For the adventurous couple, nothing is better than an outdoor wedding, but this usually comes at a cost!
Typically the most expensive part of the occasion is the wedding ceremony itself—as well as the venue. The costs can often add unnecessary stress for the couple and some compromising may be needed.
The good news is that there are many outdoor wedding venues to choose from that cost nothing! That’s right, free!
Below is a list of the best free outdoor wedding venues for whichever theme you desire for your wedding day. Whether you’re envisioning a beach, a state park, a botanical garden, or anywhere in between, these venues all have something special to offer.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Columbia River Gorge is a stunning outdoor wedding venue in Oregon with breathtaking views. It’s hard to believe that weddings here are free.
The only fee is for parking, which ranges from $5.00-$35.00. If the wedding consists of more than 75 guests, there is a required permit fee.
The gorge has a panoramic view of the plains, the river, and the mountains. There are two waterfalls, Latourell Falls and Government Cove, that make for a romantic ceremony site and gorgeous photographs.
Additionally, there are beaches lined with haystacks, if a sun-kissed beach wedding is your preference, and a beautiful coastline as well.
Bonus: The natural beauty of this venue provides exceptional photo opportunities
Typical Cost: Free
Capacity: Up to 400 people
Find Columbia River Gorge at Columbia River Gorge or check out Instagram.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake is an Oregon treasure, brimming with gorgeous scenery.
This landmark site has a massive 26-mile lake with crystal-clear water. The lake has a small island in the middle that provides a romantic scene. At night, the stars come out in a vivid display, which provides a dramatic backdrop to a night wedding.
The park has 96 miles of trails and dramatic scenery and is the ideal spot for the adventurous couple looking for an outdoor location for their wedding venue.
The park office requests that they are informed about the wedding 8-10 weeks in advance due to the permit approval.
This is one of Oregon’s most beautiful parks and it should be strongly considered for a free outdoor wedding venue.
Bonus: Crater Lake is the world’s deepest and most pristine lake
Typical Cost: Free
Capacity: Up to 10 guests
Find Crater Lake National Park at Crater Lake National Park or check out Facebook or Instagram
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Florida
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is at the southernmost point of Key West. This historic landmark is a beautiful outdoor wedding venue, and it is free.
The fort predates the Civil War and houses the world’s largest cache of Civil War armament.
Turquoise waters and a ton of history surround the fort, and there is no limit to the photo opportunities.
Beyond the historical significance of the fort, the park is also the United States’ southernmost state park. The red brick facade of the fort includes cannons and gun ports that add to the historic nature of the park.
This is an ideal venue for a couple looking to share vows in a historic location.
Bonus: The state park boasts Key West’s favorite beach!
Typical Cost: Free
Capacity: Up to 250 guests
Find Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park at Florida State Parks or check out Facebook.
The Heitman House, Florida
The Heitman House is a historic mansion built in 1908 in Fort Myers, Florida.
The estate rests on the Caloosahatchee River and boasts incredible views. The Heitman House also has 200 feet of walkways that wrap around the property.
This is a classically romantic location for a dream wedding.
Heitman House has covered and uncovered outdoor spaces. The river and walkway are an ideal backdrop for the ceremony and there is ample room for guests to mingle in.
Fort Myers is a great destination wedding location because of its rich history and its picturesque setting.
Bonus: The Heitman House has a bridal suite and other amenities for wedding planning
Typical Cost: Free
Capacity: Up to 250 guests
Find The Heitman House at The Heitman House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Bow Bridge, Central Park, New York
Bow Bridge in iconic Central Park is a historic bridge dating back to 1862. With views of the Fifth Avenue skyline, this bridge is a beautiful setting for your wedding.
It’s called the Bow Bridge because of the cast iron bow shape at the top. It is also the second oldest cast iron bridge in America and has been featured in many films and television shows.
The overall length of the bridge is 60 feet and it passes over a serene lake where rowboats frequently paddle by, adding to the charm.
Central Park has many free wedding sites. Bow Bridge was selected for this list due to its prominence and history.
This romantic location is known for first kisses, wedding proposals, and, of course, weddings. This is a premier wedding venue that is remarkably free.
