I think the UK has had the sunniest summer in a long time – it’s been pretty perfect, and I can’t complain as autumn whooshes in. I’m embracing the time to reflect on a busy summer, and excited to share some gorgeous sunny weddings from the last few months (tap here to submit a wedding). I was chatting to Anna, a wedding photographer in Hampshire (Anna Rainbow Photography) who specialises in marquee weddings, and we’ve put together this little blog to help anyone out there planning a marquee wedding. Of course, we’re sharing lots of Anna’s gorgeous images too! So here’s our best 10 marquee wedding tips, inspired by Anna’s own advice on her website. I hope you find them useful!

1 – Choose a brilliant marquee supplier

Don’t plan your marquee wedding alone! Find a marquee company who will help you and offer advice, because they are worth their weight in gold. (I’ve heard of some cheap and cheerful marquee companies who are more used to farm shows and village fetes, who will literally dump a marquee in place the day before… and leave everything up to you.) Trust me – get a wedding marquee specialist and ask for all their advice and tips!

2 – Pitch your marquee in the right place

Anna’s advice is spot on: “Before you fall in love with a tent style or seating plan, take a good look at the space where you’ll be setting up. Is the ground level? Will it drain well if it rains? Do you have enough room for the marquee and things like caterers, loos, and parking? Where will your guests park?”

And a pro tip: If the area is prone to being a bit marshy, flooring and matting will be your best friend — and could save the heels (and spirits!) of your guests. ~ Anna Rainbow Photography

3 – Know your wedding marquees

There’s a world of beautiful marquees out there. Choose yours according to your budget, the space you need and availability close to where you’re getting married. Clearspan marquees tend to be the most affordable, with stretch tents and tipis costing more. There’s more advice about the cost of wedding marquees here.

4 – Consider lighting, heating, power and loos

Rock My Wedding calls toilets, power and parking “the unsung heroes of marquee weddings” – and they’re not wrong.

Anna writes, “Not the most glamorous part of wedding planning — but definitely one of the most important! You’ll likely need a generator to power everything from the fairy lights to the band, and mobile toilets (the good ones!) are a must. Some luxury loos even come with mirrors and proper lighting — your guests will thank you.

“Don’t forget lighting outside too — think festoon lights for pathways or a few solar lanterns to help guide guests as the evening draws in.”

5 – Be aware of costs and extras

Hiring a marquee involves more than the canvas above your heads. Essential extras include flooring and lighting. Most wedding marquee companies offer furniture hire, some have mobile bars and other add-ons – and insurance is an absolute must.

6 – Make it spacious!

Imagine a rainy day – all day. Consider your guests’ comfort if they’re inside the marquee for 6 hours or more, and make sure there’s plenty of space. (Don’t forget there’ll be furniture and dancing space too.) If in doubt, hire a bigger wedding marquee than you think you’ll need! This is where a professional wedding marquee specialist is really useful for their advice and experience. 

7 – Have a backup plan

Your plan B should be watertight, and almost as amazing as your plan A.

In Anna’s words, “we all love a good British summer, but let’s be honest — it’s unpredictable. Rain, wind, blazing sun… you need to be ready for anything.” She advises all couples to

• Make sure your marquee is waterproof and properly secured
• Provide umbrellas or parasols for guests if the ceremony is outdoors
• Consider hiring some heaters for chilly evenings — even in August!

As a specialist marquee wedding photographer, I’ll always be watching the weather and light so we can get the best photos come rain or shine — but a little prep can make all the difference.

8 – Tell your neighbours (and your council)

If you’re having a big wedding, and you don’t hate your neighbours (!) invite them – it’s the polite thing to do! At least let them know there’ll be music, and what time it might start and end. If you’re having fireworks it’s essential to let people close by know, because of the effect these have on pets, farm animals and wildlife. You might also need to get a Temporary Event Notice if you’re having a band, playing music or having a paid bar.

Anna says, “A quick chat and a thank-you note go a long way — especially if you might be partying into the night!”

9 – Embrace the flexibility and make the day your own!

Anna has photographed many marquee weddings in Hampshire, and has this golden advice to share:

One of the best things about a marquee wedding at home? It’s a blank canvas for your creativity. There are no rules — so lean into what feels like you. And have fun letting your personalities shine!

By all means keep the three-course meal; or swap it for a pizza van or BBQ. Choose local flowers or wild meadow blooms. If your garden allows, grown your own. Involve your horse, dog, maybe even the cat if it will co-operate. Invite the neighbour’s chickens – OK maybe not, but you see where I’m coming from. (I’ve seen it all and loved every second.)

These are the moments that make your wedding feel unforgettable.

We’ve featured plenty of marquee weddings on this blog over the years. Iona & Ed told us their Kent marquee was set up a few days before the wedding, so they had plenty of time to decorate and make the space their own.

10 – Bear access in mind

Sometimes it’s the little things that turn out to be the big things – and again, your wedding marquee company will help. Logistics and access aren’t the most glamorous side of wedding planning, but they’re the most important!

How do guests and suppliers get to your garden – through the house? Is there a back gate? How about your florist, crockery hire company and so on: is there adequate van access? (And can they all cope with a muddy track? The answer might reasonably be no!) How much space do catering need? For more tips on planning a marquee wedding, you might find this post useful too.

Some real life marquee weddings to inspire you!

• Shaden & George’s Wiltshire marquee wedding
• Sarah & Richard’s marquee wedding in Hampshire
• Esme & Sam’s hillside marquee wedding (Herefordshire)