A Rainy Marquee Farm Wedding in Nottinghamshire

There’s something truly special about planning your outdoor wedding on your own land or at home. Laura and Ashley were lucky enough to do just that, and created a day full of music, warmth and of course, their dog!

bride and groom walking down dirt track holding hands

Laura and Ashley’s wedding began with a traditional church ceremony, before guests made their way back to their home for a marquee reception set up on the paddocks. Now, early June might sound like sunshine territory which is of course what we had hoped for, but the weather had other ideas. Rain meant the drinks reception couldn’t spill out across the grounds as planned, and instead, it mostly took place inside the marquee. And honestly? You wouldn’t have known anything had changed.

Bride and groom sharing kiss after confett shot coming from church ceremony
Guests standing outside church wedding ceremony holding umbrellas
Marquee wedding showing drinks reception inside marquee

The marquee had been thoughtfully set up with a dancefloor, bar, and relaxed chill-out space, which meant it transitioned seamlessly into a cosy, buzzing drinks reception area. Guests gathered, drinks were flowing, and live music during the reception kept the atmosphere lively from the very start.

Guests enjoying drinks reception inside marquee
Live music due performing at marquee wedding
Wedding guests enjoying comfy seating inside marquee

Meanwhile, just opposite the marquee, an extra special touch stole the show: a makeshift pub set up in a gazebo, complete with beer kegs. It was a huge hit, especially with the beer lovers, and gave guests another space to explore, rain or no rain.

Homemade pub gazebo for marquee wedding
Guest pouring beer from homemade kegs

During breaks in the rain, guests were still able to play games outside and take stunning photos in the natural surroundings.

Cornhole with bride and grooms initials
Bride groom and bridesmaids outdoor photo
Guests playing cornhole at marquee wedding reception
Bride and groom outdoors on their farm
bride and groom on haybales with their dog

The heaviest downpour actually arrived during the wedding breakfast (which, timing-wise, couldn’t have worked out better). Guests were seated inside the marquee enjoying sharing-style food served to the tables, creating a really relaxed, communal feel that suited the whole day perfectly.

Bride giving speech at marquee wedding with floral arch behind her
Marquee internal wedding decor with pink and purple
Three tier wedding cake atop barrell surrounded by pink and purple flowers

By the evening, while the ground outside was still damp, spirits were anything but. A firepit became the place to be with guests gathering around to warm up, chat, and soak in the atmosphere. Add in a fantastic live band, and the dancefloor was full all night.

bride and groom first dance at marquee wedding
live band performing at marquee wedding
wedding guests on the dancefloor at marquee wedding

Rain? Yes. Problem? Not even close.

Careful planning meant that we had a solid backup plan in place before the rain even hit. The marquee was thoughtfully designed to have space inside for guests to gather. The flexible layout of a marquee allows you to have intentional backup plans that still feel effortless throughout the day. Keeping the energy high with the live music and leaning into the cosy vibes of the fire put, truly helped to make this wedding unforgettable.

bride and groom on haybales

Laura and Ashley’s marquee wedding is the perfect reminder that you don’t need perfect weather to have a perfect day. And sometimes, it’s those slightly rainy, unpredictable days that end up being the most memorable of all.

Suppliers

Photography: Marie Anson | Marquee and Bar: Tipis in the Peaks | Catering: Greedy Pig Catering | Décor and Flowers: Touch of Charm Venue Styling | Acoustic Duo: Harry and Christina Music | Evening Band: Beyond the Hillside | Videography: Joshua Andrew Weddings | Cake: World of Icing

Beth Clayton

Beth Clayton | Rustic Lily Weddings

Marquee, Tipi and Dry Hire Wedding Planner

Outdoor Wedding Planning Expert

beth@rusticlilyweddings.com

https://www.rusticlilyweddings.com
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Can You Have a Marquee Wedding in Winter? Everything You Need to Know