top of page
Search

How to Plan a Tipi Wedding: Real Wedding Inspiration & Planning Tips


This wedding was everything I love rolled into one perfect day — tipis on family land in Maldon, Essex with a home-grown wildflower meadow, their pup in attendance, and a killer sunset to top it all off. If you’re planning a laid-back, garden-party style wedding in Norfolk, Essex or beyond, this one’s full of inspiration. From DIY details to heartfelt moments and party energy that never dipped, this celebration had it all.



Getting Ready & The Dreamy Details.

Getting ready in the comfort of a quiet cottage hits different — it was chilled, fun, and full of those little moments that make the morning feel so special. Emily's bouquet was a soft, pastel dream, pairing perfectly with the countryside setting. Over in the tipi, the wildflower meadow surrounding the ceremony area was home-grown — literally. Talk about a labour of love! Personal touches were everywhere, from the hand-painted signs to a sweet little spot in the shade for their doggo, Viggo (who obviously stole the show).





The Ceremony.

Forget tradition — this couple had their best friend officiate the ceremony, and it was every bit as emotional and joyful as you'd imagine. Set right in the middle of their wildflower meadow, with the tipis behind them and everyone gathered round, it felt intimate and personal in the most beautiful way. There were laughs, tears, and a few paws on laps. (Viggo, again. Icon.)





Garden Games, BBQs & Emo music fest.

The garden party vibes were immaculate. Guests got seriously competitive with garden games — yes, there was limbo, and yes, it got intense. The whole day was relaxed and fun, with people wandering between the tipis, grabbing drinks, and soaking up the sun. Street food BBQ and gooey brownies kept everyone fuelled up, and the soundtrack? All Out Emo absolutely nailed it with nostalgic bangers and singalong favourites all day long.





Couple Photos

We snuck off for some relaxed couple photos between garden games and bites of brownie. Nothing awkward or stiff — just the two of them walking through the local fields and down the lane, having a chat, and soaking up the moment. That golden-hour light started to creep in, and honestly, it was magic.





Speeches Full of Feels

Nothing sets the tone like heartfelt speeches, and this crew absolutely delivered. From hilarious throwbacks to genuinely tear-jerking moments, the tipi was buzzing with emotion. It’s always one of my favourite parts of the day—those shared laughs and happy tears are absolute gold for candid, storytelling photos.





Golden hour!

Let’s talk about that sunset. Probably one of the best I’ve seen all year — glowing, golden, and absolutely perfect. We grabbed a few extra photos as the sky lit up and the tipis started to glow from the inside. The kind of dreamy light you hope for, but don’t dare plan on. Pure magic.






Cake Cut & First Dance (With a Twist)

The cake-cutting was sweet and simple (with some cheeky giggles, of course), but the real magic came just after. The first dance started soft and slow, but halfway through—BOOM—an emo anthem dropped and the whole vibe shifted! Guests went wild, and the dance floor never looked back. Honestly, one of the most iconic party kick-offs I’ve seen.





Planning a Tipi Wedding? Here's What to Know:


Level ground is key – Tipis need flat, well-drained land. Check your chosen spot (or garden!) is suitable and easily accessible.

Think about the weather – They’re fab in summer, but make sure you’ve got flooring and heaters if you're planning for chillier months or classic British weather.

Power up – You’ll likely need a generator for lighting, music and catering. Chat with your supplier about what’s needed and when they’ll set it all up.

Loos & lighting – Don’t forget outdoor essentials like luxury loo hire and festoon lights or lanterns for walkways.

Keep guests comfy – Add some chill-out zones with hay bales, rugs or cosy blankets for when the sun dips.

Decor can be minimal – Tipis are beautiful on their own! Add a few florals, bunting or ribbons and you’re good to go.

Don’t forget the timeline – Tipi weddings often feel super relaxed, but having a loose structure helps everything flow (and means you won’t miss that dreamy golden-hour light).

Backup plans rock – Always worth having a wet weather plan for things like the ceremony or welcome drinks.



✨Supplier squad instagram accounts✨


Emily’s dress: @Wed2Be - Chelmsford 






Decor: All DIY by the couple



String Quartet: @alerionstrings


Deckchairs: @maldondeckchairco


Lawn Games: @harrisonevents


Garden party festival tipi wedding photography | Fun Essex wedding photographer

Helen is a published fun and inclusive wedding photographer based in East Anglia (Norfolk and Essex), also covering events in London, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Kent and beyond. With a relaxed and unposed approach offering colourful authentic imagery of folks in love having their best day!




bottom of page