Outdoor and Marquee Weddings in the UK: The Complete Guide

The short answer is: it depends on where you live. In England and Wales, a civil ceremony must take place at a register office, an approved venue, or a religious building registered for marriages. Since 2022, approved venues can hold civil ceremonies outdoors within their grounds, so a garden or outdoor area at a licensed venue is fine. However, you cannot legally marry on a random beach or in a public park unless it is part of an approved venue's grounds. A religious ceremony on its own is only legally binding if it takes place in a building registered for marriages, with an authorised person present. Many couples choose a short civil ceremony to make the marriage legal, then have a separate outdoor blessing or celebration.

In Scotland, the rules are much more flexible. Weddings can take place almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as long as you agree it with the registrar or celebrant. Religious and belief celebrants, including humanist celebrants, can conduct legal weddings in Scotland. In Northern Ireland, humanist weddings can be legally binding, and you give notice to the registrar in the district where the wedding will take place. Always check the current rules on GOV.UK, as they can change.

A marquee wedding is one held in a large tent, usually erected in a field, garden, or other private land. The tent can be a traditional pole marquee, a modern frame tent, or a clear span structure. A garden wedding is simply a wedding held in a private garden, which may or may not include a marquee. Both offer a blank canvas, so you can create a space that feels entirely yours, with total freedom over style, layout, and decorations.

Marquee weddings are popular because they let you choose your own caterers, furniture, and entertainment, and you can hold the ceremony and reception in the same place. Garden weddings can be more intimate and personal, but they come with extra responsibilities, such as ground conditions, access, and facilities. Whether you choose a marquee or a garden, you need to plan for everything from toilets and power to parking and weather.

It depends on where you live and what kind of ceremony you want. In England and Wales, you cannot have a legal civil ceremony in your own garden unless your garden is part of an approved venue. That means a venue that is licensed for weddings and has its grounds approved, which a private home rarely is. You could have a religious ceremony in your garden, but it would not be legally binding unless it takes place in a registered building. Many couples have a legal ceremony at a register office or approved venue, then hold a blessing or celebration in their garden.

In Scotland, you can legally marry in your own garden, as long as you agree the location with the registrar or celebrant. In Northern Ireland, you need to give notice to the registrar for the district where the wedding will take place, and the rules are similar to England and Wales. Always check the current guidance on GOV.UK.

We cannot give exact prices because costs vary hugely depending on where you are, the size of your guest list, and the level of luxury you choose. What we can say is that a marquee wedding is often compared to a venue wedding, but the costs work differently. With a marquee, you pay for the tent hire, flooring, lighting, heating, furniture, catering, and often extra items like toilets and generators. A garden wedding can be cheaper if you already have the space, but you still need to budget for the same essentials.

Buying a marquee is possible, but it is a big investment and may not be worth it unless you plan to use it multiple times. Hiring is usually more practical, and you can choose the size and style to fit your guest numbers. Remember that a marquee is just the shell; the real cost is in the fittings and services you put inside. To keep costs under control, make a detailed budget early and get quotes from several suppliers.

Start by deciding on the date and the location. For a marquee, you need a flat, level area that is accessible for the delivery lorry and for guests, including those with mobility needs. For a garden, check the ground conditions and think about how the weather might affect the grass. You also need to consider power and water supplies, toilet facilities, and parking. If you are having a legal ceremony, check the legal requirements for your nation first, and give notice in plenty of time.

Make a checklist of everything you need to arrange, from the marquee hire and flooring to catering, furniture, lighting, and heating. Think about the weather: have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat. For a marquee, you may need to book it well in advance, especially for peak summer dates. Also plan for the unexpected, such as a power cut or a sudden downpour. A good supplier will help you with the details, but you are the one who knows your vision best.

Decorating a marquee is a joy because you have a blank canvas. Start with the basics: flooring, lighting, and draping. You can choose a simple wooden floor, a carpet, or even artificial grass. Lighting sets the mood, from fairy lights and lanterns to chandeliers or up-lighting. Draped fabric on the ceiling and walls can soften the space and add colour. Then add tables, chairs, and table settings that match your theme.

Think about the entrance: a welcoming arch or a flower display can make a big impression. Use flowers, greenery, and personal touches like photos or heirlooms. Remember that the weather will affect your decorations, so choose items that can withstand wind or humidity. Also consider the practical side: you may need to secure decorations so they do not blow away, and you should have a plan for candles, which may be restricted by the marquee company's fire safety rules.

Outdoor and marquee weddings allow for a range of dress codes, from casual to formal. The key is to dress for the weather and the ground. For guests, advise them on the dress code and suggest comfortable footwear, as grass can be uneven. For the couple, think about how your outfit will work outdoors. A long train may get muddy, and high heels may sink into the lawn. Many couples choose to change into more practical shoes for the evening.

For colder months, provide blankets and heaters. For summer, think about shade and hydration. Always have a plan for rain, such as umbrellas, a covered walkway, or a fully enclosed marquee. Let your guests know what to expect, and consider providing a few essentials like sunscreen or wellies. The more prepared you are, the more everyone can relax and enjoy the day.