A church and marquee wedding is the perfect way to combine the tradition and romance of a church ceremony with the freedom and personalisation of a marquee reception at home. Whether you’re hosting the reception in your family’s garden, on private land, or in a countryside estate, marquee weddings offer a bespoke, elegant, and intimate setting for your celebration.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when planning a church and marquee wedding at home, from logistics and styling to photography tips and guest experience.
Why Choose a Church & Marquee Wedding?
A church ceremony provides a timeless, meaningful, and spiritual start to your wedding day. Many couples love the tradition of getting married in a church, whether it’s their family’s local parish or a historic venue with beautiful architecture.
A marquee reception at home gives you complete creative control over your wedding design. Unlike traditional venues, where you’re limited by existing décor and rules, a marquee lets you:
✔️ Create your dream aesthetic – from classic elegance to boho luxe.
✔️ Choose your own suppliers – catering, décor, florals, and music.
✔️ Extend the celebration – no early curfew like some venues.
✔️ Make it personal – host your wedding in a location that means something special to you.
However, marquee weddings require more planning and organization than a traditional venue. Let’s break it down step by step.
THE CHURCH
Choosing the Right Church for Your Wedding
If you have a family church or a connection to a specific parish, this might be an easy decision. However, if you’re choosing a church from scratch, consider:
🔹 Location – Ideally, the church should be close to your marquee reception to make travel easy for guests
🔹 Capacity – Ensure it can accommodate your guest list.
🔹 Rules & Requirements – Some churches require pre-marital courses or attendance at services.
🔹 Aesthetic – Look for a church with beautiful interiors and great natural light for photography. For more information, check out my blog on How Church Lighting Affects Wedding Photography: A Guide for Couples
Logistics for a Church Ceremony
• Confirm if confetti is allowed and what type (many churches have restrictions - You can also check out my ultimate guide to confetti HERE)
• Arrange transport for guests if the marquee is not within walking distance or ask about parking options.
• Check if you need decor & flowers inside the church (some already have arrangements).
• Discuss music options—live musicians or organists can create a beautiful atmosphere.
💡 Photography Tip: If possible, visit the church at the same time of day as your ceremony to check the lighting conditions for your wedding photos.
Navigating Photography Rules for Church Weddings
One of the biggest variables in a church wedding is how much freedom your photographer will have during the ceremony. Some vicars and officiants are very accommodating, while others enforce strict no-movement and no-flash policies.
As a couple, it’s important to discuss this in advance with both your photographer and your vicar or priest to ensure there are no surprises on the day. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Every Church Has Different Photography Rules
Unlike civil ceremonies, where photographers usually have complete freedom, church weddings can vary significantly depending on:
• The vicar’s personal preference – Some are relaxed, others are strict.
• Church policies – Certain churches have a blanket rule on photography.
• Denomination – Anglican, Catholic, and other religious denominations may have different expectations.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your vicar early on what is and isn’t allowed, and make sure your photographer is aware.
2. Movement Restrictions: Can Your Photographer Move Around?
Some vicars are happy for photographers to move discreetly around the church, while others require them to stay in one spot for the entire ceremony.
✅ More Relaxed Churches May Allow:
• Discreet movement during key moments (e.g., processional, ring exchange, vows).
• The photographer to shoot from the aisle or side of the altar for different angles.
❌ Stricter Churches May Require:
• The photographer to stay at the back or in a designated area.
• No movement at all once the ceremony begins.
• No photography at certain moments (e.g., prayer, communion).
💡 Tip for Couples: If you want more dynamic, varied shots, mention this when speaking with your vicar—it’s sometimes negotiable if handled respectfully.
3. Flash vs. No Flash: What’s Allowed?
Lighting conditions in churches can be tricky, especially if it’s dark or overcast. Some vicars allow flash, while others don’t.
✅ If Flash Is Allowed:
• Your photographer can balance low-light conditions, ensuring well-lit images.
• Great for darker churches where natural light is limited.
❌ If Flash Is NOT Allowed:
• Your photographer will need to rely on natural light and fast lenses.
• This may affect how bright or crisp the photos look, especially in dimly lit churches.
💡 Tip for Couples: If flash isn’t allowed, choose a photographer experienced in low-light church weddings so they know how to handle difficult lighting and be aware that photos may not be as sharp or bright as you might like.
4. Microphones & Sound Considerations for Video
If you’re hiring a videographer, some churches won’t allow microphones to be clipped onto the vicar or priest. In this case, a discreet sound recording setup may be needed.
5. Key Questions to Ask Your Vicar About Photography
To avoid any surprises on the day, ask your vicar the following:
✔️ Are there any restrictions on where the photographer can stand or move?
✔️ Is flash photography allowed?
✔️ Are there any moments when photography is prohibited?
✔️ Can the photographer capture the exchange of vows and rings up close?
✔️ Is videography allowed, and can external microphones be used?
