The Season So Far of Luxury Marquee Weddings: Highlights, Challenges, and Advice
This summer so far has been filled with unforgettable luxury marquee weddings across the South East, each one unique in style yet united by the magic of celebrating at home or in a private garden. From sailcloth marquees to traditional pole tents and stretch structures, I’ve had the privilege of working with wonderful couples to create days filled with joy, elegance, and personality and it’s not over yet….
Insights from This Season
Working with structures such as sailcloth, petal, traditional pole, and stretch marquees has reinforced how versatile and elegant they can be in a garden setting. Each style has its own character, but couples should always consider logistics: ensuring the ground is rolled flat, exploring hard flooring for a polished finish, and planning access for suppliers and large items.
One of the biggest lessons from this year came during Jason and Nigel’s wedding, where access for the fairground rides proved a challenge despite site visits. With the help of dedicated suppliers, the vision came to life, but it was a reminder that marquee weddings require careful logistical planning.
For couples, my advice is simple: plan your furniture and layouts carefully. If you’re hosting a ceremony and reception at home, you’ll need enough seating for both – moving chairs mid-day is rarely seamless. I spend time with my couples marking out the space to scale so that every element feels considered.
I’ve also loved seeing couples reimagine the wedding cake this season. From pavlovas with sparklers to cheese towers served as evening food, these personal touches ensure every element of the day feels purposeful and reflective of the couple.
Our marquee weddings so far
Will and Eve hosted a spectacular sailcloth marquee wedding on their smallholding in Hertfordshire, working with Country Tipis. With 220 guests, the day was a true celebration of joy, food, and entertainment. The couple even reared their own lambs for the wedding breakfast – the ultimate field-to-fork experience. During dinner, a roaming band had guests up on their seats, dancing between courses, before heartfelt speeches brought tears all round. It was the epitome of a joyful, vibrant country marquee wedding.
Rachel and Harry’s marquee wedding in Kent was a rustic and heartfelt affair, hosted at the groom’s parents’ home. Inspired by The Pig Hotel, the couple sourced everything locally, from Kentish ciders to wholesome feasting menus. For dessert, a showstopping display of pavlovas, served with sparklers down the tables, created theatre and fun. Two marquees from Maypole Marquees set the tone: a sailcloth marquee with views over the countryside and a smaller petal marquee reserved purely for the evening party. A wonderful reminder that marquee weddings offer flexibility to shape the day exactly as you wish.
Shane and Taylor’s wedding was a masterclass in timeless elegance. Hosted at Shane’s family home, the couple opted for a sailcloth marquee from Holmsted Events, styled with fresh and faux florals in crisp greens and whites. The bride’s eye for detail was impeccable, ensuring every aspect felt refined and graceful. A Catholic blessing in the garden added a personal touch, while live performances by both the bride and their guests alongside the band created an atmosphere of joy and connection. This was a perfect example of how luxury marquee weddings can blend elegance with intimacy.
Jason and Nigel embraced bold colours, fun, and glamour, hosting their wedding under a polished traditional pole marquee from Maypole Marquees, complemented by a stretch tent from 4 Elements Tents. Fairground rides and an Aperol airstream bar set the tone for a lively day, with the unforgettable La Voix leaving guests in tears of laughter. Instead of a single wedding cake, they chose to serve cake to every table – a creative, personal twist. Their heartfelt ceremony under canvas and a dance floor that stayed full all night made this day one of sheer celebration.
Looking Ahead
This season of marquee weddings in Kent and the South East has been a joyful whirlwind, filled with unique designs, unforgettable moments, and plenty of last-minute changes that keep me on my toes. I cannot wait for the weddings still to come, including a September celebration with an intimate day, a lively evening party, and some exciting surprises in store. We’ll be working with Brooks Marquees and again with Holmsted Events as well as at a beautiful woodland marquee venue.
For any couple dreaming of a luxury marquee wedding, whether rustic, elegant, or bold, the possibilities are endless – and with careful planning, it truly becomes a celebration like no other.