If you want to enjoy the great outdoors on your Wedding day or add reception space to a smaller venues, then a marquee is the way to go. Traditional marquees have always been an expensive option but today there are lots more choices with a great range or tents, yurts and marquees available.

Yurts are a new concept for Weddings and can be a lot cheaper than the traditional marquee starting at just £350 for a small 12ft yurt from Wedding Yurts. They can also be podded together to create flexible spaces. You could have a 20ft yurt for the main reception with a 12ft yurt attached as a bar or chill out zone. Three yurts podded together can seat 40-50 or provide dancing space for 60-70.


                                            

However if you are having a large celebration, then the traditional marquee may suit you better as they provide space for up to 350 people, depending on the size. Large marquees can be very expensive but also look stunning and create a real air of luxury.

A tipi is another option for a relaxed outdoor Wedding. This one is from Tipi Events.


                       


Top tips for marquee Weddings

• Make sure you have a flat piece of land to put the marquee on
• Get several quotes and recommendations
• Remember to add in the cost of furniture hire, flooring, lighting and heating
• Think about where the caterers will prepare food and serve drinks
• Provide adequate toilet facilities for guests
• Ensure there is enough parking for he guests
• Provide carpeted and ideally covered walkways in case it's muddy and wet

In the UK you can only get married in licenced fixed structure with a roof, which limits your choices if you have always dreamt of getting married outdoors. The Any Campaign are working on encouraging a relaxation of these laws which would allow people to marry outside and after 6pm, which is the latest time you can currently be legally married. You can support this campaign here www.theanycampaign.co.uk/ by signing the petition.

In the meantime what options do you have in Bristol? You can currently get married in a place of worship, the Register Office in Corn Street or Yate or a Registrar can also come to a licenced venue to legally Marry you. There are some options for an outdoor ceremony such as a licenced Pagoda or Gazebo. Matara offers an outdoor style wedding shown below www.matara.co.uk/weddings



However there is also the option of making your marriage legal in a quickie Register Office Ceremony and then using a Celebrant to have a ceremony whenever or wherever you like in the presence of all your loved ones. Although this seems like an unfamiliar concept it actually opens up loads of great possibilities.

Tailor Made Ceremonies offer you the option to marry on the beach, in a field, under the stars, in a forest or pretty much anywhere else you can imagine. Jennifer can also help you to personalise the Ceremony as you are not restricted as you would be in a Civil or Religious Ceremony. To find out more about using a Celebrant to personalise your Wedding, visit http://www.tailormadeceremonies.co.uk/