Marquee and Tipi Wedding Photography
Marquee and tipi wedding photography is where the day feels the most you: relaxed, outdoorsy, full of movement, and completely un-copy-paste. It’s also where the light changes fast, the party goes big, and the best moments happen in the in-between bits, which is exactly our favourite place to shoot.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur), a husband-and-wife photo + film team. We’ve been documenting weddings since 2012, and we love marquee and tipi weddings because they’re naturally fun, personal, and a little wild in the best way. (We are TWIA National Winners as “The Mays” and we’re now TWIA judges, so you’re in very safe hands.)
QUICK ANSWER
If you want marquee or tipi wedding photos that feel real (not staged), you’re in the right place. Our DOCU-ART approach blends documentary moments (hugs, tears, chaos, joy) with cinematic portraits that still feel natural – without turning your wedding into a photoshoot.
Marquee vs Tipi: what photographs best?
- Marquee weddings tend to feel bright, elegant, and open – especially in daytime. They’re perfect for long tables, statement florals, and that “garden party turns into nightclub” vibe.
- Tipi weddings feel cosy, warm, and festival-like – especially after dark. Tipis photograph beautifully when you lean into texture: candles, lanterns, festoon lights, and people close together.
Either way: the magic is not the structure – it’s the energy. And we’re there for that.
KEY FACTS
Best for: couples who want a relaxed, outdoorsy celebration with a big atmosphere.
Portrait time: usually 10–20 minutes total (we can split it into short bursts).
Rain plan: marquees and tipis can look more cinematic in rain, we just need a smart shelter + light plan.
The secret weapon: evening lighting (it makes dance-floor photos look insane).
7 tips to make your marquee or tipi photos look incredible
- Choose one “best light” spot inside the marquee/tipi for speeches and key moments.
- Add layered lighting for the evening (festoon + uplighting beats fairy lights alone).
- Plan portraits in short bursts so you don’t disappear from your own party.
- Keep entrances simple and spacious (confetti looks best where people can move).
- Think about wind + hair + veils (especially in open fields).
- Have a rain plan that still feels fun (umbrellas + covered edges = cinematic).
- If you want wild dance-floor photos, tell your DJ: “steady lights, not strobe.”
If you’re deep in party planning, this post helps too: Dance floor wedding photography (how to make evening photos pop).
Real marquee and tipi weddings we’ve photographed
Here are a few unique celebrations to inspire your own (all real weddings, real weather, real vibes):
Marquee weddings
- Herefordshire marquee wedding photography (a full wedding story and our current top-ranked marquee post)
- Luxury marquee wedding (bold styling, big energy, “blank canvas” done properly)
- Romantic Herefordshire countryside marquee wedding (copper + willow-green tones and a soft, romantic vibe)
- Clifton upon Teme marquee wedding (dogs, sunshine, long veil love, and singing waiters)
- Colourful Herefordshire countryside wedding (a marquee built around an old apple tree, with apples and brilliant details)
- Colourful Herefordshire festival wedding (ice cream van, garden games, street food, fireworks, and pure joy)
- Quaker wedding in the Black Mountains (quiet, powerful ceremony in the hills… then a marquee reception that glows with fairy lights, lawn games, and a proper packed dance floor).
- Black Mountains wedding (sunset portraits over the hills, then an absolutely wild marquee dance floor — the kind of party that doesn’t let you leave).
Festival tipi-style celebrations
- Tipi weddings at The Orchard at Munsley (a cider apple orchard venue made for tipi weddings – golden-hour portraits under the trees, outdoor vows by the pond, then a fairy-lit tipi party that feels like your own private festival).
(If you’re planning a tipi wedding, this hub will grow – we’ll keep adding our best tipi and festival-style stories.)
Colourful wedding with more than 200 guests
Can you imagine the size of that marquee? What we loved about this wedding day was the amount of unique and colourful decorations. The bride decided to wear a blue flowery dress too! Because their wedding day was actually an International Gin day, they decided to also have a Gin Bath. Wow! That wedding was unforgettable and such a pleasure to photograph.
Do you want to see more? We’ve filmed this awesome wedding day too!
English countryside wedding with garden games
Another huge wedding, unique marquee with flags and traditional garden games. We couldn’t stop photographing this amazing day. And their evening party was incredible!
Marquee wedding day and glamping
We couldn’t wait to photograph this wedding day because we knew this lovely family and couldn’t wait to catch up with them. We photographed the bride’s sister’s wedding a few years back so coming back to document more love and friendship was so special. Take a look at their glamping site and imagine how amazing their evening and after parties were!
