Would you like an outdoor wedding ceremony?
Author: Szabó Tekla KatalinPublished:
Updated:
What do you think?
It could even be a dream-like detail, something you've only seen in American movies.
We have good news: you can do it! And even at the outdoor wedding venue!
If you’ve dreamed of having your wedding in the fresh air, now is your time—your dream can come true! The Catholic or Orthodox religious ceremony can only be celebrated in a consecrated church or chapel. Protestant churches are more flexible and do not reject the idea of an alternative, outdoor wedding ceremony. Your request will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and it mostly depends on the local pastor whether they will agree to it.
If you’re not attached to a religious blessing, a humanist or secular ceremony could be a good alternative. This type of ceremony can have many mystical elements and often resembles both religious and civil ceremonies. It can be customized to your request, with no restrictive rules.
The civil wedding no longer needs to take place at the location designated by the local authorities; in certain cases, it can be held anywhere, even outdoors.
First Steps for an Outdoor Civil Ceremony in Romania
Make sure to visit the relevant staff member at your local city hall in advance to inquire about the available options. It’s important to note that there is a new regulation which slightly limits weddings that are not held at the official registry office—such as those held outdoors or in a church. This new system has introduced digital registration, making the process faster, simpler, and more secure for your personal data.
In municipalities where the digital system has not yet been implemented, the amended and supplemented version of Article 24 (2) of the 119/1996 Civil Registry Act, which came into effect on March 10, 2020, is still valid. In these areas, if you request it and the mayor approves, it’s possible to hold the wedding outside the usual wedding hall—such as in parks, museums, or other outdoor venues.However, the available options vary by municipality. Some cities, although they use the digital system, have arranged for the use of digital devices connected to the central system at certain outdoor venues. For example, in Cluj-Napoca, you can marry again at the Sétatér Pavilion starting January 4, 2025.
With the digital system, the process is very simple: you sign on a device similar to a tablet, which immediately transmits your signature to a database. You’ll receive the marriage certificate immediately, both digitally and in print. However, civil registrars may not be thrilled with such requests, as it is an extra hassle and time-consuming for them to deviate from the usual templates.
If the city hall or the church doesn’t have its own outdoor venue but agrees to hold the ceremony at an alternative location, it’s still worth contacting a professional event planner. If you prefer to organize everything yourself, find a suitable outdoor venue. This could be your own garden or even a restaurant with a garden. Don’t forget to rent outdoor furniture. Reach out to a skilled decorator. However, if you decide to decorate the space yourself, let the beauty of nature take center stage.
Here are a few tips to help you:
1. Highlight the central part of the ceremony, where the actual event will take place. We recommend a small pavilion, though it can be difficult to find such a location. You can use a white tent pavilion, either by renting one or even creating a suitable wooden or wrought-iron structure for the occasion. An elegant and practical white, fully open African tent is perfect for this purpose, as these stretch tents provide full protection against the sun and rain. If this is not an option, an old tree could also work well. Decorate its lower branches with white drapes (veils, curtains) and flower garlands. Don’t forget, this will be the backdrop for your photos, so it needs to look good.
2. Arrange the chairs so that a path leading to the ceremony space remains open in the middle. It's best to set up white outdoor chairs, which you can decorate with ribbons or small flower bouquets. Design the space so that everyone can see and hear clearly!
3. Emphasize the central path. You can place a white or red carpet, but it's even more fitting to scatter flower petals along it. If your wedding has a rustic, bohemian theme, a homemade or rag rug is a good choice, especially when paired with field or simple garden flowers. They look great and are free. Just make sure you have 2-3 reliable friends who can gather wildflowers the day before the wedding. You can achieve a similar bohemian vibe with different cultivated plants. Use as many types of flowers as possible in an irregular arrangement!
You, the lovebirds, could say YES in a fairytale setting, without compromise. You might even have your outdoor wedding on the same day :)
Wishing you much happiness!
