We have spent the last few days looking at potential wedding venues. I now know more about all sorts of outdoor lighting options than anyone needs to know. Twinkle lights, anyone? Anyway, this one is currently the front runner, based on price, availability, ambiance, and convenience (both for ease of planning and for ease of guests getting there).

http://www.walnutgroveweddings.com/

What do you think? Any thoughts, ideas, etc? The venue is basically a big open space with grass and walnut trees, surrounded by fields. We wanted an outdoor ceremony which this place is perfect for - it will be under the walnut trees. Their reception space is also outdoors, with a lovely built in stone dance floor and stage area with fireplace. Plus twinkle lights and market lights, naturally. =P The only thing I was a bit concerned about was that they have no indoor options in case of rain (they can erect a tent but it would not be as nice). There is literally nothing inddors but the brides room and bathrooms. On the other hand, they had a May date available, and the chance of rain is pretty tiny in SoCal at that time.

There was a second venue that we really liked, but it was in the middle of nowhere, plus we would have to handle a lot more rentals, vendors, etc by ourselves.

For those of you who had completely outdoor weddings, would you do it again?

Also, would it be a good idea to hire a day-of wedding coordinator or is this something I (or my mom or sisters or a friend) could do?

ETA: some photos of the venue. They were setting up a wedding on Saturday and allowed us to come back and see how it looked with the tables, chairs, decorations, etc. This wedding was pretty minimalist/rustic with the decorations.