This vibrant tipi wedding at Whatton House in Leicestershire was a colourful, relaxed celebration… If you’re planning a Whatton House wedding or looking for tipi wedding inspiration, this day is full of ideas. From heartfelt moments in the morning to a sparkling send-off at dusk, P&H's day was full of love, laughter, and a kaleidoscope of joyful details.
Set in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside near Loughborough, Whatton House is a stunning venue for couples planning a relaxed, outdoor wedding. With beautifully manicured gardens, woodland walks for quiet and relaxed newlywed portraits and a dedicated tipi site, it’s perfect for colourful, festival-style celebrations like this one. The tipis themselves create such a unique atmosphere — from the warm wooden interiors to the fairy lights that transform the space as the sun goes down, it feels private, laid-back and completely personal to each couple.
One of the things I love most about a Whatton House wedding is how flexible it is. You can have an outdoor ceremony, bring in your own styling and suppliers, and really make the space your own — whether you’re going full festival vibes or keeping things simple and elegant.
If you’re planning a tipi wedding at Whatton House, it’s such a brilliant choice for a day that feels relaxed, fun, and unique to you.
Bridal Prep for a Tipi Wedding at Whatton House
Paul and Helen each started their day surrounded by their closest friends and family, getting ready at home. I Spent the morning with Helen which was filled with excitement as she prepared with her bridesmaids, sipping on bubbly and sharing stories. Her bouquet, an explosion of wonderfully bright flowers, perfectly complemented the fun and relaxed vibe of the morning.
Outdoor Tipi Ceremony at Whatton House
Helen’s bridesmaids looked stunning in mismatched dresses, each one reflecting their unique personalities while still tying into the wedding’s colourful theme. The eclectic mix of bright and vibrant colours added a playful charm to the bridal party, making for some truly gorgeous photos.
As Helen took her father’s arm, the sun shone warmly down on them, casting a golden glow as they made their way along the path to the canvas-covered tipi ceremony. The moment was filled with emotion as they walked together, surrounded by all of Paul and Helen’s favourite people, each one beaming with happiness as they awaited her arrival. It was a picture-perfect entrance to a heartfelt and intimate ceremony.
Relaxed Tipi Wedding Reception
As the ceremony concluded, Paul and Helen warmly welcomed their guests into the reception, where the celebrations truly began. The atmosphere was filled with laughter as friends and family enjoyed a selection of fun garden games, meanwhile the group photos were taking place on the perfectly mancured lawns. The crisp wall, a unique and playful touch, was a big hit, offering guests a delicious variety of crunchy treats to snack on as they mingled. The sound of clinking glasses and joyful chatter filled the air, setting the perfect tone for the evening ahead.
Newlywed Portraits in a Picturesque Setting
Before the evening celebrations began, Paul and Helen took a quiet moment together for their newlywed portraits. The manicured gardens of Whatton House provided a dreamy backdrop as they shared intimate glances and playful laughter. They strolled across the romantic bridge, pausing for a sweet embrace. These special moments allowed them to soak in the joy of the day while capturing memories to cherish forever.
An Unique Take on Traditional Speeches
One of the highlights of the day was the Swedish-style speeches. Friends and family took turns sharing touching and often hilarious anecdotes about the couple, ensuring there wasn’t a dry eye or an untouched glass of bubbly in the house!
A Sparkling Ending to a Truly Wonderful Day
As dusk fell, the warm glow of fairy lights wrapped around the tipis created a magical atmosphere. Paul and Helen, hand in hand, led their guests outside for a some photographs with sparklers, before dancing the night away under the shiny disco ball.
Paul and Helen’s wedding was a true reflection of their vibrant personalities—joyful, colourful, and filled with love. It was a celebration to remember, and I feel so honoured to have captured every bright and beautiful moment!
Planning a Whatton House wedding?
I’m a Nottinghamshire wedding photographer who absolutely loves being part of relaxed, colourful tipi weddings just like this one. From the laid-back morning moments to the energy of the dancefloor, I’m all about capturing the real, unfiltered story of your day — the laughter, the chaos, and everything in between.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels fun, personal and completely you, I’d love to hear all about your plans and see if I’m the right fit to capture it.
Whatton House Tipi Wedding FAQs
Can you get married at Whatton House tipis?
Yes, Whatton House is licensed for civil ceremonies, meaning you can have both your ceremony and reception on-site. Many couples choose to marry in the beautiful Bark House within the gardens before heading over to the tipis for their celebration.
How many guests can a tipi wedding at Whatton House hold?
The tipis at Whatton House can accommodate around 150 guests for a seated wedding breakfast and up to 200 guests for an evening celebration, making it a great option for both intimate and larger weddings.
Is Whatton House a good venue for outdoor weddings?
Absolutely — with its landscaped gardens, woodland areas and open countryside setting, Whatton House is perfect for couples looking for a relaxed outdoor wedding with a natural, festival-style feel.
Where is Whatton House located?
Whatton House is located near Loughborough in Leicestershire, with easy access from Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, making it a really convenient venue for guests travelling from across the Midlands.