About wedding photographers
Hello! We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). We’re a husband-and-wife duo based in Hereford, photographing beautiful summer weddings (and winter weddings too of course) across the UK.
Our style is DOCU-ART: real documentary moments first, with relaxed cinematic portraits when the light is gorgeous – always natural, never stiff. You might also recognise us from TWIA: we became National Winners (2023 as THE MAYS) and we’re now TWIA judges.
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If you’re planning a summer wedding, the best ideas are the ones that create atmosphere: something guests can do, somewhere they can linger, and little styling choices that feel like you. Below are 10 summer wedding ideas we’ve seen work beautifully – plus a few simple photo tips so your day feels relaxed and looks amazing.
KEY FACTS
Best for: garden parties, marquee/tipi weddings, venues with outdoor space
Biggest win: build breathing space into the day so the fun happens naturally
Photo tip: plan shade + soft light (summer sun can be harsh at the wrong time)
Don’t stress: cloudy skies can be incredibly flattering and cinematic
Sunny weather and wedding photography
Summer weddings are a dream… and also slightly chaotic for photography (in the best way). Strong midday sun can create squinting, deep shadows and shiny foreheads – while soft cloud can be the most flattering light you’ll ever get.
So if you’re planning a summer wedding: enjoy the sunshine, but don’t panic if the weather changes. British summer loves a plot twist – and we’ve photographed everything from blazing heat to sudden rain showers and rainbows (at Lyde Court – see the picture above) and back again. The key is having a plan you’ll still like, whatever the sky decides.
BEAUTIFUL SUMMER WEDDINGS – TOP 10 IDEAS (refreshed)
1) Flower crowns (or floral “moments”)
Flower crowns can look wildly romantic in summer – especially with softer blooms like gypsophila, sweet peas, or garden-style florals. If a full crown feels like too much, go for one floral detail: a statement hairpiece, bridesmaid posies, or a mini flower moment in the veil.
2) Colour theme (without making it a uniform)
Colour-coordinated guests or wedding party outfits look incredible in photos – but keep it playful, not strict. A “summer brights”, “pastels”, or “blue tones” vibe is enough to make the whole day look intentional.
3) Gin bars & “help yourself” drinks
A DIY gin bar, bottle buckets, or a cute drinks station instantly creates mingling (and mingling creates great candid photos). Bonus: put it somewhere guests naturally pass – near the lawn, not hidden indoors.
4) Garden games (photographer’s dream)
Giant Jenga, croquet, pétanque, space hoppers, even an egg-and-spoon race… it’s all gold for natural photos. Games create movement, laughter, and those “I forgot I was being photographed” moments.
5) Festival-style food
Street food, pizza ovens, ice cream vans, grazing tables… summer weddings work so well when guests can eat casually. It keeps the energy light, and it stops the day from feeling overly formal.
6) Live music (for instant atmosphere)
Live music makes everything feel more alive. Acoustic during the ceremony or drinks reception is a simple upgrade that guests genuinely remember – and it photographs beautifully because people react to it.
7) English garden styling + hand-made signs
Summer is made for that relaxed “English garden” feel: seasonal florals, natural textures, soft colours, and little hand-made signs that guide guests without feeling like a conference.
8) Marquee & tipi magic
Marquees and tipis are perfect for British summer because they give you both indoor comfort and outdoor freedom. Add warm lighting early (fairy lights + warm uplighters) and it’ll feel cinematic as soon as the sun drops.
9) Outdoor ceremonies (with a plan you actually like)
Outdoor ceremonies are stunning – just make sure your plan B is a vibe you’d still choose. If rain happens, it shouldn’t feel like a “downgrade”. It should feel like a different version of your day.
10) Jam jar florals (simple and genuinely pretty)
Jam jar flowers are a classic for a reason: they’re relaxed, charming, and easy to DIY. Garden blooms and sweet peas work beautifully – and they fit perfectly with that summer-at-home feeling.
Summer wedding photography tips (so it feels easy)
- Build tiny pockets of time – not a long photoshoot. Ten minutes in the right light beats an hour in harsh sun.
- Put the fun where guests naturally gather (near drinks = best candid moments).
- If you want sunset portraits, tell your photographer early so it’s built into the timeline.
- Don’t over-schedule the day. Summer weddings shine when people have space to breathe.
- Choose a “plan B” you love, so weather changes don’t steal your joy.
Are you in the middle of planning your wedding? See our WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR COUPLES GUIDE.
FAQs
What are the best summer wedding ideas for guests?
Garden games, a drinks station, festival food and live music are the biggest winners because they create atmosphere and keep people mingling.
How do we avoid squinting in summer wedding photos?
Try to avoid doing portraits in harsh midday sun. Soft shade, later-day light, and gentle movement make you look much more relaxed.
Are outdoor ceremonies risky in the UK?
Only if you don’t like your plan B. If your backup option still feels beautiful, you’ll be calm whatever happens.
Get in touch with us
Planning your own summer wedding? If you want wedding photography that feels real, relaxed and full of atmosphere (our DOCU-ART style), we’d love to hear what you’re planning. Send us your date and venue, and we’ll tell you if we’re free.
Amazing setting for wedding photos.