WHAT MADE THIS SURREY MARQUEE WEDDING SO SPECIAL?
As a Surrey marquee wedding photographer, one of the things I love most about marquee weddings is that no two celebrations ever feel the same.
Unlike traditional venues, marquee weddings give couples the freedom to create a day that feels completely personal. From the setting and styling to the atmosphere and guest experience, every detail can reflect your story and priorities.
This beautiful Surrey marquee wedding was a wonderful example of exactly that. Set beside stunning lakes and surrounded by nature, Erin and Robert created a celebration that felt elegant yet relaxed, luxurious yet welcoming.
Every part of the day reflected who they are as a couple. From heartfelt vows and thoughtful details to golden-hour portraits by the water, the celebration felt authentic from beginning to end.
For couples planning a Surrey marquee wedding, their day offers plenty of inspiration for creating a wedding that feels both beautiful and meaningful.
HOW DID THIS COUPLE’S LOVE STORY BEGIN?
Every wedding has a story behind it, and understanding that journey often makes the day itself feel even more special.
Erin and Robert first met more than ten years ago whilst studying in London. Erin attended the Royal Veterinary College, whilst Robert studied at Imperial College London.
Their paths crossed during a university sports night where Robert arrived dressed as a bear.
As Erin later joked:
“The vet in me obviously thought he needed some help.”
What began as a chance meeting soon grew into a relationship built on friendship, laughter and adventure.
Years later, Robert proposed at Dove Stones in Saddleworth, one of Erin’s favourite places in the Peak District. The location already held deep meaning because it was where her grandmother’s ashes had been scattered.
The proposal came as a complete surprise and was followed by happy tears, shock and plenty of excitement.
Honestly, it could not have been more romantic.
WHY CHOOSE BOTH A LONDON WEDDING AND A SURREY WEDDING CELEBRATION?
Many couples now choose to celebrate their wedding across more than one day.
Some prefer an intimate legal ceremony followed by a larger celebration with family and friends. Others simply love the idea of combining two very different settings.
Erin and Robert embraced this approach beautifully.
Before their Surrey marquee wedding, they celebrated their legal ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Their London wedding felt effortlessly stylish and full of iconic city charm. Afterwards, they enjoyed a relaxed wedding breakfast at Daphne’s in Chelsea.
Their Surrey celebration then provided the opportunity to gather loved ones together for a larger countryside wedding.
For couples who find themselves choosing between a city wedding and a country celebration, combining both can often provide the best of both worlds.
WHAT IS A SURREY MARQUEE WEDDING?
A Surrey marquee wedding is exactly what it sounds like: a wedding held in a beautifully styled marquee, often surrounded by some of Surrey’s most stunning countryside.
One of the things couples love most about marquee weddings is the flexibility they offer. Rather than fitting your plans around a venue, you can create a day that feels completely personal to you.
Erin and Robert’s wedding was a lovely example of this. Their lakeside marquee setting combined elegant styling with beautiful natural surroundings, creating a celebration that felt relaxed, luxurious and completely unique to them.
For couples who want stunning views, plenty of space and the freedom to create a wedding that reflects their personalities, a Surrey marquee wedding can be such a wonderful choice.
WHY CHOOSE A SURREY MARQUEE WEDDING?
One of the biggest advantages of a Surrey marquee wedding is the freedom it offers.
Rather than adapting your plans to fit a venue, you can build a celebration around what matters most to you. Whether you prioritise stunning views, personalised styling or a relaxed atmosphere, a marquee creates endless possibilities.
Erin and Robert’s wedding showcased this perfectly. Their lakeside setting combined elegant styling with beautiful countryside surroundings, creating a celebration that felt refined whilst remaining wonderfully relaxed.
Some of the biggest benefits of a Surrey marquee wedding include:
- Complete creative freedom
- Beautiful countryside surroundings
- Flexible guest numbers
- Personalised styling opportunities
- Seamless indoor and outdoor flow
- Stunning golden-hour photography
- A relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere
For couples who want a wedding that feels uniquely theirs, a marquee wedding can offer an incredible amount of flexibility.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE GETTING READY ON THE WEDDING MORNING?
The atmosphere during a wedding morning often shapes the mood for the rest of the day.
The best mornings feel relaxed, joyful and filled with anticipation rather than stress. Giving yourself enough time and surrounding yourself with the right people can make a huge difference.
Erin and Robert’s wedding morning captured exactly that feeling.
The bridal party got ready at The Merry Harriers in charming shepherd’s huts, whilst the boys enjoyed a relaxed morning at the pub.
