Have any of you attended or had an outdoor Nikah ceremony in the U.S at hotel or resort? If so, how was it?
We have some ideas of how we’d pull this off(not the reception, just the ceremony portion), but one problem is the heat in Houston, TX in the summer.
The natural setting of the outdoors is a beautiful backdrop for a ceremony, especially during Asr time and right before sunset. I think it would be unique too since no one we personally know has done this before.
Re: Outdoor Nikah Ceremony in the U.S. anyone?
we had ours outdoors- we're in toronto, so close enough haha
it worked really well! we got married in august, also a hot month, but our ceremony started at 5:30 when it was cooler and we had a little cocktail hour type of thing right after the reception started at 7. we were married on a private estate so people were able to wander around the gardens before heading to the reception tent. are there are any venues like that in houston? and if heat is an issue, consider having a sunset ceremony. it would be so lovely especially if you have a nice view around that time and you can head right into the reception after.
Re: Outdoor Nikah Ceremony in the U.S. anyone?
have a look through these- lots of inspiration and you might just come across the perfect venue!
Re: Outdoor Nikah Ceremony in the U.S. anyone?
we had ours outdoors- we're in toronto, so close enough haha
it worked really well! we got married in august, also a hot month, but our ceremony started at 5:30 when it was cooler and we had a little cocktail hour type of thing right after the reception started at 7. we were married on a private estate so people were able to wander around the gardens before heading to the reception tent. are there are any venues like that in houston? and if heat is an issue, consider having a sunset ceremony. it would be so lovely especially if you have a nice view around that time and you can head right into the reception after.
Wow, sounds like your outdoor ceremony was awesome. We were considering the same type of idea and we definitely have tons of venues here(even at hotels) that have outdoor gardens and courtyards. When you say "people were able to wander around the gardens" do you mean you had the cocktail hour outside in the garden before they went in to the reception tent?
Yeah, the sunset ceremony is also what I was thinking would be a good solution to the heat...plus a nice view.
If you don't mind me asking, how many guests did you have?
Re: Outdoor Nikah Ceremony in the U.S. anyone?
Thanks for the links, I’m going to check 'em out!
Re: Outdoor Nikah Ceremony in the U.S. anyone?
I had my nikkah outside in houston, tx but it was in the winter time and it was very memorable. I think it looks sooooo much nicer otudoors with everyone seating facing the bride and groom (but obviously weather permitting). My friend had her nikkah outdoors in August in Houston, TX. She made sure to serve a cold punch before, and did it after sunset so it was night time. She also passed out customized paper fans to make the heat more bearable for the guests. However, all that being said it was still muggy and a bit uncomfortable for the guests. I know everyone was very eager for the ceremony to end so they could escape indoors BUT it was still very pretty and the pictures came out fabulous. Just make sure the Imam keeps the speech brief and it should be fine.
Re: Outdoor Nikah Ceremony in the U.S. anyone?
it was pretty awesome, i gotta say 
the estate we were on had several themed gardens. we got married in their sunken garden, and the reception was in the main garden, but there was also an italian garden and the rest of the estate to explore. so we set up a little cocktail station outside the reception tent and people eventually found their way down and helped themselves. it was all very informal. and once they arrived at the reception tent, they just made their way in as they felt lie until the time for our entrance and then my bridesmaids were able to usher the few remaining wanderers into place. we had 96 guests.
we also gave away sandalwood fans to our guests to keep cool during the ceremony. i got ours in bulk at weddingstar.com and just prettied them up with ribbon.
do any of your venues have slightly covered outdoor ceremony places like porches? that could be nice in case of rain and/or heat.
depending on how many people you have, i also love the idea of setting up chairs in a semi circle around the couple for a more intimate feel- http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/32896/chairs2.jpg
Re: Outdoor Nikah Ceremony in the U.S. anyone?
Thanks for all the info. and help, Mirage and SGC. I sent both of you private messages!
SGC, to answer your question, yeah, I'm sure we can find some venues that may have covered outdoor ceremony spots...although it would be rare I'm sure. The semi-circle idea is cool, didn't think of that. I've seen it done before, but never thought about it. That could really work for an outdoor ceremony b/c of all the abundant space around. Thanks for the idea.
