Marquee Wedding at The Firs Hanbury

A Relaxed Marquee Wedding at The Firs Hanbury | Hollie & Josh

A marquee wedding at The Firs Hanbury offers the perfect mix of relaxed countryside charm and personal, meaningful moments – and that’s exactly what Hollie and Josh created for their summer celebration.

The day began quietly, with Hollie getting ready surrounded by her sisters, bridesmaids, and two flower girls. These slower moments are often my favourite to photograph – intimate, full of anticipation, and often layered with family connections. Meanwhile, Josh and his groomsmen were making their way to St John The Baptist Church in Claines, where the ceremony took place.

The church setting provided a timeless backdrop as guests gathered, followed by a beautifully personal ceremony conducted by Rev Sarah. After the vows and a burst of confetti, everyone made their way back to The Firs Hanbury, where a traditional marquee awaited in the grounds.

Portraits and Family, Without the Fuss

One of the strengths of a marquee wedding at The Firs Hanbury is the flexibility it offers for photography. The open space and surrounding countryside mean we’re never far from soft light and uncluttered backgrounds. Hollie and Josh kept things relaxed, with a handful of family group shots followed by some time alone for portraits in the early afternoon light.

Speeches, Laughter, and a First Dance to Remember

The speeches kicked off before dinner, with words from Josh and Hollie’s father Jason. As a documentary wedding photographer, I’m always looking for those small reactions – laughter from the back of the tent, a tear from a grandparent, or a child quietly playing under the table.

By the time the first dance rolled around at 7.30pm, the sun had dipped just enough to cast a warm glow across the marquee. Hollie and Josh shared their dance as their guests gathered around, just before the party carried on into the evening.

A Natural, Storytelling Approach

This marquee wedding at The Firs Hanbury was a perfect blend of personal touches, emotional storytelling, and laid-back celebration. If you’re planning something similar – a countryside wedding with space to breathe and time to connect – I’d love to document it for you in a natural, unobtrusive way. Get in touch to check your date.

Bride reflected in the window during makeup, with rustic barn at The Firs Hanbury visible outside. Bride adjusting her wedding dress in a softly lit bedroom before leaving for the ceremony. Father of the bride hugging his daughter just moments before they leave for the church. Bride smiling from the backseat of the car en route to St John The Baptist Church, Worcester. Bride walking to the church under an umbrella with her bridesmaids and father on a rainy June day. Bride and her father walking down the aisle at St John The Baptist Church as guests look on. Couple holding hands during the ceremony, with the vicar reading vows at the front of the church. Couple married at church before reception at The Firs Hanbury Confetti moment outside the church as the newlyweds smile and walk through a crowd of cheering guests. Bride and groom smiling in the church garden after the ceremony, with confetti scattered across the train of her dress. Couple walking hand in hand through tall grass and trees at The Firs Hanbury during a quiet moment together. Guests enjoying drinks and conversation on the lawn by the pond during the afternoon reception at The Firs Hanbury. Children and guests gathering outside the marquee with the lakeside and brick buildings of The Firs Hanbury in the background. Bride and groom approaching the marquee hand in hand via the wooden walkway at The Firs Hanbury. Groom giving his speech inside the marquee as the bride smiles beside him and children sit nearby. Guests relaxing outside the tipi-style marquee while a young boy plays with a hula hoop on the lawn. Bride reflected in the marquee window, smiling and holding a drink during the wedding breakfast at The Firs Hanbury. Marquee Wedding at The Firs Hanbury Young girl laughing mid-jump on a white bouncy castle with other children in the background during the reception. Guests chatting inside the marquee, with warm light and greenery framing a woman in sunglasses smiling mid-conversation. Grandmother and children gathered around the wedding cake, adjusting the topper before the official cake cutting. Bride and groom laughing together as they cut their wedding cake inside the marquee at The Firs Hanbury. First dance moment as the couple holds each other on the dance floor, surrounded by guests inside the tipi-style marquee. Wide view of the tipi-style marquee at The Firs Hanbury with guests mingling on the grass under a summer sky. Two boys playing outside—one riding on the other's shoulders—while a guest offers a sip of beer in a candid moment near the rustic barn.