Falling for the Outdoors: Wedding Trends for the Cooler Seasons

by Kristy Como Armand

For couples dreaming of an outdoor wedding in Southwest Louisiana, fall and winter can offer some of the most beautiful conditions of the year.

Cooler temperatures, changing light and the natural colors of the season create an inviting setting that requires less decoration and gives couples plenty of room to make the celebration their own.

The Gazebo outdoor venue in the heart of Oak Crossing in Lake Charles offers a naturally picturesque setting for an outdoor wedding. Centered under the shade of beautiful, 100-year-old majestic oak trees, the 16 x 20-foot hand-crafted Gazebo structure adds unique, intimate elegance to the ceremony.

“One of the things we see couples appreciate most about a fall or winter wedding is how comfortable it can be to spend more time outdoors,” says Kirsten Chargois, wedding coordinator at Oak Crossing. “In Southwest Louisiana, cooler weather gives couples an opportunity to really make the most of our outdoor setting and create an atmosphere that feels relaxed, romantic and very personal.”

That connection to the setting is driving many current outdoor wedding trends. Instead of trying to transform an outdoor venue with elaborate décor, couples are increasingly allowing the landscape to become part of the design. At Oak Crossing, century-old oak trees, landscaped green space and the handcrafted Gazebo provide a natural backdrop that can work with styles ranging from traditional Southern elegance to modern and understated.

The Oak Crossing venue also features the 4,200-square-foot TreeHouse overlooking the grounds, allowing couples to combine an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception or the option to move activities inside if the weather changes. The TreeHouse also offers convenient amenities, including a catering kitchen and a beautiful bridal suite on the first floor. The bridal suite provides a private, spacious, relaxing retreat for the bride and her bridal party before the ceremony.

Chargois says rich, nature-inspired colors are a trending, natural fit for cooler-season weddings. Burgundy, merlot and deep greens are among the richer shades appearing in 2026 wedding design, often complemented by warm neutrals, candlelight and greenery. Couples can carry these colors through flowers, linens, bridesmaid dresses and smaller details rather than relying on a heavily themed seasonal look.

Lighting takes on greater importance as the days get shorter. Bistro lights, candles, lanterns, chandeliers hanging from trees, and other warm lighting can transform an outdoor space as daylight fades, adding both function and atmosphere. Oak Crossing’s Gazebo is already equipped with lighting and electrical outlets, giving couples flexibility for late-afternoon and evening celebrations.

“We’re seeing couples think about the entire experience rather than just how everything will look in photographs,” says Chargois. “They want their guests to be comfortable, the evening to flow easily and most importantly, for their wedding to personal rather than overly staged.”

That focus on experience is also leading to more creative transitions throughout the celebration. “Couples might exchange vows outdoors, host cocktails under the oaks and then move inside for dinner and dancing,” says Chargois. “We love being able to offer that indoor-outdoor combination to our couples.”

For any outdoor wedding, however, flexibility remains essential. Louisiana weather can change quickly regardless of the season. Choosing a venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces gives couples the freedom to plan the outdoor wedding they want without allowing a stress over a questionable forecast to take over the week leading up to it.

“The best outdoor weddings have a good backup plan,” Chargois says. “Here at Oak Crossing, that backup plan is built in, and we feel the cooler months in Southwest Louisiana offers couples one of the best opportunities of all to take their wedding celebration outside, under the oaks.” ‘

For more information about scheduling events at the Gazebo or TreeHouse, call 337-421-6200, email events@oakcrossing.net or visit oakcrossing.net.