About Outdoor Events
There is something undeniably magical about outdoor events. Maybe it’s the opportunity to enjoy a connection with nature, to feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair, or maybe gaze up at the night sky and all those twinkling stars.
But the type of experience on offer varies greatly depending on the outdoor event venue you choose. The perfect space will not only meet all your practical requirements, but also help to create the type of ambiance you want for your celebration, party, or corporate event.
So choosing an outdoor event space isn’t a decision you should rush. Instead, it’s essential to compare a range of options before finding the ideal space for your needs.
The Best Outdoor Event Venues
Whether you’re planning an event for nine or 900, you’ll find a diverse range of options to choose from. Here are a few of the more popular outdoor event venue choices available.
- Pools
Summertime celebrations don’t get any better than a good old-fashioned pool party. Whether you’re lounging in the sun, enjoying cocktails and canapes, or making a splash to cool off, pool parties offer the ultimate relaxation.
- Outdoor Patios and Courtyards
Outdoor courtyards and patios come in all shapes and sizes. Some are tucked away in city laneways, others are perched on the edge of rugged cliffs, and then there are those found way up high on the rooftops of city skyscrapers. No matter which you choose, all offer a memorable outdoor event experience. This outdoor lounge terrace in San Diego has laid-back outdoor fun written all over it.
- Landscaped Gardens
Find a private estate with its own luxuriously landscaped garden surroundings and you’ll be sitting pretty. From formal English and French-style gardens to areas that showcase gorgeous native flora, these outdoor beauties are perfectly suited to glamorous garden parties.
- Farms, Ranches, and Retreats
Sometimes an event calls for the sort of seclusion and tranquility you can only find when you escape the rest of the world. That’s why you might want to look for a property that offers privacy and plenty of space, such as a working farm or ranch, or maybe a mountain retreat that’s miles away from its nearest neighbors.
- Parks
Public parks are perfect for romantic strolls, playing sports, and enjoying picnics in the sun. They’re also ideal for community events and social gatherings, offering a welcoming meeting point and plenty of green space for all to enjoy.
What to Look for in Outdoor Event Spaces
Choosing an outdoor event space isn’t always easy. With so many different options available, and in so many varying layouts and designs, finding a venue that matches your needs down to the ground takes work. Here are the key factors to consider when comparing your options.
- The Right Ambiance
It’s easy to fall in love with the way an outdoor event venue looks, but it’s also important to consider how it feels. Look for a space with the ideal ambiance for the type of gathering you’re planning — it could be formal and traditional, cozy and intimate, casual and relaxed, or something else entirely.
- A Convenient Location
Think about how your guests will be getting to and from the event. If they’re coming by car, look for a venue with plenty of private parking that offers minimal problems with traffic congestion. If they’ll come via public transport, check how far transit options are from the venue. And if they’re flying in from further afield, remember to think about easy access from the airport and proximity to accommodation options.
- The Perfect Size
You might be surprised just how much of an effect the size of the venue can have on the atmosphere at your event. If you’ve got a small group of people in a massive space, the ambiance can be quite muted and dull. At the same time, you don’t want to be cramming hordes of people into a cramped space, so look for an area that’s just right in size.
- On-site Facilities
The best outdoor event venue has all the essential amenities you need. These could include everything from shaded areas to landscaped gardens, easy access to a power supply, bathrooms, off-street parking, and so much more. Put together a list of all the features you absolutely must have before you start comparing venues.
- Wet-weather Alternative
Finally, don’t forget to have a Plan B in case the weather doesn’t come to the party. This could mean booking a separate space entirely, but many outdoor event venues have an indoor (or at least undercover) space you can use as a backup if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Outdoor Event Inspiration
Searching for some inspiration for your next outdoor event? These classic ideas will help get you started.
- Gorgeous Garden Parties
Picture this: late-afternoon sun, a string quartet playing in the background, well-dressed partygoers sipping Champagne and enjoying gourmet hors d’oeuvres, all in a lush green garden bursting with colorful blooms. Now that sounds like a memorable outdoor event!
- Chilling by the Pool
Good friends, good weather, a few drinks, and plenty of good times — that’s what you can expect when you throw a summertime pool party. If you’re planning a chilled, laid-back gathering, this Bohemian house with its sparkling pool is just what the doctor ordered.
- Celebrating Under the Stars
Want your celebration to feel private and intimate? A rooftop courtyard is a special setting for a wide range of occasions, offering a sense of exclusivity while also creating a cozy vibe for mingling, chatting, and enjoying great company.
- Acres of Space
If you want to treat your guests to a relaxing retreat to help them escape the daily grind, head for a rural area and property with plenty of acreages. Whether you find an estate with landscaped gardens or a gorgeous outdoor courtyard, or maybe a country farm that offers something a little more rustic, you’ll offer your guests a uniquely memorable experience.