6. Alternatives If Restrictions Are Very Strict
If the church has very strict rules, here are a few ways to still get stunning photos:
• Have your photographer capture the moments just before and after the ceremony.
• Plan for beautiful outdoor portraits outside the church.
• Consider a second shooter positioned discreetly to maximize angles. (Check out my Blog on "Do you really need a Second Photographer - HERE)
Final Thoughts on Church Wedding Photography
Every church is different, and while some are incredibly welcoming to photographers, others prefer to keep the focus entirely on the religious ceremony. The key is to communicate early with both your vicar and your photographer to find the best solution.
💡 As a wedding photographer, I’ve worked in churches with both relaxed and strict rules—so I always adapt to ensure I capture the most meaningful moments while respecting the ceremony.
THE MARQUEE
1. Finding the Perfect Marquee for Your Reception
There are different types of marquees, each offering a unique look and feel:
• Clearspan Marquee – A modern, open space with no poles inside, great for flexibility.
• Traditional Canvas Marquee – Perfect for an elegant countryside aesthetic.
• Sailcloth Marquee – Light and airy with high peaks, ideal for a luxury feel.
• Glass Marquee – A breathtaking choice for a luxury, greenhouse-style wedding. Made almost entirely of glass panels, these marquees allow natural light to flood the space during the day and create a stunning, starry-night atmosphere in the evening. Perfect for high-end, elegant weddings with a modern twist.
• Tipi Tents – A more bohemian or festival-style option.
Choosing the Right Size Marquee
Your marquee size depends on your guest count and what you need to include:
• Dining space (round tables take up more room than long banquet tables).
• Dance floor & entertainment area.
• Bar area for cocktails and drinks.
• Lounge space if you want a relaxed seating area.
💡 Expert Tip: Always book a larger marquee than you think you need—you’ll appreciate the extra space when the dance floor fills up!
2. Essential Marquee Wedding Logistics
Unlike a venue, where everything is already set up, a marquee wedding requires additional planning. Here’s what you need to consider:
Electricity & Power
• You’ll likely need a generator to power lighting, sound systems, catering, and bathrooms.
• Work with your marquee provider or a specialist to calculate power requirements.
Toilets & Facilities
• If your home or location doesn’t have enough bathrooms, hire luxury portable toilets to keep things comfortable for guests.
Parking & Transport
• If parking space is limited, hire shuttle transport for guests.
• Arrange signage and lighting if parking is in a field or remote area.
Weather Backup Plan
• Even in summer, UK weather is unpredictable.
• Have heaters or fans on standby depending on the season.
• Consider wooden flooring to avoid soggy ground if it rains.
3. Styling & Decorating Your Marquee
One of the biggest advantages of a marquee wedding is the blank canvas it offers. You can completely customize the décor to suit your style.
Key Styling Elements:
🎨 Colour Palette – Choose soft neutrals for timeless elegance or bold tones for a statement look.
🌿 Florals & Greenery – Hanging floral installations, statement centerpieces, and fresh foliage can transform the space.
🪑 Furniture – Consider wooden tables & cross-back chairs for a rustic feel or velvet seating for a luxe touch.
🏕 Outdoor Areas – Create a chill-out area with rugs, cushions, and fire pits for a cozy evening atmosphere.
Lighting: Creating the Right Mood
Lighting is key to setting the right atmosphere for your marquee wedding. Some popular options include:
✨ Chandeliers – Elegant and timeless, perfect for a sophisticated marquee setting.
✨ Fairy Lights – Creates a romantic, starry-night effect.
✨ Up-lighting – Adds warmth and highlights key décor features.
✨ Candles & Lanterns – A cozy and intimate touch, especially for evening receptions.
✨ Festoon Lighting – Great for outdoor areas and a relaxed, festival-style look.
💡 Tip: If you’re using a Glass Marquee, lighting is even more important, as the space is naturally bright during the day but needs warm ambient lighting to feel inviting in the evening.
4. Capturing the Best Photos of a Church & Marquee Wedding
Photography for a church & marquee wedding comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
📸 Church Photography Tips:
• A no-flash policy is common, so ensure your photographer can work in low-light conditions.
• Communicate with your vicar and photographer in advance so eveyone is aware of the policies!
📸 Marquee Reception Photography Tips:
• If you want to capture golden hour couple portriats, plan your dinner & speeches time accordingly.
• Think about the movement and requirments of not only your guests, but also your vendors when planning your marquee set up and layout.
Ready to Capture Your Dream Church & Marquee Wedding?
Church & marquee weddings are some of my absolute favourites—timeless, elegant, and full of personality. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to give every couple my full creative attention.
If you’re planning a marquee wedding at home and are looking for natural, storytelling photography that captures every beautiful detail, let’s chat!
📩 Get in touch today to check availability and discuss your wedding vision.
For more information, check out my blog on How Church Lighting Affects Wedding Photography: A Guide for Couples
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