Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget.
The good news is that fall provides a stunning natural backdrop that can help you save while still creating a magical experience.
Fall anyone else favourite time of year?
Whether you’re dreaming of rustic charm or elegant simplicity, here are some creative ideas to help you plan an unforgettable fall wedding without breaking the bank.
Budget Fall Venue Ideas
Outdoor Venues
Embrace the beauty of fall by hosting your ceremony outdoors.
One of the easiest ways to cut costs and make the most of the season? Host your ceremony outside. Fall offers an incredible natural backdrop—no pricey venue decor needed.
1. Public Parks & Forests
Local or national parks are some of the most underrated wedding venues.
Many offer permits for under $200—and in some cases, they’re completely free.
You’ll get golden leaves, crisp air, and a peaceful setting that feels like a dream.
Budget Tip: Choose a weekday or off-peak time to avoid crowds and reduce permit fees.
2. Backyard or Family Property
Don’t overlook a family member or friend’s backyard, field, or wooded area.
With a little cleanup and a few fall touches, like pumpkins, hay bales, or string lights.
You can transform it into a warm, cozy ceremony space with no venue rental cost at all.
Bonus Idea: Use vintage rugs or mismatched chairs to create a boho-fall aisle and seating setup.
3. Orchards & Farms
Some apple orchards, pumpkin farms, and sunflower fields offer event rentals at a fraction of the cost of traditional venues.
Many include built-in charm (think barns, barrels, or rustic fencing), which means you won’t need to decorate much.
4. Campgrounds
Planning a wedding that’s a little adventurous? Campgrounds often have beautiful ceremony spaces with open fields, lakes, or forest views.
Many have covered pavilions in case of weather changes and cost far less than commercial venues.
Pro Tip: Offer guests the option to stay overnight in tents or cabins—it adds a fun fall weekend vibe and saves on accommodation costs.
5. Community Gardens or Green Spaces
Some cities have community gardens or urban green spaces that allow small ceremonies.
These are especially great if you’re planning a micro wedding or elopement and want a peaceful spot without leaving town.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Fall Wedding Venues
Not every fall wedding has to take place under the open sky.
If you’re leaning toward an indoor celebration—whether for warmth, weather, or ease—there are plenty of affordable venues that still feel seasonal and special.
Check out our nontraditional wedding venues post for some truly unique and budget friendly options.
1. Barns with Indoor Spaces
Rustic barns remain a popular choice for fall weddings, and many have enclosed, heated spaces perfect for cooler weather.
You’ll often find wooden beams, ambient lighting, and built-in charm that reduces your need for extra décor.
These venues are especially cost-effective if you’re open to weekday or off-peak bookings.
2. Community Halls and Village Centres
These venues are some of the most affordable around. While the interiors can be simple, they’re easy to transform with a few seasonal touches.
Think foliage, candles, or fabric draping. If you can find an older hall with unique features like exposed brick or high ceilings, even better.
3. Church Halls or Chapel Reception Rooms
Many churches rent out their halls or function rooms for events, even if you’re not a member of the congregation.
These spaces are typically inexpensive and well-equipped for hosting larger groups. Some include tables, chairs, and even kitchen facilities in the rental price.
4. Local Restaurants or Pubs
If you’re hosting a smaller wedding, a private room in a restaurant or pub can be a great value.
You often get food, seating, and atmosphere all bundled into one cost, and you’ll skip many of the logistics of hiring separate caterers or decorators.
5. Art Galleries and Creative Spaces
Galleries, studios, and other creative venues are often overlooked, but they can be surprisingly affordable and full of character.
Their clean lines and open layouts lend themselves well to modern or minimalist weddings, especially when styled with rich autumn tones.
6. Libraries, Museums, and Historic Sites
Many civic spaces like libraries or small museums allow private bookings, and the architectural details make for stunning photos.
If you’re lucky enough to find a lesser-known venue, you could secure something truly unique at a fraction of typical wedding venue pricing.
7. School Halls or University Spaces
Off-season academic spaces—like school halls or university event rooms, can be rented on weekends or during term breaks.
They’re built to handle events and often include practical features like built-in lighting, AV equipment, and plenty of seating.
8. Airbnb or Private Rental Homes (Indoor Use)
Some large homes listed on Airbnb or Vrbo are wedding-friendly and include spacious lounges, dining rooms, or converted barns perfect for a micro wedding.
Just check the host’s event policy in advance.
