Daisy & Zoe’s Romantic Woodland Wedding in Dorset

When you picture a woodland wedding in June, you might imagine golden sunlight streaming through the trees. But for Daisy and Zoe, their day at Littlewood Lodge was proof that even rain and a thunderstorm can make a wedding feel even more magical.

I have to say, I was actually excited by the forecast because their venue was perfect come rain or shine and I just knew the rain would make for some gorgeous and romantic wedding photos - kissing in the rain is the ultimate! As an Independent Celebrant in Dorset, I'm more than happy to perform wedding ceremonies in the rain.

With the cosy cabin in Dorset as their base, a woodland ceremony among the trees, and personal touches inspired by Taylor Swift, their wedding was the perfect blend of romance, intimacy, and fun.

Woodland Wedding Ceremony at Littlewood Lodge

The day began in the heart of the woods, where I, as their wedding celebrant, created a ceremony full of love, laughter, and meaning.

Daisy and Zoe chose a handfasting ritual to seal their vows, a beautiful moment where ribbons were wrapped around their hands by loved ones, symbolising their promises to each other.

Just as they tied the knot, nature decided to make itself part of the celebration. A rumble of thunder rolled across the sky, and raindrops began to fall harder.

Guests laughed as everyone dashed through the woodland and back to the warmth of the cabin to finish the rest of ceremony around the fire. It was spontaneous, joyful, and unforgettable - the kind of wedding moment you couldn’t plan if you tried!

Rainy Wedding Inspiration: Why Storms Can Be Romantic

While many couples hope for sunshine, Daisy and Zoe’s wedding proved that rainy weddings can be some of the most romantic of all.

The thunderstorm didn’t dampen the joy, it added drama, intimacy, and a sense of togetherness as everyone gathered inside the cosy cabin of Littlewood Lodge.

For couples planning a rainy-day wedding, it’s a reminder that the unexpected can often create the best memories.

Celebrant and On-the-Day Coordination by Laura Bell

Not only did I officiate the ceremony, I also provided on-the-day coordination. From managing timings to making sure every detail ran smoothly, I worked and ensured Daisy and Zoe could stay fully present. Having someone to take care of logistics meant they were free to enjoy their woodland wedding without stress.

Cosy Cabin Wedding Reception

When inside, the storm outside only made the celebrations more atmospheric. The wooden cabin glowed with warmth, candlelight, and laughter. Guests shared food, stories, and plenty of pizza come the evening, while music filled the room.

Daisy and Zoe made the day their own, weaving in personal touches and nods to Taylor Swift that made every detail feel special.

The addition of friendship bracelets and their Era's Tour jackets complete with her Folklore album as a soundtrack was beyond perfect.

Natural Wedding Photography by Sadie Osborne

The day was beautifully documented by Sadie Osborne Photography, who captured everything from the intimate woodland ceremony to the glowing cabin celebrations. Sadie’s photography style was perfect for this wedding, authentic, natural, and full of emotion.

Every photo tells a piece of Daisy and Zoe’s story, preserving not just how the day looked, but how it felt. I was so excited to view their album and beyond thankful for their trust and thanks by also wishing to share all of those photos with me.

Planning Your Own Woodland Wedding in Dorset?

If you’re dreaming of a woodland wedding in Dorset or looking for inspiration for your own rainy-day woodland ceremony, Daisy and Zoe’s story is a reminder that love shines brightest when the unexpected happens.

With heartfelt ceremonies from celebrants like Laura Bell seamless on-the-day coordination, and timeless photographs by Sadie Osborne Photography, your day can be just as magical.

I'm now booking for 2027! Get in touch to save the date: hello@ceremoniesbylaurabell.com

---

Outdoor Wedding & Ceremony FAQs

1. What makes a woodland wedding ceremony special? A woodland wedding offers a natural, romantic backdrop that feels magical and intimate. Surrounded by trees, birdsong, and open skies, it creates a unique atmosphere that traditional venues can’t match.

2. What happens if it rains during an outdoor wedding? Rain can add to the magic! For Daisy & Zoe, a thunderstorm rolled in mid-ceremony, and the guests moved to a cosy cabin to continue by firelight. With a celebrant-led ceremony, you have the flexibility to adapt and keep the celebration personal, no matter the weather.

3. Can we include rituals in an outdoor ceremony? Yes! Popular choices include handfasting, candle lighting, or tree planting. In Daisy & Zoe’s ceremony, their loved ones tied coloured ribbons around their hands—a symbolic gesture that felt especially powerful in the woodland setting.

4. Do we need to legally register our marriage before an outdoor ceremony? Yes. In England, celebrant-led ceremonies aren’t legally binding on their own. Most couples take care of the legal paperwork at the register office beforehand, then enjoy their personalised wedding outdoors with all their family and friends.

5. How long does an outdoor wedding ceremony last? Typically, a celebrant-led outdoor ceremony lasts 20–30 minutes, depending on how many readings, rituals, or personal touches you’d like to include.

6. What should we consider when planning an outdoor ceremony?

• Always have a Plan B (such as a marquee, barn, or cabin).

• Think about guest comfort: Shade, blankets, or umbrellas depending on the season.

• Sound: Ensure guests can hear the vows, especially in open spaces.

• Decor: Nature often does the work for you, but simple styling can enhance the setting.

  
  

7. Can music be part of an outdoor wedding? Absolutely! Whether it’s live musicians or a carefully chosen playlist, music adds atmosphere. Daisy & Zoe chose songs from Taylor Swift’s Folklore to set a whimsical tone for their woodland vows.

8. How involved is the celebrant in planning an outdoor wedding? Laura Bell doesn’t just write and lead ceremonies—she supports couples with ideas, rituals, and flow. For Daisy & Zoe, she also acted as an on-the-day coordinator, keeping everything running smoothly so they could enjoy every moment.

9. Can outdoor ceremonies be as personal as indoor ones? Yes, and often even more so. With fewer restrictions than licensed venues, you can choose the exact location, structure the ceremony in your own way, and include any readings, rituals, or symbolic acts that are meaningful to you.

10. How far in advance should we book an outdoor wedding ceremony? Outdoor venues are popular and seasonal, so it’s best to book early. Laura Bell is already taking bookings for 2027, so if you’d like her to lead your ceremony, securing your date sooner rather than later is recommended.