Practical marquee & tipi wedding tips (that make photos look better too)
1) Choose your “best light” spot inside the marquee/tipi
Pick one area where you’ll do speeches/cake/first dance that has flattering light on faces (not harsh backlight). It makes everything look instantly more cinematic, without anyone “trying”.
2) Think about marquee orientation (sun direction matters)
If you can, position the marquee so the late afternoon sun isn’t blasting straight through one side. Soft side light = happy guests + better photos.
3) Side panels: decide what you want your vibe to be
Open sides feel airy and bright (gorgeous for daytime). Closed sides feel cosy and dramatic (amazing in rain or evening). If it’s changeable, your supplier can often adjust on the day.
4) Flooring is the difference between “pretty” and “premium”
Grass is lovely… until it’s wet. A solid floor (even simple boarding) makes your whole setup feel more “luxury” and makes the dance floor work properly.
5) Do portraits in short bursts, not one long photoshoot
Marquee/tipi weddings are social – you don’t want to disappear for ages. Two quick bursts is perfect:
8–10 minutes after the ceremony
8–10 minutes around golden hour / blue hour
6) Pick one clear confetti spot with space to move
A wide path near the marquee is ideal. Ask guests to throw up and over (not straight at your faces) and you’ll get the joyful tunnel moment without chaos.
7) Plan a rain “micro-adventure” (not a panic plan)
Umbrellas, covered edges of the marquee, porches, and tree lines can look insanely cinematic. The secret is: decide in advance where you’ll go for 5 minutes if the weather does its thing.
8) Evening lighting: fairy lights are cute, but add one more layer
Fairy lights alone often look dim on camera. Add festoon lighting and/or uplighters, and suddenly the whole evening looks richer, warmer, and more “film-like”.
9) Tipi trick: keep the entrance area uncluttered
If the entrance gets crowded with signs/tables/boxes, it kills the vibe (and the photos). Give yourselves one clear, beautiful “arrival” space.
10) Use candles + lanterns, but keep them grouped
Lots of tiny points of light = magic. Group candles/lanterns into clusters so it looks intentional (and not like a scattered DIY job).
11) Sound + power: don’t leave it last minute
Marquee weddings often need a generator, and tipis can swallow sound. If you want a dance floor that goes off, plan sound/power early – it changes the whole energy.
12) The “comfort = better photos” rule
If guests are cold, wet, or hungry, the party feels flat. Heating, blankets, a hot snack later on, and easy-to-find loos genuinely improve the atmosphere, and the photos.
Tipi weddings
We have photographed tipi and yurt weddings in the past. They aren’t as popular as marquee weddings but they just look stunning and so original. Here’s an example of our recent stretch tent tipi wedding, have a look:
What you get with The Mays (DOCU-ART in a marquee/tipi)
Most of the day, we photograph quietly and let things happen. Then we step in lightly when it helps – especially for portraits, group photos, and evening lighting.
- Real moments first (documentary storytelling)
- Cinematic portraits that still feel like you
- Fast, organised group photos (then the fun candid bits straight after)
- Party coverage that keeps up (because marquees + tipis always go off)
If you want to see our full approach, start here: DOCU-ART wedding photography.
FAQs: Marquee and tipi wedding photography
Do you photograph at-home marquee weddings?
Yes – and they’re some of our favourites because they feel personal and completely one-of-a-kind.
What if it rains?
Marquees and tipis photograph beautifully in rain – the key is a calm plan and good light. We’ll keep you warm, dry, and still looking like a film.
How do we stop the evening looking dark inside the marquee?
Layered lighting. Fairy lights are pretty but often dim; add festoon/uplighters and your photos instantly look richer and more cinematic.
How long do portraits take?
Usually 10–20 minutes total. We can do two short bursts so you don’t miss the party.
Do you travel UK-wide?
Yes. We’re based in Herefordshire / Cotswolds and we photograph weddings all over the UK.
A quick checklist for couples (save this)
- Where will speeches happen (best light)?
- What’s the rain plan for 5 minutes of portraits?
- What lighting is happening after dark (festoon/uplighters)?
- Is there solid flooring / a proper dance floor?
- Where’s the “confetti spot” with space to move?
Ready to plan your own marquee or tipi wedding?
If you’ve got a date, venue, or even just a rough plan, send it over and we’ll tell you if we’re free.
Check availability / contact us here
Last updated: February 2026
