Real Wedding | Married in the Park

Getting married in a public space sounds like such a genius idea; no venue hire, a casual gathering of the ones you love, the pleasures of nature. Kikitography captured the wedding day of Juanne and Andries, who chose to get married in a public park in Pretoria and it looked like SUCH FUN!! Why aren’t we all getting married in public parks? Simply put – it’s not for everyone. Further down the blog post we talk about the pros and cons of getting married in a public space, and share some tips on how to go about making plans for such an event.

When Andries and Juanne started getting to know each other, they would come to this very park to eat ice cream and lay in the shade of the trees. It was also in this park that they became engaged. So it was for a very sentimental reason that they chose to have their wedding celebration at this same spot. Getting permission to have the event here wasn’t easy, Juanne says, but Andries persevered and finally got an answer from the Municipality.  There were many rules and regulations. Some they followed, some they didn’t but luckily everything worked out in the end. The couple brought pieces of furniture from their home as well as gathered bits and pieces from their families’ and friends.

When asked why they opted out of the typical wedding reception, Juanne explains to us that they didn’t want a big occasion to overshadow the celebration of their love. The wedding was for the two of them and no one else. The Municipality wouldn’t allow them to have music or alcohol at the park, and they had to be out before sunset – so ice-cream counted as a quick reception.

Juanne’s dress was designed by Joss Bridal, a very talented dressmaker from Sandton. Since they were not going to have a traditional wedding, she opted for a non-traditional gown. Juanne noticed the two piece trend showing up a lot on Pinterest, and she fell in love. She says that it was scary to have a dress made, but that Joss truly made her dreams a reality.

So. Where do you even begin when you want to get married in a park or any public space for that matter?

Firstly, research which particular government department is responsible for managing the space you are interested in. It may be the local Municipality, National Parks and Wildlife Service or specific trust body for the location. Then contact them to find out how you can book, what dates are available and if there are any fees applicable. Alexis Yapp of Surreal Eventing reminds us that if you are going to release lanterns at a beach wedding, to make sure you notify the Coast Guard so that they know it is not a flair. You will need to tell them the time and how many you plan on releasing.

Secondly, pay your fees. Alexis estimates that a permit for a beach wedding is somewhere in the region of R1500 depending which Municipally you are dealing with.

PROS OF GETTING MARRIED IN A PUBLIC SPACE:
– Affordable
Besides having to pay a small permit fee, there is no venue hire cost
– Minimal Decor
Presumably you have chosen an area that is beautiful, in which case you won’t need to do a lot in terms of decor. Just some seating and possibly something to mark out the aisle.
– Location
You are able to choose a space that has sentimental meaning to you as a couple. Like Juanne & Andries did for their park wedding.

CONS OF GETTING MARRIED IN A PUBLIC SPACE
– Strangers
Weddings are interesting so you may have a lot of passers-by stop and watch. Make sure that you are comfortable with the idea of onlookers.
– No Electricity
You won’t have plug points in the middle of a park or beach, so make sure that if you are wanting to walk down the aisle to music, you have an acoustic musician or some sort of battery operated system.
– Public
Do your research and choose a time where the space is most quiet. Imagine 100 kids running to the playground, screaming at the top of their voices while you are saying your vows. It might be funny, but also irritating because your guests won’t be able to hear you.
– No toilet facilities
This shouldn’t be too big a deal if you are having a very quick ceremony and then moving on elsewhere. But remember – kids and grandparents may need to use the toilet more than you would think.
– Weather
You are really at the mercy of the weather man. You will have to have a back up plan in case of rain. It will not be enjoyable to stand on a beach with sand whipping your legs as it flies past and rain dripping down your back. If you have a very very small guest list (like 10) you can possibly be flexible with a back up date in case some bad weather comes through.

Some tips from Hooray Weddings if you are planning a wedding ceremony in a public space:

• Check that your officiant is willing to marry you outdoors. Some members of the clergy will only marry a couple in a place of worship, so if you have your heart set on being married by your local priest – check up on this.
•  Have a ‘rain plan’ card attached to the invite. Include an address of where the ceremony will be held in case of rain, as well as a contact number that they can call to confirm plans.
• Keep your numbers small. Weddings in public places are far better suited to intimate crowds. It will become a logistical nightmare if you are trying to get 150 people into a public square or park. Parking alone would be a nightmare, and then there is the toilet issue.
• Have a sense of humour and a ‘just go with it’ attitude. There is a very good chance that things will not happen the way that you had anticipated. So look at your partner, have a giggle about it, and continue to marry the one you love.
• Dress appropriately. If you are getting married on a mountain top over-looking a spectacular countryside view, a glitzy ball gown may not be the best idea. Think about the terrain you will be walking on when you choose your shoes. Because falling down the mountain side on your wedding day would be…awkward for everyone.
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  If you had a ‘public space’ wedding, we would love to hear from you in the comments section below. What advice would you offer to other couples wishing to do the same?

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