Expert answer: Sarah Kellum on planning an indoor-outdoor wedding

Expert answer: Sarah Kellum on planning an indoor-outdoor wedding
Wedding celebrations need to flow seamlessly between spaces. Millbridge Court in Frensham is designed so that celebrations can make the most of the weather

Absolutely Weddings’ experts answer your planning questions. Here, Sarah Kellum of exclusive-use Surrey wedding venue Millbridge Court discusses how to incorporate indoor and outdoor spaces at your wedding

Q: We want a high-summer wedding that incorporates indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly throughout the day.  Any suggestions? 

Ensuring you have ample indoor as well as outdoor spaces during the great British summer is essential. The key lies in finding a venue that allows you to flow seamlessly between the two if the weather is on your side. If it’s not – be it due to rain or extreme heat – indoor spaces must be designed so that you and your guests don’t feel ‘cooped up’ for shelter.

Expert answer: Sarah Kellum on planning an indoor-outdoor wedding
Free flow for guests and lots of natural light are essentials, as are doors opening directly onto outdoor space that includes paved and decked areas as well as grass

The features to look for inside are an abundance of natural light, doors that open fully onto gardens or outdoor space and large, open reception areas. When it comes to outside spaces, the perfect summer venue will have plenty of paved or decked areas as well as grass. Ideally, it should have an arbour or other dedicated space that is licensed for ceremonies. It’s also important to look for venues with an outdoor bar option for those long summer evenings.

“If the weather isn’t on your side, whether through rain or extreme heat, indoor spaces must be designed so that you and your guests don’t feel ‘cooped up'”

When designing Millbridge Court, huge emphasis was placed on the venue having an outdoor-indoor feel. Our picturesque location in Frensham means we know our couples seek a connection to the countryside, and we designed internal spaces so that – whatever the weather – there is light flooding in from all sides.  

Expert answer: Sarah Kellum on planning an indoor-outdoor wedding
Millbridge Court in Frensham was designed to maximise light and access to the natural environment

Sarah Kellum is venue manager at contemporary and exclusive-use Surrey wedding venue Millbridge Court, which is located in the village of Frensham. millbridgecoourt.co.uk