Planning a summer wedding is all about creating a beautiful experience without weather worries. At Hazelwood Weddings, our property and flow are intentionally designed to keep you and your guests comfortable while still enjoying everything that makes a summer wedding magical. One of our biggest perks? Our two fully-covered patios that give you built-in rain plans so you don’t have to worry about rain or heat.

Here are our top tips for planning a smooth, guest-friendly summer wedding at Hazelwood:

1. Start With Guest Comfort From the Moment They Arrive

Summer weddings should feel refreshing. Welcome your guests with a hydration station featuring cold water paired with lemonade or champagne as they arrive. This small touch immediately sets the tone and helps everyone stay cool and comfortable. (At Hazelwood, you get access to all of our venue furnishings like cute accent tables which are perfect for displaying your welcome station!)

We also recommend ceremony hand fans that double as your programs: practical, cute, and perfect for warm weather ceremonies. Yes, please!

2. Plan a Ceremony That Avoids Peak Heat

For summer weddings at Hazelwood, we suggest ceremony start times around 4:30–5:00 PM, once the strongest heat of the day has passed.

Our covered patio ceremony space provides shade and airflow for both Plan A and Plan B, so passing summer showers don’t disrupt your day.

3. Use Smart Shade + Functional Details

We’re here to help you think of ways to avoid standing in the direct sun!

• Parasol umbrellas — adorable for photos and practical for comfort

• Shaded family portrait locations like the garden gazebo, the architecture of the side entrance, and covered patios

• Tree-lined and woodsy photo spots for your wedding party portraits

You still get those glowing summer field photos (but without overheating!)

4. Prioritize a Summer Wedding Venue with a Great Flow

One of the biggest hidden challenges of summer weddings is guest fatigue from walking in the sun and waiting around between different portions of your event. Hazelwood’s intentional venue flow keeps everything connected and easy–seriously, this is one of the TOP reasons why couples (and guests!) love Hazelwood.

• Paved walkways between all spaces

• Minimal walking distance between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception

• No long transitions in open sun

• Smooth access for elderly guests and those with mobility needs

It’s a large private property with 18 acres but, because of our intentional design, nothing feels too spread out or exhausting.

5. Hydration, Baby!

Let’s make this an official summer wedding rule: water should always be within reach.

We recommend:

• Water station before the ceremony

• Water available during cocktail hour

• Self-serve water display somewhere inside the reception space (so guests don’t wait in bar lines)

Pair this with a light, refreshing signature drink (like an Orange Crush!) for the perfect summer vibe.

6. Upgrade Cocktail Hour With Passed Signature Drinks

You’ve heard of passed appetizers, but passed signature drinks are a summer wedding game-changer.

Your catering/bartending team can circulate refreshing drinks so guests can mingle, stay cool, and enjoy cocktail hour without crowding the bar.

7. Prioritize a Comfortable Reception Space for Your Summer Wedding

An air-conditioned reception space is a non-negotiable for summer weddings, and at Hazelwood, it keeps guests energized and comfortable all evening long. Because nobody wants a muggy, overheated dance floor, right?

8. Take Advantage of Cool Summer Nights

One of the best parts of a summer wedding? After sunset.

As temperatures drop, guests naturally spread out and enjoy areas around the venue:

• Firepit gathering space

• Covered patios

• Outdoor mingling areas under the night sky and hanging twinkle lights

You get full use of the entire venue, day and night, regardless of weather!

9. Consider a Summer Outfit Change

A second outfit is fun year-round, but especially perfect for summer! Many couples change into something shorter, lighter, and easier to dance in once the party begins.

10. Help Guests Prepare Ahead of Time

A comfortable guest is a happy guest. Use your wedding website to share helpful details about Hazelwood, such as:

• Paved parking lot

• Short walking distances

• No stairs

• Covered and shaded areas available

• Tips for your summer wedding dress code

This helps guests arrive prepared, relaxed, and ready to celebrate.

Why Hazelwood Is Perfect for Summer Weddings

A truly great summer wedding venue isn’t just pretty…it’s thoughtfully designed for comfort, weather flexibility, and flow.

At Hazelwood, couples love that they can enjoy the beauty of a summer wedding without worrying about heat, rain, long walks, or guest comfort. From shaded ceremony spaces and seamless transitions to air-conditioned receptions and fun summer nights outdoors, every part of the day is designed to feel effortless.

Want to see more real summer weddings at Hazelwood? Check out our galleries!

Shout out to Kurtz Weddings and Sam Glennon Photography for these stunning summer wedding photos captured at Hazelwood in 2025!