What makes a wedding feel rustic — and how do you know if it’s the right style for you?
Is it just mason jars and burlap, or is there more to it than that?
At Zion Springs, we’ve hosted hundreds of rustic weddings — and we know exactly what couples are looking for when they ask, “Can I have a rustic wedding here?”
As an all-inclusive venue that specializes in rustic celebrations, we’ve seen what works — and what falls flat.
This article walks you through what a rustic wedding means, why it speaks to so many couples, and how to create a celebration that reflects your style — not just the latest trend.
What Makes a Wedding Feel Rustic?
Rustic weddings are where wildflowers win and nobody panics about grass stains.
They celebrate texture, air, light — and that feeling when everything falls into place without trying too hard. Whether you’re in a vineyard, barn, or meadow, this style works with nature, not against it. Less crystal chandeliers, more twinkle lights and good wine.
Core elements of a rustic wedding include:
- Natural textures like wood, linen, twine, and wild greenery
- Soft lighting: lanterns, fairy lights, and candles
- Neutral and earth-toned palettes — think sage green, dusty rose, terracotta, cream, and brown
- Vintage or repurposed decor: chalkboards, antique furniture, crates, barrels
- Open, outdoor-friendly venues like barns, meadows, or gardens
The goal is to feel grounded, heartfelt, and intimate — not stiff or over-styled.
Real Moment:
When Francesca and Scott visited Zion Springs, it reminded Francesca of her father’s hometown in Italy — vineyards, barns, trees, and flowers. Rustic wasn’t a theme for them. It was a way to stay rooted in something real.
Why Rustic Weddings Are So Popular (And What Couples Love About Them)
Rustic weddings are having a moment — and it’s not just because they look good in photos.
They offer a refreshing break from overly formal, heavily staged events. Couples today are choosing weddings that feel relaxed, natural, and genuine — celebrations that reflect who they are, not just how things look.
At Zion Springs, we’ve seen this shift firsthand: couples want a wedding that feels like them — easygoing, beautiful, and genuinely welcoming.
Rustic weddings are especially popular with couples who:
- Want a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere
- Love being outdoors or surrounded by nature
- Prefer sincerity over spectacle
- Are drawn to vintage, handmade, or DIY elements
- Want something personal — not pre-packaged
Rustic weddings aren’t just trending — they reflect what modern couples care about most: authenticity, warmth, and connection. In fact, only 21% of couples chose to marry in a religious setting, and most opted for venues that felt more personal, natural, and relaxed — according to the latest data from The Knot’s Real Weddings Study.
Rustic Wedding Myths That Need to Go
Despite their popularity, rustic weddings are still misunderstood. Let’s debunk a few of the biggest myths:
Myth #1: Rustic Means Budget or DIY Only
Truth: Rustic can be upscale, curated, and stylish — think vintage glassware, lush florals, and soft lighting.
Myth #2: Rustic = Country Western
Truth: Rustic is about natural beauty — not necessarily boots and BBQ.
Myth #3: Rustic Can’t Be Elegant
Truth: Done right, rustic is intimate luxury — warm, refined, and far from casual.
One of our couples, Jennifer & Larry, said it best: “There was a rustic yet modern feel to everything. It looked perfect in every direction.”
What Types of Venues Work Best for Rustic Weddings?
You can hang string lights anywhere — but that doesn’t make it rustic.
The venue is what brings this style to life. Think rolling hills, warm wood, wide-open skies, and a setting that lets nature speak for itself.
Best rustic wedding venues include:
- Barns with exposed beams and countryside views
- Vineyards, meadows, or working farms with natural backdrops
- Forest clearings or tucked-away garden spaces for intimate, wild beauty
- Rustic-chic estates that blend natural charm with modern comfort
At Zion Springs, our timber-frame barn, panoramic hills, and private ceremony spots were built for rustic elegance — no stress, no overstyling.
Real Couple Quote:
“A rustic barn with beautiful lighting and floral decorations, tucked away in a forested area. It truly was perfect. And if you’re lucky, your drunk Best Man might chase a deer.” — Dalton & Hana
Rustic Wedding Styles: Boho, Country, Chic & More
Rustic isn’t a one-size-fits-all label — it branches into styles that match different aesthetics and personalities.
Whether you’re drawn to soft elegance, enchanted forest touches, or laid-back Americana, there’s a rustic style that fits.
4 Popular Rustic Wedding Substyles:
These are four of the most-loved rustic wedding styles — each with its own distinct personality and visual feel:
- Rustic Chic — Polished but natural: lace, chandeliers, and wood accents
- Country Rustic — Americana charm: cowboy boots, hay bales, denim, BBQ
- Boho Rustic — Airy, artistic, and coastal-inspired: macramé, pampas grass, barefoot vibes
- Woodland Rustic — Forest fairytale: moss, greenery, candlelight, and deep greens
Boho Rustic often works beautifully in backyard or coastal settings — barefoot-friendly and naturally textured.
