Forest weddings are becoming increasingly popular over the last few years. A forest wedding is an enchanting and magical way to celebrate your big day.

With the natural beauty of the forest as your backdrop, you can create an unforgettable and unique experience for you and your guests. The forest wedding aesthetic is one of serenity and tranquility, making it the perfect setting for a romantic and intimate ceremony.

Advantages of Forest Weddings

One of the biggest advantages of having an enchanted forest wedding is the natural beauty of the environment. Lush greenery, towering trees and the soothing sounds of the forest will surround you. This creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere that is perfect for exchanging vows.

Another advantage of forest weddings is the abundance of photo opportunities. The natural beauty of the forest provides a stunning background for your wedding photos. You can capture breathtaking shots of you and your partner surrounded by nature, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Choosing a forest wedding also allows you to be creative with your wedding decor. You can use natural elements like flowers, branches, and leaves to decorate your ceremony and reception. This creates a unique and personalized experience. Lanterns, candles, and string lights can add a touch of magic and romance to your special day.

A Magical Forest Wedding in Big Sur

One of the most famous forest weddings was that of Sean Parker and Alexa Lenas. They married in 2013 in a lavish ceremony that was held in a private forest in Big Sur, California. Parker was the co-founder of Napster and an early Facebook executive.

The wedding team created extravagant and elaborate decorations, including a castle-like structure built specifically for the event. The ceremony and reception were held in the forest, and guests were ferried in by boat. The wedding cost a reported $10 million dollars.

The media covered the wedding extensively. due to the high-profile nature of the guest list and the elaborate nature of the event. The extravagant nature of Sean Parker’s forest wedding is not the norm.

However, it is an example of how a forest wedding can be just as grand as a traditional wedding venue. The Parker-Lenas wedding also highlights that a forest wedding can be a unique way to celebrate your special day.

It is worth noting that while Sean Parker’s wedding was a highly publicized event, it was not without controversy. It was held in a state park and permits were not obtained for the construction of the castle-like structure.

It’s important for couples who are considering a forest wedding to be aware of the rules and regulations in place for the area where they plan to have their wedding. They also need to make sure that they obtain all the necessary permits to ensure a smooth and legal event.

Forest Weddings I’ve Shot

One of my favorite weddings was Katherine and John. They elected for a more traditional ceremony, but wanted a lot of their pictures to highlight the natural beauty of Portland, Oregon. As a result, we spent a lot of time shooting in the woods. They also had their reception surrounded by the pine trees of Oregon.

As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve spent a lot of time in many different geographies, but weddings in the woods are some of my favorite.

Here at home in Utah, one of my favorite places to shoot is at Silver Lake, where there are some absolutely enchanting forest shoot locations.

If you have a wedding in 2024, you should definitely consider a forest wedding. Not only is it beautiful and unique, but it also offers an intimate and serene atmosphere that is perfect for celebrating your special day.

With the natural beauty of the forest as your backdrop and the ability to decorate with natural elements, you can create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, an enchanted forest wedding is a magical and unique way to celebrate your big day. With the natural beauty of the forest as your backdrop, you can create an unforgettable and intimate experience.

The forest wedding aesthetic is one of serenity and tranquility, making it the perfect setting for a romantic and intimate ceremony. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and love forest weddings. It can be absolutely magical.