Check out our nontraditional wedding venues post for some truly unique and budget friendly options.
Budget Fall Decoration Ideas
1. DIY Fall Decor
Tap into your creative side by making your own decorations. Etsy have lots of great templates for all thing DIY stationery and signs.
I think that Fall is probably the easiest season to create DIYs. With so much natural elements about you can use that look lovely.
Pumpkins, gourds, and seasonal flowers make for beautiful centrepieces that capture the essence of fall.
Dried grasses and flowers work really well for fall wedding, boho vibes. You can collect them in the summer and dry them out ready to use for your fall wedding.
Try painting pumpkins or using them natural. Depending on your date speak to a local pumpkin farm and see if you can buy in bulk.
Or have your engagement photos there and make a special day of it collecting them.
Head to our DIY Fall wedding ideas post for lots easy to make DIYs for fall.
2. Nature-Inspired Decor
Incorporate elements from nature into your decor. Collect leaves, pinecones, and acorns to use in table centrepieces, wreaths, and garlands.
These natural items are free and add a rustic, earthy vibe to your wedding setup.
As mentioned above you can collect in summer and dry out flowers. The more in season items you use the cheaper it will be.
3. Candles and Lanterns
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with candles and lanterns. They can be inexpensive yet incredibly effective in setting a romantic mood.
I think there is a misunderstanding of lots of candles being the cheaper option. Taper candles can add up and if a long day you will need to double up and replace them.
Pillar candles again can add up if needing a lot, look for wholesale suppliers. They will last longer and will have them after to sell on or keep.
If you are not using them for the tables then buying used pillar candles is a great way to save on costs.
4. Fairylights
You can never have too many fairy lights! Make sure you go for warm glow lights to avoid a Christmas feel.
You can use glass jars, mason jars work well or even used glass bottles.
Fill them full of fairy lights and dot them around the venue to add a romantic warm glow.
5. Thrifted & Borrowed Decor
Check out Facebook Marketplace, charity shops, and local wedding swap groups. You can often find vases, candle holders, signage, baskets, crates, and even faux florals for a fraction of retail prices. Borrowing from friends or other brides can also save hundreds.
Look for warm-toned glassware, metallic candle holders, or vintage frames to add character without cost.
8. Paper or Fabric Leaves
Cut out fall leaves from craft paper, card, or even fabric scraps and scatter them across tables, hang as a garland, or attach to name cards. This is a simple DIY that looks charming and ties everything together, especially if you match the paper to your colour palette.
9. Secondhand Rugs for the Aisle or Lounge Corners
Create an aisle or cozy lounge area using mismatched vintage rugs. Ask friends and family to loan theirs, check Facebook Marketplace, or hire them from a local decor company. This works especially well indoors where you’re trying to soften up a hall or barn setting.
10. Apothecary or Amber Bottles
Collect amber glass bottles or vintage apothecary-style jars to use as bud vases or table accents. They look especially beautiful with dried grasses or single stems and instantly give that autumnal vibe.
You can often find these secondhand or in bulk online, and they’re easy to repurpose or sell afterward.
12. Wooden Crates and Apple Boxes
Stack old wooden crates to create levels on food tables, place them beside the bar with throw blankets inside, or use them to hold ceremony programs or favours. They’re cheap, reusable, and add an instant rustic touch.
Ask local grocers or garden centres if they have any you can borrow or buy cheaply.
13. Faux Fur Throws and Blankets
If you’re working with a drafty venue or just want to create that cozy fall feel, collect a few faux fur or knit throws to drape over chairs or offer guests.
They double as decor and practical comfort if it’s chilly.
Look for neutral colours (cream, grey, warm brown) so they blend with any colour palette.
23. Wine Bottles as Candle Holders
Collect empty wine bottles (from friends or local bars), remove the labels, and pop a taper candle inside for long tables or along window ledges.
They give height and atmosphere while using materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
24. Mason Jars
An old one but with a modern take they can look super stylish.
I think the best way to use them is either tealights or filled with warm fairy lights. Simple and stylish.
Fall Budget Floral Ideas
9. Seasonal Flowers
Choose flowers that are in season in Fall, such as dahlias, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. Check out our complete in season guide.
These options are typically more affordable and easier to find. Mix them with greenery for lush, eye-catching arrangements that won’t break the bank.
10. Minimalist Bouquets
Opt for minimalist bouquets that focus on a few statement flowers surrounded by greenery. Or check out or non floral bouquet ideas post for lots more ideas.
