Marquee and field weddings in North Cornwall

A marquee in a field above the Camel Estuary is many people's idea of a Cornish wedding. It can be the most personal kind of wedding, and also the most work, because you are building a temporary venue from scratch. This guide covers what to sort out, roughly in the order to sort it.

1. The land

Start with the site, before you fall in love with a tent. Walk it with the marquee company if you can. They will be looking for:

• Level, well-drained ground big enough for the marquee plus a catering tent, toilets and a generator, with space between them.
• Access. Lorries need to get down the lane and through the gate. Many Cornish lanes are single-track with tall hedges, so check width, weight limits and turning space.
• Shelter. An exposed clifftop field has the best view and the most wind. A spot in the lee of a hedge or a fold in the land is far more comfortable.
• Parking on a dry field, and a lit, level route from the car park to the marquee and the toilets.

2. Permissions

A one-off private celebration on private land usually doesn't need planning permission. Repeated or commercial events, or sites in protected landscapes, can be a different matter. Much of the coast around Rock is part of the Cornwall National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). If you are unsure, ask Cornwall Council's planning team. You'll also need:

• The landowner's written agreement, if it isn't your land, covering dates, set-up and take-down days, finish time, numbers and any damage.
• Event insurance with public liability cover. Many suppliers and landowners will ask for it.
• A plan for the neighbours: a note through the door about the date and finish time goes a long way.

3. Alcohol licences

Giving guests free drinks at a private party doesn't need a licence. Selling alcohol does, and that includes a cash bar or a bar where guests buy tokens. A mobile bar company will often hold a personal licence and apply for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from Cornwall Council. A standard TEN must be given at least ten working days before the event, and there are limits on numbers (fewer than 500 people at any one time, including staff). Ask your bar company to handle it, and get the details in writing.

4. Choosing the structure

• Traditional pole marquees have the classic peaked shape, but need guy ropes and space around them.
• Frame (clearspan) marquees have no internal poles and can stand on hard ground. They cope well with wind and are the safe choice on an exposed site.
• Sperry and stretch tents and tipis look more informal and suit field and festival-style weddings. Ask how each design copes with Atlantic gusts and rain.

Whatever you choose, budget for the extras: flooring (essential on wet grass), lining, side walls that can open or close with the weather, lighting, heating for spring and autumn, and a separate catering tent.

5. Toilets, power and water

Everything a hotel takes for granted has to be hired: toilets, a generator, lighting for paths, water and rubbish collection. Our page on toilets, power and facilities goes through it.

6. Plan B

The north coast can produce four seasons in a day. A marquee is your plan B for rain, but think about the arrival, the ceremony and the photographs. Can the ceremony move inside the marquee? Is there a covered route from parking? Do you have umbrellas and somewhere for wet coats? Set a decision time on the morning, agree it with your suppliers, and stick to it.

Marquee and field wedding checklist

• Site visit with the marquee company, including access for lorries
• Landowner agreement in writing; neighbours told
• Event insurance with public liability cover
• Bar arranged, and Temporary Event Notice applied for if alcohol is being sold
• Toilets, generator, lighting, water and waste booked
• Caterer's needs confirmed (kitchen tent, power, water)
• Parking, signage and marshals for arrival
• Wet-weather and wind plan, with a decision time
• Take-down day and clear-up agreed

Kit for a marquee or field wedding

Festoon lights

Garden Outdoor Lights Mains Powered - 100ft 30M Festoon Light String LED

The single biggest lift for a marquee or barn once the sun goes down.

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Lanterns

Nuptio Lanterns for Candles Garden Lanterns, 2 Pcs Vintage Style Hanging Small Lanterns for Tealight Candle, …

Line a path or the aisle. Use LED candles if the venue bans naked flames.

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Bunting

G2PLUS JUST MARRIED Burlap Bunting - 9 Feet Hessian Wedding Banner - Rustic Linen Garlands with 12PCS Jute Tr…

Cheap, reusable and right at home on a Cornish field or barn wedding.

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Welcome sign

Personalised Wedding Welcome Entrance Sign Board Custom Large Acrylic Plaque Modern Wedding Reception, Engage…

Helpful at a field or private-land wedding where guests arrive from a lane.

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Blankets

VonShef Picnic Blanket, Beige Herringbone Outdoor Rug with Waterproof Backing, 6 Person Weatherproof Picnic M…

For guests on hay bales or the beach as the evening cools down.

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Lawn games

TUAHOO Garden Games Giant Tumble Tower (Stack 0.6 M up to 1.5 M), Large Tumbling Timber Wooden Toppling Block…

Keeps guests (and children) busy during the photos between ceremony and meal.

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