Planning Your Perfect Woodland Ceremony
Couples are drawn to The Woods at Oakley for its enchanting woodland setting, which provides a secluded and romantic backdrop for their wedding day. The ancient woodland is complemented by thoughtfully designed luxury facilities that uphold our eco-friendly values. This allows couples to craft a unique celebration that reflects their love of nature and commitment to sustainability, while minimizing their carbon footprint. A woodland wedding with us offers an exciting opportunity to share a personalized love story with family and friends, from the ceremony décor and vows, to the guest dress code, ensuring an unforgettable experience for everyone.
The Woods at Oakley is a unique wedding venue located in the heart of Wiltshire, UK. Surrounded by towering oaks, lush undergrowth, and the soothing sounds of nature, it provides an idyllic setting for couples seeking a woodland wedding. Couples can tie the knot in the Hazel Bower; a magical space hidden under a canopy of trees. Friends and family can sit on the benches that were lovingly handmade from our fallen trees, to support the couple in the vows they make to one another.
Legalising the Marriage
The Hazel Bower at The Woods at Oakley is a licensed wedding venue through Wiltshire Council, so couples can legally get married in the woods. The ceremonies team offer bespoke services that are tailored to each couple’s requirements. Be that a traditional service or a more contemporary celebration, they will be able to craft a ceremony that feels personal and meaningful. Their online ceremony planner is easy to use and allows personalisation of every aspect of the ceremony. They offer a variety of choices of pre-written words that the celebrant will read or couples can write the whole thing themselves. This may incorporate readings, music and cultural traditions such as handfasting. Offering a beautiful, bespoke ceremony set amidst the timeless beauty of the Woods at Oakley.
Choosing a Celebrant
Our couples sometimes choose to have their legal marriage at a registry office. This gives them the flexibility to choose their own celebrant to lead their celebrations in the Woods at Oakley. Choosing a celebrant can be overwhelming with so many to choose from, so it can be helpful to ask; ‘what kind of wedding ceremony do we want?’ Some couples prefer a traditional ceremony whilst others choose something contemporary, that is more light hearted and humorous.
Our advice is to find a celebrant who invests the time in getting to know you as a couple. Personalization is key and they should be willing to design a ceremony that resonates with your values, beliefs, and shared journey. Whether you prefer a traditional service or something more contemporary, your celebrant should be adaptable, offering ideas that enhance your vision. This is your special day, and you should have it your way. Finally, consider their experience with outdoor ceremonies. A celebrant familiar with the logistics and the style of a woodland setting will ensure that your wedding ceremony runs smoothly, leaving you to fully immerse yourselves in the magic of your special day. For example, you may choose to incorporate your tree planting as part of the ceremony and ask your guests to tie a biodegradable ribbon on it with their wishes.
Creating Your Woodland Ceremony
When planning a woodland wedding ceremony, one of the first steps is to visit the Woods at Oakley, as this will allow you to visualise your ceremony. Useful things to consider are the number of guests you would like to have, if you want to have live or recorded music and how you want to decorate the Hazel Bower. You might also consider incorporating your pets into your ceremony, as we are a pet friendly venue. Read more about including your furry friends here.
Decorating the Ceremony Area
When you start to think about decorating, the magic of a woodland wedding is that you can let nature take centre stage. The Hazel Bower is a beautiful area all by itself, so you may opt for simple décor that enhances the woodland charm. Alternatively, you might prefer your decorations to be more extravagant to reflect your personalities or hobbies. You might also consider aligning your decorations with the eco-friendly values we have here at the Woods at Oakley, such as using recycled or natural materials. If you are looking for inspiration our Instagram page is full of wonderful ideas @thewoodsatoakley.
Weather-Proofing Your Day
The unpredictability of outdoor weddings is part of their charm, but it also requires careful planning. In the event of bad weather, the Woods at Oakley can offer a stretch canvas over the Hazel Bower, allowing you to continue your celebration without worry. Additionally, we can provide guidance on practical issues such as providing umbrellas, rugs, blankets or paper fans for guests, or setting up a refreshment station to keep everyone comfortable.
Planning a woodland wedding ceremony at the Woods at Oakley is an exciting journey into a world of natural beauty and heartfelt personalisation. By embracing the unique features of the woodland setting and working with your celebrant and the venue coordinator here, you can create a wedding day that is both beautiful and deeply meaningful. Your ceremony will not only celebrate your love but also honour the stunning natural surroundings that make the Woods at Oakley such a magical place.
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