Whether you have the venue booked or you’re just starting to look for a Sioux Falls wedding venue, eventually, you will have to decide if you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony. There are pros and cons to both options, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of having an indoor vs. an outdoor wedding.

Indoor Wedding

Pros to an indoor wedding ceremony:

If you decide to go with an indoor wedding ceremony, there are a lot of pros to the atmosphere it will create. First of all, and probably most important, is that you won’t have to worry about the weather. Rain, snow, or 100 degrees, you won’t have to worry about poor weather conditions during your ceremony.

Other pros to having an indoor wedding is that it’s generally easier to decorate an indoor space that was made for hosting weddings. It will also offer more privacy. Anyone driving by during your ceremony won’t know what’s going on. It’s also less likely that distractions will occur.

Cons to an indoor wedding ceremony:

Having an indoor ceremony can be more expensive because of the venue rental. It can also be more difficult to find a venue on the date you are wanting to get married. If you are more of a relaxed, laid-back couple, an indoor ceremony may feel too formal for you. It can also be difficult to get have proper lighting for photographs in an indoor wedding ceremony (especially dark churches!) In addition, if you plan on having your reception in the same venue location, it may require a room flip. Causing either guests to have to help flip the room or pushing them into another location while your event staff changes the room for your reception.

Outdoor Wedding

Pros to an outdoor wedding ceremony:

Generally speaking, having an outdoor wedding ceremony may be less expensive if you choose an outdoor location such as a park or a family member’s backyard. The setting for an outdoor wedding will feel more relaxed and natural. The natural light outside can also make for more photo opportunities. Although, it is my suggestion that if you plan an outdoor ceremony during the summer, be sure there’s enough shade for your guests so they don’t have to squint in the sun for too long.

Cons to an outdoor wedding ceremony

The most obvious con to planning an outdoor wedding is the unpredictability of weather. Because of this, an outdoor wedding is also generally more difficult to plan. It can be difficult to decorate if the space is rather large or the weather is not cooperating the morning of your wedding. And guests can be more uncomfortable in changing weather forecasts. In addition, if your outdoor ceremony is in a public place, it will be less private and people not a part of your wedding guest list may cause disruptions.

Additional things you may want to consider:

• The time of year: Summer is a great time to get married outside as long as it’s not too hot, where as a winter wedding should probably be hosted inside.
• The size of your wedding: If you’re having a large wedding, it may be hard to hear properly outside even if you have proper sound equipment. But if you have a small wedding, the outdoor venue may be more intimate and personal.
• Your budget: Indoor weddings can be more expensive than outdoor weddings because of the cost to rent the space. However, you will also have to consider how much rentals for an outdoor wedding will cost (ex. chairs, sound system, tent, etc.)

In conclusion, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between an indoor or an outdoor Sioux Falls wedding ceremony. The best decision for you will depend on your individual preferences. If you’re still not sure which option is best for you, talk with your wedding vendors (especially your planner and photographer) or a trusted friend or family member. They will be able to help you weigh the pros and cons and make the best decisions for your big day.