Photographing marquee weddings here in the beautiful county of Norfolk is something I’m very familiar with, and there’s something incredibly special about a this style of wedding. Whether it’s in your family’s garden, a hired field with a view, or a private estate, marquee weddings give you complete freedom to create a day that feels entirely your own. And in a place like Norfolk, with its big skies, open landscapes, and relaxed pace of living, it’s easy to see why so many couples choose this route. But while marquee weddings can feel effortless and personal, they do come with a bit more planning behind the scenes. So, along with the experience I’ve gathered over the last ten years of photographing these types of weddings, I’ve put together everything I think you need to know to plan a beautiful marquee wedding in Norfolk – without the stress.
Why opt for a marquee wedding in Norfolk anyway?
I believe one of the biggest advantages of a marquee wedding is just how personal it feels. It gives you the option to celebrate somewhere that matters to you, like your childhood home, or a relative’s land, and it’s ideal if you want a wedding that feels relaxed, tailorable, and a little different from the traditional venue experience. Opting for a venue can sometimes restrict the choices on the table – whether that be choosing from specific venue supplier lists, or being told where and when you’re allowed to do things. It’s also great if you want a church ceremony, and need somewhere to let your hair down and eat great food afterwards. Taking the reigns on your reception location by opting for a marquee wedding puts a lot of power back into your hands, and there’s nowhere more beautiful in the East of England to do it.
Choosing the right location and space
The setting for your marquee wedding is going to be the singular thing that shapes the aesthetic, the atmosphere and the logistics of your day, so choose wisely. For those couples that aren’t blessed with family land to party on, you’ll be pleased to know your search is only just beginning, because there’s a bunch of different event spaces that allow for marquee set ups. From private fields to farmland, and even grand, country estates. Wherever you consider securing as your location, just remember to think about the easily forgotten stuff – such as access (for suppliers and guests), parking, ground conditions (especially in wetter months), and spaces for different parts of the day. It’s easy to fall in love with a view, but the practical side matters just as much.
You’ll also want to figure out what kind of marquee you like the most. I know, the idea that there’s choice may feel a little overwhelming, but it’s actually pretty simple – start by searching for terms such as sailcoth and clearspan. I’d personally recommend avoiding tipis, the lighting inside of them is really, incredibly challenging for photographs, and they just don’t have the space to move around that you and your guests would probably prefer.
The essentials you’ll need
Unlike traditional venues, marquee weddings start as a blank canvas – which means you’ll need to bring everything in, and as intimidating as that might sound, it can be part of the fun. Key elements to consider for your marquee wedding excluding the marquee itself include flooring and lighting, toilets (luxury units are worth it, believe me), catering setup, and power supply (generators, usually). It can feel like a lot, but with the right suppliers, it should come together seamlessly.
Let’s be honest, planning a wedding in the UK definitely means having a bad weather backup plan, even if we are optimistic. It’s always best to be prepared! The beauty of a marquee is that you’re already covered (literally), but there’s a couple of extra essentials worth thinking about for this reason. Look into heating options for cooler evenings, and please make sure you have sides or coverings in case of wind or rain.
Create a relaxed timeline
One of the biggest advantages of a marquee wedding is that you’re not restricted by venue turnaround times. This means you can opt for a later ceremony, if you wish to, or enjoy a longer drinks reception than usual. The key to a relaxed timeline is to avoid overfilling the day. A bit of breathing space makes everything feel calmer, and gives you time to actually enjoy it.
My honest advice when it comes to planning the timeline – and often, the wedding in general – is to hire a either a co-ordinator for the day, or have somebody give you a helping hand during the entire planning process, if budget allows for it. At the very least, an on the day co-ordinator is a must have. If there is no one overseeing the logistics of the day, you – yes, you! – will be bombarded with questions non-stop. You don’t want to spend any time on your wedding day showing the band where to set up. And on that note…
It’s all in the suppliers you choose
Working with trusted suppliers that have delivered marquee weddings time and again is non-negotiable. I know budget can sometimes hold couples back from throwing everything they have into their team, but if you can afford to do things right, then do it right. Hire a professional catering team with a front of house, hire a professional bar and bartending team, hire sound and lighting guys that can take care of it all for you. Trust me, it’s worth it.
So, how do you know if a marquee wedding is right for you?
Marquee weddings are perfect for couples that already have the space available to them, but they can also work for those that need to find it. If you love the idea of an outdoor setting for your day, and don’t mind a bit more planning for a lot more flexibility, then this could really be the answer for you both. They might not be the best fit if you’d prefer everything handled for you in one place, but for many couples, the freedom is exactly what makes it so special. A marquee wedding in Norfolk gives you the chance to create something completely your own. It’s not just about how it looks, it’s about how it feels – open, relaxed, and homely. And when it’s done right, it’s magic.
If you’re planning a marquee wedding in Norfolk and want natural, relaxed photography that captures the day as it really unfolds, I’d love to hear more about your plans. You can get in touch with me here, or view some of my recent marquee weddings for further inspiration, like Flo & Billy or Louisa & Sam. And whenever you need recommendations of suppliers that know their stuff about marquee weddings, I’d always be on hand to help with that, too.