Still Deciding Between Rustic, Boho, or Traditional?
This side-by-side comparison helps highlight what makes each style unique — and how it shapes the guest experience:
How Much Does a Rustic Wedding Cost?
Rustic weddings can be affordable or upscale — it all depends on your approach.
Key cost factors include:
- All-inclusive venue vs. DIY decor
- Rentals, florals, and catering style
- Guest count
- Indoor vs. outdoor logistics (tents, restrooms, backups)
- Custom vs. pre-set styling
Zion Springs’ all-inclusive model simplifies costs and logistics — so you can focus on the experience, not the chaos.
Rustic Wedding Planning Tips from the Pros
Planning a rustic wedding doesn’t mean “just wing it.” The best rustic weddings feel effortless — because they’re rooted in thoughtful choices, not overdone themes.
Pro tips to keep it simple (and stunning):
- Let nature lead the way — your setting is your strongest decor
- Don’t over-theme — 3–4 consistent elements is enough
- Always have a weather backup plan — especially for outdoor ceremonies
- Add personal details — think heirlooms, handwritten signs, or family recipes
- Align attire with the vibe — lace, linen, boots, suspenders, or flower crowns
Pro Tip: Choose a few core textures or motifs (wood, greenery, soft light) and repeat them throughout. More than that? It starts to feel staged instead of sincere. Don’t forget the cake! Rustic wedding cakes often feature natural elements like buttercream finishes, pressed florals, or wood-textured tiers. Need ideas? Browse these gorgeous rustic cake designs from Brides.com
FAQ: Rustic Wedding Basics
❓What are popular rustic wedding colors?
Earth tones like sage, terracotta, dusty rose, cream, and taupe — all pair beautifully with wood and greenery.
❓Do rustic weddings cost less than traditional weddings?
Not always. DIY can be budget-friendly, but an all-inclusive venue offers convenience and transparency.
❓What types of venues are best for rustic weddings?
Barns, vineyards, farms, gardens — anywhere that celebrates natural beauty.
❓Is rustic the same as boho or country?
No — rustic focuses on texture and warmth. Boho is artistic and free-spirited, while country is Americana.
❓What makes a wedding feel rustic?
Rustic weddings are defined by warmth, natural textures, and thoughtful simplicity — not theme props.
Lessons From Hosting 400+ Rustic Weddings at Zion Springs
After hosting hundreds of rustic weddings here at Zion Springs, we’ve seen what works — and what couples love most. Rustic isn’t just a style you copy from Pinterest boards. It’s something you feel the moment your guests arrive.
Here are a few truths we’ve learned that go beyond the trends:
1. Personalized Decor Always Wins
Use meaningful details — heirlooms, handwritten signs, even custom cocktails. Guests will remember how it felt, not just how it looked.
We’ve seen couples bring their personalities to life with custom fire pits, vintage trucks, and memory walls filled with photos from every year they’ve been together.
2. Plan Golden Hour Photos
That sunset glow + rustic landscape = timeless, emotional portraits. It’s often the calmest moment of your day.
It’s often the only moment in the day when the couple breathes, reconnects, and lets it all soak in.
3. Keep It Simple — Always
Too many “rustic” details can feel forced. Let the venue breathe. A few key textures, a soft lighting plan, and space to connect — that’s where the magic is.
Couples aren’t just choosing rustic for the look. They’re choosing it for the feeling it creates.
As Emily & Casey put it: “Zion Springs was the perfect blend of rustic chic with modern touches. It gave us the picturesque wedding we dreamed of without sacrificing convenience.”
Is a Rustic Wedding Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions before saying yes to the style
- Do I want a celebration that feels like us — not like a ballroom event?
- Am I drawn to natural beauty and handmade details?
- Do I want guests to feel comfortable, welcomed, and relaxed?
If you’re saying yes, rustic might be your perfect match.
It doesn’t have to be “country” or “casual” — it just has to match your style.
Things to Consider:
- Is your partner on board with the aesthetic?
- Are you okay with a more relaxed (but still beautiful) format?
- Do you have a backup plan for weather?
Why Rustic Weddings Are So Much More Than a Trend
If you’re drawn to a wedding that feels warm, personal, and effortlessly beautiful — rustic might not just be your style. It might be your perfect fit.
This isn’t about Pinterest boards or themed decor. It’s about creating a day that feels grounded, intentional, and like an extension of your story.
A rustic wedding invites you to slow down, connect, and celebrate what matters most — love, simplicity, and meaning.
Still deciding if rustic is the right direction — or if Zion Springs is the right venue?
Start here: Is Zion Springs the Right Virginia Destination Wedding Venue for You?
Already picturing golden hour portraits, cozy barn lighting, and wildflowers lining your aisle?
Schedule a tour at Zion Springs — we’d love to show you around and help bring your vision to life.