Bonus: Bow Bridge is only a short walk from the heart of New York City, making it a perfect destination wedding venue
Typical Cost: Free
Capacity: Up to 25 guests
Find Bow Bridge at Bow Bridge or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Wagner Cove, New York
Wagner Cove is a free outdoor wedding venue in the middle of Central Park.
The site is a three-minute walk from Bow Bridge and the Bethesda Fountain Terrace. The ceremony site is a rustic gazebo on the lake.
This is truly a picturesque site that provides great photo opportunities. There are old trees growing around the gazebo which adds to the romantic aesthetic.
The gazebo was recently renovated and now looks more like its original design. There are two wooden benches and granite stones which add to the rustic charm.
This site is most beautiful in the fall and is optimum for an elopement or intimate wedding.
After the ceremony, you and your guests can stroll into the city and celebrate. This unique venue will provide a lifetime of memories.
Bonus: Wagner Cove is available for weddings seven days a week while other Central Park locations are only available Monday through Friday.
Typical Cost: Free
Capacity: Up to 15 guests
Find Wagner Cove at Wagner Cove or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Olympic National Park, Washington
The Pacific Northwest is home to diverse ecosystems and beautiful views year-round.
There are several national parks where you can have an outdoor wedding or elopement for free. At the top of this list is Olympic National Park. This park encapsulates the best of a Pacific Northwest wedding.
The ceremony site is 5,000 feet up and looks down on the rugged coastline, the temperate rainforest, and the dramatic presence of the Olympic Mountains.
There is a secondary site, The Nature Bridge, that provides a romantic ceremony site and gorgeous photo opportunities. Here, you will wed under Douglas fir trees and lakeside cedars.
Bonus: Among the unique ecosystems in the park, there are also tidal pools that reveal sea life that normally only survives in the ocean.
Typical Cost: Free
Capacity: Up to 15 people
Find Olympic National Park at Olympic National Park or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Rattlesnake Lake, Washington
Rattlesnake Lake is a gorgeous 111-acre lakeside venue 30 miles east of Seattle.
For the adventurous couple, there is a four-mile hiking trail called Rattlesnake Ledge Trail where you can marry while looking down on the lake.
There are panoramic views of the hillside and the mountains which provide beautiful photo opportunities.
The park and the trail are free but camping is prohibited. The good news is that the venue is near US 90 and only three miles south of Northbend.
There are picnic tables, horse trails, and various hiking trails to enjoy. This is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Bonus: The lake is within a short drive from numerous hotels and restaurants.
Typical Cost: Free
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
Find Rattlesnake Lake at Rattlesnake Lake or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Botanical Gardens, North Carolina
Botanical Gardens is a romantic outdoor venue in Ashville.
The ceremony site has a rustic bridge over a bubbling creek as a backdrop. The site is more stunning in the fall when the foliage changes colors.
There is a gazebo for rent from the botanical gardens that can be used as a site for the ceremony, as well as a third location in front of a cabin. This is a lovely garden wedding venue.
There are 10 acres of plants that are native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains and are truly remarkable.
The grounds have been cultivated for over 40 years by volunteers and there is a wide array of foliage to walk through.
Note: The gardens only allow small weddings with no receptions.
Bonus: Mid-April and August are the peak bloom times.
Typical Cost: Free
Capacity: Up to 30 guests
Fing Botanical Gardens at Botanical Gardens or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a unique outdoor wedding venue that is ideal for the adventurous couple who wants a mountain wedding.
There are panoramic views of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains and several spots along the 469-mile parkway where you can marry, each with its own unique background.
The most notable and eye-catching advantage of getting married at Blue Ridge is the stunning views. There are countless places for romantic pictures!
Special permits are required for a nominal fee and there are days when the park is closed, so it is a good idea to do some research beforehand.
Bonus: There are hundreds of sites to choose from, each with its own personality
Typical Cost: Free (the permit is $100)
Capacity: Up to 25 guests
Find Blue Ridge Parkway at Blue Ridge Parkway or check out Facebook or Instagram.