This approach is both elegant and cost-effective, allowing the beauty of each bloom to stand out.
I love a new trend where the bridesmaids have a single flower from the bridal bouquet. It looks unique and is also a budget friendly option!
Food and Drink Ideas
11. Buffet Style
Serving a buffet-style meal can save on catering costs and allow guests to choose their favourites. Depending on your venue you can ask people to bring a dish.
Include hearty, seasonal dishes like roasted vegetables, savoury pies, or a warm soup station to embrace the flavours’ of fall.
You can look into food trucks for outdoor wedding to pull up and serve hot food.
12. DIY Dessert Bar
Set up a dessert bar featuring homemade treats like pies, cookies, and cupcakes.
Not only is this a budget-friendly alternative to a wedding cake, but it also allows guests to enjoy a variety of sweets.
A wedding I styled they had a bake off, they are a family of bakers. They had people bring family favourite bakes.
They had someone make their grandma’s recipes they loved as kids as she was no longer here.
We styled it all up on wood platters and added greenery. It not only looked amazing everyone loved it and it got guests chatting and talking about old memories.
13. Signature Fall Drink
Create a signature cocktail to add a festive touch to your wedding. Consider apple cider mimosas, spiced rum punch, or mulled wine.
Offering a signature drink is a cost-effective way to provide a memorable experience without a full open bar.
A hot chocolate bar or something warm is best for outdoor weddings or colder venues. Fall to me is a toffee nut latte so I personally would have a coffee bar. Think about your favourite fall drinks and how you can share that with guests in a budget friendly manor.
Entertainment Ideas
14. Lawn Games
Keep guests entertained with lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or horseshoes. Every wedding I’ve been at that has these they are always a hit.
These games are fun for all ages and can be easily set up in an outdoor space. They also provide great opportunities for guests to mingle and enjoy themselves.
15. Smores Station
If you are having an outdoor wedding or have an outdoor area and allowed a fire this can the perfect evening entertain ideas.
Roasting marshmallows around the fire and sharing stories. Just make sure you have a designated person in charge for safety.
Budget friendly Favor Ideas for fall
15. Homemade Favors
Show appreciation to your guests with homemade favors like jams, apple butter, or small jars of honey.
These edible gifts are thoughtful, personal, and can be made in bulk for a low cost.
At my brothers wedding we had my other brother made chilli jam and crackers. Everyone still talks about it years later.
16. Seasonal Edibles
Consider giving guests tasty treats like caramel popcorn, spiced nuts, or smores kits as take-home favours.
Package them in small bags or boxes with a thank-you note for a personal touch. You can get some lovely fall sticker or tag templates for an easy, budget friendly DIY.
17. Plantable Favors
Opt for eco-friendly favours like seed packets or small potted plants. These gifts are not only sustainable but also offer guests a lasting reminder of your special day.
You can buy the seeds and make the bags yourself or grab one like above for around $1 each for an affordable fall favour option.
Edible, alcoholic and personalised favours are always taken home. Head to our post about budget friendly favours. Or our most popular favour blog on useful wedding favours, honestly some practical they will use again and again the tables are cleared!
Photography and Videography Ideas
18. Amateur Photographers
Hire a talented amateur photographer or a photography student looking to build their portfolio.
They can often provide high-quality services at a reduced rate, helping you capture beautiful memories without exceeding your budget.
You need to understand the risk that comes with this though. A good new wedding photographer will have attended workshops, shoots and maybe even been a second shooter for others.
Also, in fall there is less light make sure even though new they are knowledgeable.
19. DIY Photo Booth
Set up a DIY photo booth with a simple backdrop and fun props. Guests can use their smartphones or cameras to snap pictures, and you can provide a hashtag for them to share their photos on social media.
Re use your ceremony arch if you had one, they make the perfect photo backdrop.
Additional Tips
- Plan for Off-Peak Days: Choose a weekday or Sunday for your wedding, as venues and vendors often offer discounts for non-peak days.
- Limit the Guest List: Keep the guest list intimate to save on food, seating, and venue costs.
- Use Online Invitations: Opt for digital invitations to cut down on printing and postage expenses.
By embracing the natural beauty of fall and incorporating these budget-friendly ideas, you can create a memorable wedding that truly reflects your style and love story.
Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration, these tips will help you achieve the wedding of your dreams without compromising your budget.
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