Thinking of an Autumn Wedding?
Is there a Season more Wild & Free than the rich abundance of this Autumn? There’s something quietly enchanting about the crisp air, the tapestry of gold and auburn leaves, soft light as evenings draw in and the abundance of the hedgerow harvest. At Seasons, Wild & Free, we believe that every Season (not just Summer) has a unique style and array of flavours to elevate your day and create something stunning and individual. If you’re dreaming of an Autumn wedding that feels timeless, organic and utterly romantic, here are some ideas (inspired by UK weddings) to bring that vision to life.
Autumn’s Palette ~ Inspired by Nature’s Turn
When planning and Autumn wedding UK, lean into the colours you already see outside for depth and richness that denotes this time of year:
- Think warm earth tones such burnt terracotta, rust, ochre or deep mustard add depth.
- Dark greens & forest hues like moss, olive and emerald for a natural, organic feel.
- Jewel accents such as deep plum, burgundy and amber add richness and depth.
- Soft neutrals to balance such as pearl, mushroom and mink bring softness and romance to the occasion.
Venue, Ceremony & Ambience ~ Let the Season Do the Work
Rustic barns, woodlands & historic estates
UK weddings often favour venues with character — barns, converted stables, old manor houses, historic glasshouses or coppiced woodlands. These kinds of spaces allow the autumn colors to be part of your backdrop, rather than fighting them.
Outdoor-to-indoor flow
If your venue allows, plan for an outdoor ceremony (or vows-under-arches) followed by a reception indoors or in a marquee. This gives you two settings to play with ambience and use the foliage of the season to bring the two together.
Seasonal transitions
If guests move from church to venue, consider a short procession through woodland paths or a leaf-strewn walkway. Provide rugs, throws, umbrellas — small comforts go a long way.
Embrace twilight & soft lighting
As daylight fades earlier in autumn, lighting becomes central and the opportunity for intimacy and drama that doesn’t exist in warmer months. Use lanterns, candles, fairy lights, suspended bulbs, or cluster pillar candles to add a cosy ambience that encourages guests into the space.
Styling & Décor ~ Textures, Layers & Seasonal Touches
- Natural textures & layers
Mix wood, linen, sheepskin, wool, hessian, tweed, lace, and velvet in runners, drapes, chair cushions & throws. Layers help create a cozy-luxe feel.
- Branches, foliage & dried florals
Don’t shy away from bare branches, seed pods, pampas, preserved grasses, dried hydrangeas, eucalyptus. They add sculptural interest and longevity. Many UK floral designers now mix fresh blooms with dried textures and foraged foliage might extend the budget too!
- Seasonal “found” elements
Acorns, pine cones, conkers, moss, sloes, crab apples, twisted willow, and even foraged mushrooms (where safe) can become centrepieces or accents such as place names.
Use kraft paper, leaf motifs, pressed leaves and gold foil accents to add a pop of decadence within the rustic aesthetic. Wooden signboards, with gold calligraphy on bark slices or reclaimed wood planks all suit the rustic aesthetic. - Tablescapes
Layer chargers, textured napkins, mismatched china, taper candles, moss runners, low floral arrangements interspersed with seasonal elements. Add height with branches or trailing foliage.
Seasonal Menu & Drinks ~ Let Flavour Tell the Story
Seasonal ingredients
UK Autumn offers Berries, figs, stone fruits, apples, pears, chestnuts, mushrooms, truffles, game, mackerel, oysters and more — embrace them all.
Starter ideas: Smoked Mackerel pate, cured game, roasted squash or butternut bisque, wild mushroom tarts, warm salads with figs & walnuts.
Starters: Mackerel Pate with candied lemon, dill and capers with charcoal crackers.
Mains: Slow cooked meats, venison, autumn lamb or pork shoulder with apple or spiced plum compote and roasted root vegetables.
Desserts: Sticky toffee pudding, Spiced apple crumble, Seasonal frangipane tart or Pecan pie.
Starters & Plated Dishes
Grazing & Feasting Tables
Drinks & signature cocktails
Serve mulled cider or warmed spiced wine to welcome guests. Offer signature cocktails with apple, pear, plum, cinnamon, ginger, maple, or berry notes.
Home made sloe gin or damson vodka are always a welcome treat as wedding favours.
For non-alcoholic options: warm apple juice spiced with cinnamon, herbal infusions, or a “mock mulled punch.”
Cake & dessert styling
Choose designs that tie into the season: naked cakes with berry or fig garnishes, metallic accents (copper, gold or bronze), edible florals, cascading leaves or a rustic cheese tower adorned with figs, brambles and sloes.
Don’t forget late-night treats such as hot chocolate stations, cinnamon buns or Smors! Or something savoury like spice pumpkin soup with sticky fig pastries.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER….
- Plan for it! Whilst summer weddings embrace long evenings and outdoor space; Autumn and Winter weddings encourage a cosy closeness that lends itself to getting any party started. Whilst no-one is praying for rain, venue hosts often tell me that inclement weather makes for the best atmosphere as guests stay close and convivial, and the party is in one place!
- Schedule buffer: Autumn weather is unpredictable in the UK. Allow extra time for delays, especially outdoors.
- Warm touches: have shawls, blankets, umbrellas, warm spiced drinks, foot warmers, and fire pits.
- Lighting & ambience: Because dusk comes earlier, lighting becomes central — plan accordingly and in fact embrace the opportunity. Whether it’s dramatic uplights to guide you to the entrance, soft table lamps in intimate snug areas or and an electrifying neon lit dance floor, it all adds to the warmth and atmosphere of an Autumn celebration.
Bringing It All Together…your Autumn Wedding, your way…
Autumn’s charm lies in its soulfulness: evolving light, textures, colours, and moods. A successful Autumn wedding marries thoughtful design with the natural cues around you.
At Seasons, Wild & Free, we’d love to help you weave these ideas into your day — from bespoke menus rooted in seasonality, to matching décor that echoes your venue’s character, to guiding you on how to use nature as your palette. Whether you’re in Kent, across the UK, or beyond — let’s make your autumn wedding feel as Wild & Free as the season itself.