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Photo by Caroline Tran
Outdoor weddings offer an enchanting experience for both the couple and their guests. There’s nothing quite as beautiful as a vast mountain landscape or crashing ocean waves for the backdrop of your ceremony. While the gentle breeze, golden sunlight, and picturesque surroundings make for an unforgettable aesthetic, finding the proper shoes for an outdoor venue can be a challenge.
If you’re getting married on grass, gravel, or sand, then stilettos probably aren’t the right choice. Fortunately, there are tons of styles that are just as practical as they are fashionable. When searching for your perfect pair of bridal shoes, the first thing to consider is the type of ground you’ll be walking on. Sandals and comfortable platforms work well for beach weddings, while bridal sneakers or boots are better suited for rougher terrain. Then, determine your ideal bridal footwear based on your personal style and wedding aesthetic.
To help you find the best pair of shoes for your wedding location, from sand to snow to grass, we’ve researched the best options available. We also tested a few of the top picks for ourselves, and we judged our final selection based on comfort, style, pricepoint, and overall quality.
Read on for the best bridal shoes for outdoor weddings.
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If you’re dedicated to wearing heels on your big day, block heels are the way to go for being outside. We wore these to a wedding on gravel grounds, and these were the perfect solution. The 3-inch heel wasn't uncomfortable but also gave us enough height. These have a substantial block heel that kept us stable, even while walking down the gravel aisle. We love that the pleated silk satin feels bridal and the nude shade goes with all kinds of dresses. We wore these all day and night, and we could still walk in the morning!
Size Range: 6-10 | Heel Height: 3 in.
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Nothing says “beach wedding” like an adorable pair of espadrilles! This pair brings the perfect balance of beachy aesthetics and elegance. We’ve worn this pair on several tropical vacations, and they never fail to impress. Although the heel is high, the thick raffia sole keeps them comfortable. We also found that, despite being a slip-on style shoe, the leather upper fits tightly and keeps our feet in place. These are ideal for formal weddings that aren’t directly on the sand but are at a seaside venue with an ocean view.
Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 4 in.
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Going for a full country wedding? These Steve Madden leather cowboy boots are the ultimate finishing touch to your bridal ensemble, especially if you plan to do a reception outfit change. We’ve worn these trendy boots for hours at a time, and our feet never got sore—but we do recommend ordering a half size up. The off-white shade, whipstitching detail, and knee-high fit make these a no-brainer for brides with western flair.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.75 in.
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If you’re getting married with an intimate ceremony and your toes in the sand, these slingback platform sandals are for you. We wore this pair to the beach and found that the ankle strap and rubber material kept these snug and comfortable on our feet, preventing us from sliding around in the sand. Plus, the bridal white hue goes well with a variety of wedding dresses and styles.
Size Range: 5-11
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When in doubt, a pair of chunky white sneakers can do no wrong, especially for outdoor wedding venues. We wore these for a full day and the wide molded sole and two-inches of platform cushion kept our feet cozy and our outfit on point. The lace-up closure, platform design, and mesh outer line add subtle yet dynamic details that add a modern twist on a classic sneaker. Tip: if you want to wear heels for your ceremony, bring these trendy tennies to wear before and after your walk down the aisle.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 2 in.
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This splurge-worthy pair by luxury designer Manolo Blahnik combines glamor and comfort for ceremonies set in the grass or on pavement. One bride wore them for her entire ceremony, all throughout the pictures, and during the wedding breakfast (seven hours total), and didn’t get any blisters, cuts, or marks. They suited the dress and venue beautifully and were extremely comfortable. They're a worthwhile investment for such a special day, to say the least!
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 0.5 in.
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Still looking for your lucky something blue? Opt for this cult-favorite wedding shoe from Loeffler Randall, famous for being both comfortable and chic. One bride who hosted a wedding completely outdoors chose to wear these sandals for that reason. She loved that they’re stylish, incredibly comfortable, and can be worn on grass. She felt great after wearing them for hours on the dance floor, and says they were the perfect blue accessory for her nuptials.
Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 3.75 in.
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We love the rustic yet classy vibe of these Freebird block heels. The construction and design of this pair ensures an ultra-secure fit, no matter what kind of terrain you walk on, including three leather ankle straps, a comfortable round toe, metal adjustable buckles, and a back zip closure. Plus, the wooden heel and white leather create a woodsy aesthetic that’ll look gorgeous in all of your landscape wedding photos.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3 in.
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The key to walking on grass or sand is avoiding styles that will sink into the ground, such as stilettos. Instead, opt for a pretty pair of platform heels—you’ll get all of the glamorous without any of the hassle. We love this pearl-embellished option that features an extra wide platform and ankle strap, making for a statement-making bridal shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
Size Range: 6-10 | Heel Height: 4.2 in.
