Hereford wedding photographers
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This Herefordshire marquee wedding is a perfect example of how relaxed, documentary-style marquee wedding photography can feel: natural moments, big emotions, and a proper countryside party. We’re Marta May Photography, also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur) – we photograph weddings across Herefordshire, the Cotswolds and UK-wide in our DOCU-ART style (real moments + cinematic portraits).
We are award winning wedding photographers, based in Hereford, West Midlands. If we were to describe our photography style, we would say: natural, unobtrusive, relaxed and creative. Our wedding photography is a mix of reportage and fine art photography, perfect for this Herefordshire marquee wedding.
Planning your own marquee or tipi celebration? See more real examples here: Marquee and tipi wedding photography.
Herefordshire marquee wedding – Mansel Lacy
We are totally in love with this beautiful summer marquee wedding. I met our bride at this How Caple Court wedding where she was the maid of honour. Now the roles have changed. If you want to take a quick look at the photos, here’s the slideshow, enjoy!
KEY FACTS
Location: Mansel Lacy, Herefordshire
Ceremony: Church ceremony (with their dog!)
Reception: Outdoor marquee wedding celebration
Vibe: Relaxed countryside, family-led, big party energy
Photography style: DOCU-ART (documentary moments + cinematic portraits)
Marquee weddings
There is something really special about marquee weddings in general and about this one in particular. Organizing a marquee wedding is a lot more difficult than planning a wedding day at a venue. But our couple, and of course their fantastic families, totally nailed it. Every single part of the day, every smallest detail, was perfectly organized. The groom got ready in Hereford and the bride spent her morning in an amazing Kenchester Woodhouse.
The most amazing wedding morning
We also knew the chauffeur because we photographed his wedding a year earlier. It is always so special when a family member or a friend is helping with the wedding. When the bride arrived at her parents’ house, the groom almost saw her! Phew, that was really close! But luckily our awesome chauffeur acted really quickly and the danger was over. Then there was a very emotional father-daughter moment and then there was time to head for the church.
Church ceremony
The ceremony was so special, with a special guest – the couple’s dog. What I really love about countryside weddings is the fact that they are very relaxed. The bride and her family walked to and from the church. Yes, their house, church and the marque were very close!
Marquee wedding photography tips we’ve learned the hard way
1. Build in a 10–15 minute buffer (marquee timelines always “float”)
People mingle more, the bar becomes a magnet, and everything takes a tiny bit longer. A small buffer keeps portraits relaxed, not rushed.
2. Plan where the “best light” will be inside the marquee
Marquees can be bright, patchy, or backlit depending on sides being up/down. Choose one spot for speeches/cake/first dance where faces are evenly lit (your photos will thank you).
3. If you want epic dancing photos, sort the lighting early
Fairy lights are gorgeous… but often too dim for energetic dance-floor storytelling. Add uplighters or festoon lighting (even a little) and the whole evening instantly looks more cinematic.
4. Do couple portraits in short, easy bursts (not one long session)
Marquee weddings are social – you don’t want to disappear for ages. We usually do 8–10 minutes after the ceremony, then 8–10 minutes at golden hour. Simple, natural, perfect.
5. Choose a confetti spot with space to move (and a clean background)
A wide path or open area near the marquee works best. Bonus: ask guests to throw up and over, not straight at your faces.
6. Think about footwear + ground conditions (your dress will follow)
Fields and gardens are dreamy… and also unpredictable. Have a “wet grass plan” (heel stoppers, a spare pair of comfy shoes, and a little towel in the bridal room). You’ll relax – and you’ll look more natural in photos.
7. Keep the morning calm (that’s where the documentary magic lives)
The best marquee days feel unrushed. If you can, give yourself a little breathing space in the morning – it creates the real, emotional moments (and sets the tone for the whole gallery).
Herefordshire marquee wedding – the party
And then they had a really delicious wedding breakfast, garden games, the cake and the first dance. And they lived happily ever after!
Planning your own marquee celebration? You might also love:
- Marquee and Tipi Wedding Photography (our best marquee + tipi examples)
- Luxury Marquee Wedding (when you want the full “WOW”)
- DOCU-ART Wedding Photography (our signature style)
- Prices (if you’re checking budgets)
- Romantic Herefordshire Countryside wedding
- Get in touch (check availability)
The last photo closing the reportage is amazing.
Dzieki Gabriel! xx