Magical marquee weddings at Histon Manor come rain or shine

At Histon Manor, we believe a marquee wedding offers the perfect blend of elegance and flexibility. Whether you're envisioning an outdoor blessing ceremony amidst the natural beauty of our estate or planning a reception in a marquee in our gardens, it’s only natural to worry about the unpredictable British weather. But here’s the good news: just like with a traditional indoor wedding, a little thoughtful planning will ensure your marquee wedding is just as magical, rain or shine.

A marquee is your "room" — but it's outside! That’s the beauty of it. With a bit of preparation, you can take the worry out of wet weather and still enjoy all the charm and elegance of a marquee wedding at Histon Manor. Here’s how:

1. Think of Your Marquee as Your Wedding Reception Room not a Marquee

When you book a traditional wedding venue, you're allocated specific rooms for your ceremony, drinks reception, and dinner. The marquee is no different — it’s just your "room" outdoors. You wouldn’t panic about rain if you were getting married indoors, so why let it stress you when you’ve chosen a marquee?

A marquee wedding at Histon Manor offers the same flow and structure as a hall wedding; the only difference is that it happens to be set in a beautiful outdoor setting. The key to success is planning ahead. With a solid backup plan ("plan B"), your outdoor "room" will feel just as comfortable and special, no matter what the weather does. And remember, the flexibility of a marquee allows you to design the space to suit your vision and the changing elements.

2. Rain Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Drinks Reception

One of the highlights of a wedding reception is the drinks reception. This is usually planned as an outside event whether you’ve chosen a marquee venue or an indoor venue.Many couples dream of mingling with guests in the fresh air, but if the weather turns, it can quickly dampen your plans. If you'd chosen a marquee wedding reception at Histon Manor consider setting up a stretch tent as a backup for your drinks reception. These beautifully versatile tents provide shelter while maintaining an open, airy feel. They allow your guests to enjoy the outdoors, even if it rains. A stretch tent is quick to set up, offers ample space for your guests, and lets them enjoy a beautiful view of the Histon Manor gardens. It’s an important thing to consider as it will work just as well to provide some shade on a hot day too.

Alternatively, if you prefer to keep things within one larger structure, you can rent a slightly larger marquee and section it off — one part can be used for drinks which will usually include the dance floor area, while the main area remains hidden and reserved for your wedding meal. This way, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll still have an incredible "wow" moment when your guests step into the beautifully revealed dining area.

3. Add Fun with Colourful Umbrellas

Rain or shine, your wedding day should feel joyful, full of fun, and memorable. A clever way to embrace any weather is by incorporating coordinated umbrellas into your wedding plans. Why not ask each of your guests to bring a colour-coordinated umbrella that matches your theme? Or, better still, provide them with bespoke umbrellas as a thoughtful gift with your wedding date printed on them.

Imagine your guests holding aloft their umbrellas as they mingle during the drinks reception or walk to the marquee. The umbrellas can serve as an exciting visual effect and make for some gorgeous wedding photos. Picture you and your partner walking from the house, surrounded by your loved ones holding umbrellas that match your colour scheme. It’s a beautiful and fun way to turn potential rain into an unforgettable moment.

4. Create a Welcoming Walkway to Your Marquee

No one likes soggy feet, especially at a wedding. If you're planning a marquee wedding, make sure you think about your walkways. At Histon Manor, we can help you create a matted pathway so guests can move comfortably between the marquee and other areas without worrying about muddy shoes.

Another option is to add a covered walkway between the drinks area and the marquee. This is a great alternative if you'd prefer not to rely on umbrellas. A simple, elegant covered walkway will protect your guests from the rain as they move between areas, while still allowing them to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Add some lights or flowers along the walkway to enhance the romantic, magical atmosphere.

5. Provide Extra Comfort for Your Guests

No one wants to get caught in the rain, but there’s no need to worry. If wet weather is a concern, there are several simple ways to ensure your guests stay comfortable:

Staffed umbrellas: Consider adding a staff member to escort guests with a beautiful umbrella from the marquee to the restrooms or other areas. This thoughtful gesture will make your guests feel pampered, and they’ll appreciate the attention to detail. This can be easily arranged with your catering team at a small additional cost by extending their staff.

6. Work with Your Photographer for Stunning Wet-Weather Shots

One of the great advantages of a marquee wedding at Histon Manor is that we allow internal photography for bride, groom, and family shots, no matter whether it’s sunny or rainy. This means that even if the weather isn’t ideal, you’ll have access to beautifully atmospheric indoor spaces to capture those special moments.

Make sure your photographer visits the venue before the big day to scout out potential locations and come up with a plan for capturing the best shots, regardless of the weather. Photographers are experts at finding the perfect angles and lighting, so they’ll have some wonderful suggestions for capturing you and your guests, rain or shine. It’s also a great opportunity for us to discuss options with you and the photographer to ensure the day runs smoothly, even if the rain starts to fall. A little rain can actually add a romantic, intimate feel to your photos!

7. Embrace the Weather and Enjoy the Fun

One of the best things about a marquee wedding at Histon Manor is that it allows you to embrace the weather and still have an unforgettable experience. The key is to plan for all eventualities and then just focus on having fun on the day. Whether it's moving your drinks reception to a sheltered area, providing umbrellas for your guests, or adding a beautiful covered walkway, you'll have everything in place to handle whatever comes your way.

Remember: a ‘plan B’ doesn’t mean you're expecting bad weather — it just means you're prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your special day with confidence.

In Conclusion: Celebrate the Magic of a Marquee Wedding

At Histon Manor, we believe that a marquee wedding is one of the most beautiful and flexible ways to celebrate your special day — rain or shine. By thinking of your marquee as your outdoor “room,” planning for all weather conditions, and incorporating fun, creative ideas like stretch tents and umbrellas, you’ll create a magical experience for both you and your guests.

Whether it’s a sunny day or a light shower, the most important thing is to enjoy every moment, knowing that with the right planning, your marquee wedding will be just as enchanting as any indoor celebration. So, don’t let the weather dictate your day — embrace it and let the magic unfold!

 Photos by Trung Ngugen, TimiOshinStudios, Isabella Rubie and Alzbeta Cepkecova