
Did you know it is estimated that 95% of Ohio used to be covered in dense, beautiful forest? While the landscape has evolved over the years, there are many Ohioans that still hold tight to the beauty and benefits of letting nature run wild.
At Retreat 21, some of our favorite areas of our venue are the serene outdoor spaces we’ve created and preserved, for the benefit of our ecosystem and the enjoyment of our guests. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect woodland wedding destination, look no further than our outdoor oasis only 30 minutes from downtown Columbus, Ohio. Below, we’ve shared a few photo backdrop options, design ideas, and other helpful tips for you to keep in mind when planning your outdoor-inspired wedding.
Photo Ideas for Woodland Wedding in Ohio
R21 has several beautiful outdoor setting options for unforgettable pictures of your special day. A few we recommend to include with your photographer are…

The Trees, of Course!
What woodland wedding would be complete without an unforgettable tree shot? No matter the season, our on-site woods will always be a show-stopper for you and your guests. We have plenty of gorgeous options, including a 350-year-old oak tree.
Wildflower Fields & Taphouse
If you’re planning your wedding with Retreat 21 from about early-April to mid-May: our wildflower field will be a dreamy spot for photos. The Taphouse is also a gorgeous backdrop and inspired setting for photos.
Year-Round Memories
In addition to our outdoor photo opportunities, there are also several indoor options at Retreat 21, including the Atrium Room, which features gorgeous natural light, fun window shapes, and built-in greenery on a set backdrop.
Our couples have also found great success in our Auditorium with more candid shots of their wedding, like first dances, reception entrances, toasts, speeches, and dancing the night away. (Don’t forget that unforgettable last dance shot!)
Design Ideas for Your Outdoor-Inspired Wedding
One of the best ways to ensure a truly immersive experience for your day is to find ways to enhance the natural beauty of the outdoor spaces at Retreat 21. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when decorating the indoor space:
Lean into the Wild Side
Incorporate dense florals and greenery throughout the space and in the wedding party’s florals. Really think about how to bring the outside inside. We have already incorporated hanging pothos and other greenery throughout the venue for a great canvas, so adding to this earthy feel by having greenery at the table level and incorporating bold florals into boutonnieres are surefire ways to make a lasting statement on your day.

Trust the Professionals to Achieve Your Vision
In addition to decorating the wedding party and tablescapes, you can even enhance our trees! While DIY projects can certainly add a personal touch, we’ve found that this vision truly shines when entrusted to an experienced florist.
If you’re planning a 2025 or 2026 wedding with us, our food and beverage packages include an option for professional floral centerpieces. Plus, our florist partners are happy to offer additional floral arrangements for your ceremony and reception upon request.
Utilize What the Venue Already Has
The Retreat 21 team has thoughtfully drawn inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding our venue to seamlessly blend the outdoors with our indoor spaces. Our wooden tables, included with your venue rental, are intentionally designed to be linen-free, allowing the natural grain to complement the rustic charm of the wooden beams overhead. The large garage doors connecting the auditorium and lobby are perfect for creating a harmonious indoor-outdoor flow, encouraging guests to enjoy both areas during your event.
We’ve also enhanced each of our three event rooms and the getting-ready suite with lush greenery, creating a timeless, nature-inspired backdrop that will look stunning on the day and in your photo albums for years to come.
Tips to Keep in Mind for your Woodland Wedding
With experience comes knowledge! Here are a few seasoned tips we’d recommend you keep in mind when planning your wedding in Ohio with any outdoor components…
- It is Ohio, meaning it is good to assume you will need a rain plan. Retreat 21 will help you prepare to shift your decorations and setup indoors, if needed.
- Try not to lean too heavily into the rustic feel that can sometimes come with outdoors/woodland themes. Instead, we recommend pushing forward the modern, plant-forward vibe to ensure a cohesive feel throughout the event venue.
- If you’re planning a summer wedding, humidity and heat is outside of our control, so please keep this in mind when choosing fabrics for your wedding party, time of day, etc. (That being said, we do supply a self-serve ice water station for warm weather outdoor weddings.)
- Communicate the expectations of the day with your guests. No matter the time of year, your guests will be appreciative to know if any, or all, of the day will be taking place outside. Maybe consider taking it a step further and recommend some outfit choices depending on the time of year (flats or wedges for grassy/gravel areas, or a coat/shawl for the cooler months).
Create Your Own Woodland Wedding Magic at Retreat 21
We understand the charm of an outdoor wedding, and we’re here to help make your woodland wedding vision a reality.
Whether you’re drawn to the natural beauty of towering trees, picturesque wildflower fields, or the seamless indoor-outdoor flow of our venue, your big day will be unforgettable for both you and your guests. By blending nature’s elegance with your personal style, your wedding at Retreat 21 will be an event to cherish for a lifetime. We can’t wait to help you create your own woodland wedding magic, right here in Ohio.