Wedding season has begun. In general, wedding season extends from late spring and continues through early fall, with weddings peaking in June and September, per Brides.com. Most couples opt for Spring and early Fall weddings because temperatures are a bit more comfortable compared to the warmer or colder seasons.
People generally scope out venues that offer affordability, space for guests, or a place that practically decorates itself with a stunning backdrop. That’s why many couples prefer getting married outdoors. Whether it be a private estate, a public area like a beach, or your own backyard, some cities may be a better option for an outdoor wedding.
LawnLove.com compared 200 of the biggest U.S. cities based on eight categories to compile a list of the best cities for outdoor wedding venues. They looked at the quality of outdoor wedding venues, access to wedding planners, sunshine, and other metrics.
Best cities for outdoor weddings.
Several cities in Florida and California are at the top, with plenty of access to venues and wedding-related services. The best venue access for outdoor weddings includes Charleston, South Carolina at number one, followed by Savannah (number 4), Honolulu (number 15), New Orleans (number 10), St. Louis (number 14), and Las Vegas (number 13).
The study found that some smaller cities and suburbs are not so great for nature-themed nuptials, such as Miramar, Florida (number 197), Newark, New Jersey (number 198), and North Las Vegas, Nevada (number 199). They said these cities generally lack venue access, high venue quality, accommodations, and wedding-look resources.
Overall, due to a lack of venues, wedding planners, bridal shops, and accommodations, among other resources, West Valley City, Utah finished at 200.
Check out the full list of the best cities for outdoor weddings here.
Here are the best and worst Florida cities for outdoor weddings.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale had an overall rank of of number two. The study found that this city has the most wedding planners per 100,000 residents.
Orlando
Orlando made the top ten right under Fort Lauderdale in the number three spot. Out of five cities Orlando took the last spot for most wedding equipment rentals per 100,00 residents.
Hollywood
Another top ten Florida city ranked as the best city for outdoor weddings. Overall, Hollywood took the number five spot out of 200. Hollywood also has the most wedding planners per 100,000 residents, according to the study.
Miami
Taking the number seven spot is Miami. Leading in front of cities such as Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Tampa
Tampa is a bit lower on the list compared to other Florida cities. Overall, it ranked number 34 behind Knoxville, Tennessee.
St. Petersburg
Though lower on the list, St. Petersburg still made the top 50. Overall, it ranked number 45 ahead of Richmond, Virginia.
Pembroke Pines
Pembroke Pines had an overall rank of 62. It also ranked high for affordability.
Tallahassee
Tallahassee made the top 100 at spot number 94. It’s sandwiched between Aurora, Illinois (number 93) and Washington, D.C. (number 95).
Hialeah
Hialeah had an overall rank of 147. This puts it one spot ahead of another Florida city, Port St. Lucie (number 148).
Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is one of the best cities for outdoor weddings. The city ranked at number 148.
Jacksonville
Taking spot number 152 is Jacksonville. It fell between Oakland, California and Toledo, Ohio.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral was actually named as part of the top ten worst cities for outdoor weddings. Overall, it ranked at 194.
Miramar
Miramar was named as part of the top ten worst cities for outdoor weddings. Specifically, number 4. It’s overall rank is 197. It also has the smallest share of budget0friendly outdoor wedding venues according to the study.
