 6 pm, how many midges there are and how much noise comes from the surrounding area.
- 4Think about comfortable footwear. Let your guests know the wedding is outdoors. Ask them to bring a comfortable pair of shoes to change into. Lay wooden walkways over the grass for anyone in heels.
- 5Prepare insect repellents. Citronella candles, sprays, essential oils (citronella, lavender). Place them around the grounds. Your guests will be grateful.
- 6Plan the lighting before dusk. Outdoors, darkness falls suddenly. Fairy lights, lanterns and spotlights should be switched on at least an hour before sunset. Test them the day before.
- 7Sort out the outdoor sound system. In an open space, sound disperses. A DJ needs more powerful equipment than in a hall. Check it at a sound check.
- 8Plan the schedule around the weather. Schedule the ceremony and photo session for the golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset). Dinner/supper in the shade or under the marquee. Dancing after dark (when it is cooler).
- 9Don’t forget evening heating. Even in July it can be 15°C at night. Patio heaters (“mushroom” heaters), blankets for guests and hot drinks for the late hours are a must-have.
- 10Hire an experienced coordinator. An outdoor wedding involves twice as much logistics as a traditional one. A coordinator (wedding planner) keeps an eye on suppliers, the weather, the schedule and plan B. Cost: 2 000–5 000 zł, but worth every złoty.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have a civil ceremony outdoors?
Yes – since 2015, Polish law has allowed a civil marriage to take place outside the register office. The location must guarantee a dignified ceremony. The additional fee is 1 000 zł. You must submit your application at least 3 months in advance.
How much does an outdoor wedding cost?
An outdoor wedding for 100 guests costs on average 60 000–100 000 zł, which is 10 000–30 000 zł more than a similar wedding in a hall. The extra costs are the marquee, toilets, generator, furniture and lighting.
What is the best month for an outdoor wedding?
The best months are June (long days, 20–25°C) and September (golden light, settled weather). July and August can be too hot. May and October are cheaper but riskier options.
What should you do if it rains?
A plan B is essential. The best options: a marquee with side walls, a hall in a building on the venue grounds, or covered terraces. Agree your plan B with the venue staff at least 2 weeks before the wedding.
Do you need a marquee?
In the Polish climate – definitely, at least as a safeguard. A stretch marquee for 100 guests costs 8 000–15 000 zł. It is worth booking one even if the weather forecast is optimistic.
