Dorset Marquee Wedding Photography


RECENT WORK // DORSET AND THE WEST COUNTRY


Home Sweet Home


I grew up in Chettle, a beautiful Hamlet near Blandford Forum in Dorset. A trip down the M3 always feels like going home. Old friends and my sisters still live in the area (Jemma near Sturminster Newton and Geors just across the border in Somerset). I therefore charge no accommodation expenses in Dorset, Wiltshire or Somerset.

Strong connections to family and place move many couples to choose a Marquee on the garden lawn or in a village field near home. Be it a cottage, a farmhouse, or grand country manor, it’ll be the first time many of your adult friends will see your family homestead. A tent somewhere special to you is a uniquely personal way to celebrate your big day.


I’ve compiled a selection of Photography from Dorset Marquee Weddings. I hope you find some inspiration for your special day in the lush green West-country!

bride throws her bouquet from the singing theatre at the larmer tree gardens
bride encourages her guests onto the wigwam stretch tent dance floor
winter wonderland wedding marquee reception bride and groom arrival
cocktails at a Dorset wedding marquee bar
dancing next to a marquee in the west country
dancing in a wedding marquee
bride looks out at her garden wedding marquee
Wimborne marquee wedding line dance
wedding breakfast inside a wigwam marquee
spring wedding marquee photo display area

Dorset Marquee Types


I’ve photographed spectacular Marquee Weddings and occasions in Dorset for over twenty years. I frequently find myself taking pictures in Ed Jenke’s gorgeous wedding tents. DP Marquees are based in Moor Crichel near Wimborne.


Whether you’re looking for a modern structure like the Capri Plus or Chinese Hat Marquee or a traditional Classic Pole Marquee with canvas petal or clearspan material, DP Marquees can supply a range of options in Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset. We’re beyond backup Gazebos just in case the rains come! I’ve seen some wonderfully creative use of tent space with separate dance floors themed for after dark. Moroccan lanterns and twinkling starred ceilings are a great way to set the mood. Bell tents and tipis are excellent spaces for taking refuge from the heat of the afternoon sun, or maybe as an overflow for the young to play or for the old to relax.


You will find dedicated wedding marquee suppliers usually offer billowing fabric drapes, elegant furniture, vintage props, and accessories if you’re looking to dress barns or out-buildings for a one night only nightclub! Deck out the beams and rafters with starry ceiling lights, lasers, and mirror balls.


Marquee venue site visits are recommended so your suppliers can advise on the best structures for the space. A striking coastline setting may be the ultimate picturesque setting but you want to make sure your Dorset Marquee doesn’t end up in Devon!


They’ll also be able to arrange top-notch audio systems, refrigeration, power sources with reliable generators to keep your wedding running smoothly. Don’t forget the all-important loos! Lease through your Marquee Supplier for all these things and they’ll make sure they never let your occasion down.


Many venues will understandably lock in their preferred catering team. Not so with your bespoke Marquee Wedding! You have your pick of Dorset’s finest chefs and caterers such as Victoria’s Food. Think of all those delicious tasting sessions just to make sure you’ve got the perfect menu!



Back To Nature


As well as the personal setting you can express your personality with a blank canvas. Dressing up a marquee allows plenty of scope for creativity. Summer meadow flowers, Boho Woodland Glade, Harvest moon weddings, or magical Winter Wonderlands, you can let your imagination run free without costing the earth.


Garden games like Jenga, Boules, Croquet, and Space Hoppers fill the reception with quirky alternative fun!


Another bonus of a country wedding is that by negotiating and keeping your neighbours on side, you can keep the party going well into the wee small hours without annoying cut off times. Why not invite the friendly neighbours too? They can make sure animals are locked away during the fireworks and live bands!


Bring wellies and have a Tractor on standby with a tow rope for the sports cars!



Enjoy The Finest Gardens in Dorset


Some couples may fall in love with an unspoiled bit of Dorset countryside on farmland. Others may want to enjoy a historical house or castle landmark which may not be suitable for weddings. Pitching your versatile tent means more possibilities are available to you.


I adore the Larmer Tree Victorian Pleasure Gardens and their choice of Pavilion spaces, including the Victorian Jubilee Hall. They provide a 12m x 6m Marquee with tables and chairs for up to 250 guests. I have many special associations with the Larmer Tree in Tollard Royal and some of my first weddings took place there early on in my career. The Secret Garden is a special spot for a ceremony or for some quiet portraits. Grab some deck chairs and make the Tuscan Theatre a fun frame for bigger groups.



Fall In Love With Dorset


Bring history back to life out by finding fossils along the Jurassic Coast or visiting the Tank Museum. For active holidays there’s stunning beaches, plenty of wildlife, cycle routes and extreme sport activities to be had. Wimborne market is was the closest I had to a shopping mall as a kid but I remember it fondly with all the second hand and craft stalls. Durdle Door, Corfe Castle, The Larmer Tree Festival and Great Dorset Steam Fairs are essentials for every bucket list.


If you’re looking for a hidden gem for you or your guests when you’re visiting Dorset, try The Castleman. I lived there for a year as a little boy when it was derelict! We moved in with shovels and cleared the rooms as needed. After we dried it out, the house became a hotel. A fun experience but I was glad to move a few doors down into a house with proper central heating! Of course, now you can expect all mod-cons and exceptional locally produced food during your stay.