Rooftop Weddings 101

Depending on where you're planning your wedding, rooftop venues can be an excellent option. For both the ceremony and reception, a rooftop atmosphere - whether it's overlooking a scenic landscape or atop a towering urban skyscraper - communicates the following message: "We're elegant and unique, but more importantly, we're here to have the time of our lives."

Most guests, aside from those with a fear of heights, are sure to be impressed by the breathtakingly romantic atmosphere of a rooftop wedding. However, it's also crucial to keep in mind the extra steps and precautions that go into planning this type of event. Although it's hardly fool-proof, a few key tips should keep you on the right track to pulling off an unforgettable wedding.

When people think outdoor weddings, the first thing that comes to mind is arguably the most obvious (and the most boring) - weather. It's important to realize the significance of weather for any wedding day, though. Even though meteorology is hardly a dependable source of information, there are definite ways to work around the possibility of rain (or a natural disaster, I suppose). Adorning your rooftop with an elegant canopy is a sure-fire way to weather-proof your wedding. The ability to decorate within and outside the canopy will provide a comfortable and classy alternative to holding umbrellas while exchanging your "I do"'s, while still maintaining the open atmosphere or an outdoor venue.

If you're planning a rooftop wedding during the summer, it's likely you'll need some considerable heat and UV protection. Renting outdoor air conditioners and large-scale fans is an excellent way to reduce the possibility of you and your guests sweating to an unsightly extent. Making sure your venue has some shady areas, whether they're natural or created with the help of a canopy, is also an easy fix. As for sun exposure, the best solution is simply to remind your guests to wear sunscreen and sunglasses, especially if your ceremony begins during daylight hours.

Regardless of your geographic location, booking your rooftop venue far in advance is absolutely imperative. Rooftop gardens and patios aren't as common as your everyday banquet hall, and even the smallest roofs are difficult to come by. Make sure to research your rooftop location extensively before deciding on it - rushed decisions should be avoided for the sake of quality and reassurance, if nothing else. However, having a place in mind and making sure to visit it beforehand with your future spouse will surely take you in the right direction.

Rooftops are - without a doubt - one of the most beautiful and unconventional places to tie the knot. Whether you're looking for a small, intimate gathering on a rooftop garden or an awe-inspiring gala, finding the perfect rooftop location is sure to be a great accomplishment.

Learn more from our Chicago wedding photographers at Becky Hill Weddings.