October 06, 2026

Nature Wedding Venues: What To Know Before You Book

Nature wedding venues are outdoor spaces, deserts, forests, gardens, mountains, or whatever fits your style - where the landscape itself does most of the decorating for you. They tend to cost less on florals and decor since the setting already brings the visual impact, but they also come with real questions around weather, accessibility, and backup plans. Here's what actually matters before you book one.

What Counts as a Nature Wedding Venue? 

It's basically any wedding venue where the natural landscape is the main feature, not an afterthought. Think open desert, tree-lined clearings, mountain overlooks, or gardens that haven't been over-manicured into something artificial-looking. The best ones lean into what's already there instead of covering it up with rented decor. That's really the whole appeal - you're not building a look from scratch, you're borrowing one that's already stunning.

Why Couples Choose Nature Wedding Venues Over Traditional Ones 

Mostly because it just feels different - less staged, more like an actual place instead of a rented room built for events. A natural backdrop also cuts down on decor costs, since you're not paying to recreate a mood a landscape gives you for free. Photos tend to look more distinct too, since no two natural settings look exactly alike. And there's something about getting married outdoors, under real sky, that a lot of couples say just feels more meaningful than an enclosed indoor space.

What Should You Ask Before Booking?

Start with the weather backup - every nature venue needs a real answer here, not just "we'll figure it out." Ask about accessibility too, since some natural settings involve uneven ground, long walks, or limited parking that can be tough on older guests. Find out what's actually in the price and what you'll have to bring in yourself - since some venues are just a backdrop while others include catering, bar service, and coordination. And ask about timing - natural light changes fast outdoors, so knowing the best hours for your ceremony matters more than people expect.

Are Nature Wedding Venues More Expensive Than Traditional Venues? 

Usually less, actually. You're saving on heavy decor and staging since the setting already does a lot of that work for you. Where costs can climb is in logistics - things like generators, portable restrooms, or transportation if the venue is remote. The venues that bundle these into a clear package tend to be easier to budget for than ones that leave you to piece it together yourself.

A Desert Example Worth Knowing About

Rasta Rita Cantina and Venue, in Twentynine Palms near Joshua Tree, is one example of a nature-based setting done well. It combines a restored historic building with two open-air patios and a mission bell tower wall, all set against the desert landscape that surrounds it. Bistro lighting strung across the patios means the space glows on its own once evening comes, without much extra styling needed. Their Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages are all-inclusive - food, full bar, coordination - so the desert backdrop comes with the logistics already handled.

Bottom Line

Nature wedding venues give you a setting that feels real instead of staged, often for less than you'd spend dressing up in a traditional hall - as long as you ask the right questions about weather, access, and what's included. If a desert backdrop near Joshua Tree fits what you're picturing, Rasta Rita Cantina and Venue in Twentynine Palms is worth a tour before you decide.