Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most important steps in planning a wedding. Obviously, checking this off your wedding checklist takes care of the “where,” but it also sets the tone of the day. After getting engaged, it is important for a couple to sit back and reflect on what suits them. Who are you as a couple? Where are you both comfortable? And where can you imagine your wedding? Once you sort this out, you can start to narrow down the “type” of wedding that you want. And when it comes to “type,” the sky is the limit. In the end, what matters most is that the couple is united in marriage through a day that was theirs.

Today, a big trend in weddings is the “rustic” wedding. These weddings take place in country settings and are reminiscent of the pioneer days. They can also evoke a vintage feel in its styling. Sometimes held in barns or in open fields, these weddings are always outdoors. They implement old wagon wheels, salvaged or reclaimed wood, wildflowers, mason jars, cowgirl boots and do-it-yourself touches.

When you think about your wedding, are you inspired by the natural beauty of the outdoors? How do you feel about a wedding framed by an outdoor, suburban setting? If so, a rustic wedding is something for you to explore. Consider an outdoor setting set amongst the backdrop of mountains and a running river.