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With the delicate bow straps and hand-sewn illusion mesh detailing, these flats are feminine and romantic. They feature plenty of padding to make them more comfortable and a very small half-inch heel so that you don't feel like your feet are too flat. The floral detailing makes this a perfect pair for spring garden ceremonies.
Size Range: 6-11 | Heel Height: 0.5 in.
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Hosting a snowy winter wedding? Stay on-theme and embrace the all-white wonderland with these stunning Prada ski boots. The plush padded fleece lining is sure to keep your toes toasty and warm despite the freezing temperatures, and the chunky rubber soles, drawstring laces, and iconic prada logo will look right at home in your snow-filled wedding photos.
Size Range: 35-46| Heel Height: 40 mm.
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This simple yet classic pair of block-heeled ankle strap sandals is a perfect option for spring and summer weddings, and they work well for a variety of venue types and locations. The strap gives a little extra support, and the chunky block heel adds comfortable height. This pair also offers a wide range of sizes from 5 all the way up to 14.
Size Range: 5-14 | Heel Height: 3.5 in.
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Summer brides, your search stops here! These shoes put a super bridal twist on classic wedges, thanks to the luxe ivory satin finish. The cute peep-toe and easy slide-on design will keep your feet cool and comfortable in the heat. We can picture these with a bridal mini dress for your second reception outfit or for a courthouse ceremony.
Size Range: 6-11 | Heel Height: 5 in.
Whether you’re getting hitched on the sand or in the desert, these pretty flats will complement any bohemian-inspired wedding aesthetic. They feature transparent mesh and feminine floral details embellished with silver pearls. The blue sole is a nice touch that can be your secret “something blue.”
Size Range: 6-11
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An interesting block heel shape, strappy silhouette, and square toe make these wedding shoes look trendy and cool. The best part? This is a timeless style you’ll be able to wear again and again long after you say your vows.
Size Range: 5-14 | Heel Height: 3.5 in.
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Pretty details on your shoes make the whole ensemble more fun. These satin ivory flats feature crystal and pearl embellishments in the shape of a butterfly, which would look stunning at whimsical weddings set in a flourishing garden or greenhouse. The “Wifey for Lifey” script on the bottom of the sole is an adorable addition for your special day.
Size Range: 4.5-14.5 | Heel Height: 10 mm.
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These luxe satin shoes feature all-over pearl detailing that make them stand out at any event. While these won’t do well on sand or cobblestone streets, the chunky block heel makes them suitable for other outdoor situations, such as a formal hotel venue set on a cliffside. Pair these with pretty pearl accessories to pull the whole bridal look together.
Size Range: 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.9"
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If you want the look of a classic ivory pump, but you also want to be comfortable walking outside on the lawn, opt for these understated shoes. We love that they look like a traditional pump, while the thicker block heel makes them more sturdy for a variety of surfaces.
Size Range: US 5-12 | Heel Height: 3.2"
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These eye-catching shoes will give you all of the glam at a fraction of the cost. You’ll get sleek ivory satin, an intricate scalloped collar, beautiful gold embroidery, pearl and rhinestone embellishments, and a chic pointed toe—all for under $40.
Size Range: 5-11 | Heel Height: 0.25
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If comfort is your number one priority on the big day (and it should be!), go with a simple and casual slip-on style. These slide sandals from Lulus won’t let you down, as they’re made with a slightly cushioned sole and raffia woven construction. Plus, the peep-toe and side cut-outs add a trendy touch.
Size Range: 5.5-10 | Heel Height: 0.75
What to Look for in Outdoor Wedding Shoes
Venue and Location
The type of shoes you wear to your wedding will depend on your venue, especially if it is located outdoors. If you’re hosting a ceremony in the mountains, cozy boots or shoes with plenty of ankle support are a good choice. We love the Freebird Randi 3-inch heels for their woodsy aesthetic, as well as their high-quality construction and support. Getting married in the sand? Go for slip-on sandals or stylish flats, like the Reef Water Vista Slingback Platform Sandal.
Comfort and Fit
Of course, the most important thing when shopping for your wedding shoes is comfort. The last thing you want is for your feet to be aching as you walk down the aisle. This is especially important when planning for outdoor terrain, such as grass, sand, uneven surfaces, or cobblestone. Make sure that whatever style you choose fits correctly and feels easy to walk around in—you can even practice walking in them outside before the big day!
Why Trust Brides
Chloe Caldwell is a Commerce Writer for Brides who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has more than six years of journalism experience writing about all things fashion, beauty, travel, weddings, and wellness. For this article, she wore and tested a variety of comfortable shoes that are a fit for outdoor weddings.
Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Romper, Insider, Forbes, Redbook, and Refinery29.
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