Weddings can be magical. While it’s the specific combination of details that creates the mood, your venue is usually the first thing that sets the tone for your special day. Whether you want to honor nature or your adventurous spirit takes you out of the city, you may want to tie the knot in the great outdoors. When your wedding dreams take you off the grid, preparation is fundamental to a fantastic time.

What Does “Off the Grid” Mean?

“Off the grid” can mean a lot of different things. It usually refers to a lack of reliance on public infrastructure or utilities, but most use the term when discussing standalone electricity supply. This type of power can be supplied by alternate means, including wind turbines, solar panels, and geothermal sources.

What qualifies as an off-grid wedding venue? You’d logically think of places like national parks, beaches, ranches, or barns. If it isn’t hooked up to municipal power or you have to bring your own power supply, it’s an off-grid location.

Important Budgeting Strategies

Cost control is a high priority with any type of wedding, but you have a few extra budget categories to add with an off-grid celebration. Martha Stewart Weddings mentions site fees and permits, but you must also factor in the cost of supplying amenities along with basics such as electricity and water. Additionally, you could require services such as valet parking, security, and sanitation.

Once you’ve researched services and pricing, you may need to downsize so your event is affordable. The Knot discusses the average wedding budget breakdown. Reception costs comprise about half of typical expenses and usually include items such as the venue and furniture rentals. Powering your site would fall into this category as well. If you’re facing a cash crunch, consider trimming your guest list and choosing less expensive décor, entertainment, and food options.

Choosing an Off-Grid Venue

When you’re evaluating potential venues, ask management for details about on-site facilities. Wedding Wire’s Kim Forrest mentions key necessities such as parking, shelter, and ease of access for guests with mobility limitations. It’s also a good idea to tour the venue at the same time of day you wish to hold the ceremony and reception. Pay attention to ambient sunlight, temperature, and wind as you navigate the site.

Electricity, Portable Toilets, and Climate Control

Martha Stewart Weddings’ Alyssa Brown recommends professional help for powering your site. From catering and sound to restrooms and entertainment, your wedding vendors can let you know about their electricity requirements. Many event lighting companies may also have additional generators available to rent with their services. Brown also mentions that you’ll need multiple locations if your ceremony and reception are in different spots. While you’re at it, don’t forget to ask about the types of generators you’ll use. Noisy models that give off exhaust should be placed as far away from guests as possible.

Two other vital items you don’t want to overlook are portable toilets and climate control. Portable restrooms come in single and multi-stall units as well as trailers equipped with sinks and mirrors. Outdoor climate control options include portable air conditioners, fans, and industrial-sized cooling units.

Preparation Is Key

Natural settings offer beautiful, majestic backdrops that are perfect for weddings. It’s easy to take for granted that you and your guests will have access to restrooms, seating, and electrical power, but those are the very things you must think about when hosting at an off-grid venue. Doing your homework is essential for understanding your options and crafting a realistic budget. Scope out venues carefully, and be mindful of what each site needs to comfortably host your event. Finally, turn to trustworthy vendors for help. With these smart moves, you can successfully have a fantastic off the grid wedding.