by Margie Monin

Ceremonies held outdoors in New Jersey’s parks and gardens usually appeal to the kind of bride who wants to do things a little differently. How differently is up to you, although it’s one way to toe the line between traditional and unique.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown has seven gardens to choose from. The gardens, says Maria Russo, reservation systems administrator for the Morris County Park Commission, are used as backdrops for weddings and wedding pictures virtually year-round. Its main lawn is popular when cherry blossoms are in bloom in May (which varies if the winter is warmer). As for fall weddings, Russo directs couples to an arbor, bridge, gazebo, or evergreen trees to snap some photos.

As with any outdoor site, Russo encourages couples to visit the park exactly a year before their wedding date to see what the garden will look like. This is especially important in creating the right atmosphere for your ceremony.

Although your ceremony will be beautiful, holding it in the great outdoors does pose some challenges. Your site may have standing room only, such as the gardens at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, which doesn’t allow chairs so as not poke holes on their lawns. Depending on your site, you may have to rethink your post-ceremony send-off if they don’t allow anything that can be thrown, such as rice, petals, or seeds. Using bubbles or dove releases instead are alternatives.

And be sure to choose materials for gowns and hairstyles that won’t get blown or tossled in the wind. Avoid a high-noon ceremony during harsh sunlight that causes unflattering pictures—late afternoon is best. Also arrange to use an indoor facility as a backup plan in case of rain if your ceremony site doesn’t provide one. Then again, a downpour on your wedding day could inspire some one-of-a-kind photos.