One of my favourite moments happened before the ceremony had even begun. The groomsmen headed off to meet the resident llamas.
It was unexpected, hilarious and exactly the kind of spontaneous moment I love capturing.
These natural interactions often become some of the most memorable photographs because they reflect the genuine atmosphere of the day.
Meanwhile, excitement quietly built as everyone prepared for the celebrations ahead.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR A LUXURY MARQUEE WEDDING?
Choosing what to wear for a luxury marquee wedding is often about finding the right balance between elegance and comfort.
Countryside celebrations tend to feel slightly more relaxed than formal city weddings, which allows couples to embrace a timeless yet effortless style.
Erin’s bridal look was a beautiful example of this approach.
She wore Suzanne Neville’s stunning Serrano gown from Miss Bush, paired with a cathedral-length lace veil that felt sophisticated, modern and elegant.
Her bridal styling was completed by:
- Makeup Artist: Birute Thomas
- Hair Stylist: Rosie H from The Bridal Stylists
The overall look complemented the relaxed luxury of the day whilst remaining completely timeless.
For couples planning a Surrey marquee wedding, choosing outfits that feel comfortable and authentic often creates the most confident photographs.
WHAT MADE THIS SURREY LAKESIDE WEDDING CEREMONY SO MEMORABLE?
A wedding ceremony often becomes the emotional heart of the day.
The most memorable ceremonies are not necessarily the grandest. Instead, they are the ones that feel personal, meaningful and true to the couple.
Erin and Robert’s ceremony embodied all of those qualities.
The ceremony took place inside a beautifully styled marquee overlooking the lake. Surrounded by greenery and drifting black swans, the setting felt peaceful and wonderfully connected to nature.
DJ Cumming Bird Studio transformed the marquee with delicate delphinium chandeliers and soft greenery, creating a space that felt elegant without losing its connection to the landscape outside.
Some of the highlights included:
- Erin’s brother-in-law officiating the ceremony
- Heartfelt readings from family and friends
- Personal vows
- Guests singing Stand By Me together
- A Thousand Years performed by the Surrey String Quartet
Every detail felt thoughtful, emotional and completely unique to them.
Moments like these remind us that the most meaningful weddings are often the ones that feel deeply personal.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR WEDDING FEEL MORE PERSONAL?
The weddings that stay with guests long after the celebrations end are often the ones filled with meaningful personal touches.
Whilst beautiful styling certainly plays a role, it is usually the details that tell your story that people remember most. These thoughtful additions help create a wedding that feels unique and genuinely reflective of who you are as a couple.
Erin and Robert included lovely personal touches throughout their Surrey marquee wedding, and each one added another layer of meaning to the day.
One of my favourites was their wedding cake by Cutter and Squidge, which featured a model of their beloved whippet, Pickle.
Because the venue is a bird sanctuary, Pickle could not attend the wedding itself. Including him on the cake was such a thoughtful way to make him part of the celebration.
Whether it is a family tradition, a favourite place, a meaningful song or a beloved pet, personal details often become some of the most memorable parts of a wedding day.
WHAT ARE WEDDING PORTRAITS LIKE DURING A SURREY MARQUEE WEDDING?
Many couples worry about the portrait session before their wedding day. In reality, it is often one of the most relaxed parts of the celebration.
The best wedding portraits are not about perfect posing. Instead, they focus on connection, natural interaction and creating space for genuine moments to unfold.
Erin and Robert’s portraits were a wonderful example of this approach.
After the ceremony, we spent some time exploring the lakeside surroundings and making the most of the beautiful scenery. Rather than focusing on the camera, they simply enjoyed being together and soaking up the excitement of the day.
As a result, their photographs felt natural, relaxed and full of genuine emotion.
One of the nicest things they later shared was how comfortable they felt throughout the experience.
That always means so much to hear because confidence often comes from feeling present rather than knowing how to pose.
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT DOES A SURREY MARQUEE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER USE?
Photographing a Surrey marquee wedding requires equipment that can adapt to different locations, lighting conditions and moments throughout the day.
For Erin and Robert’s wedding, I used:
This setup allows me to capture everything from wide scenic photographs of the marquee and lakeside setting to natural portraits and candid moments throughout the celebration.
Whilst professional equipment is important, the real magic comes from light, connection, timing and helping couples feel completely relaxed in front of the camera.
Those are the ingredients that turn beautiful moments into meaningful photographs.
WHY ARE DUSK PHOTOS PERFECT FOR A SURREY MARQUEE WEDDING?
If there is one piece of wedding photography advice I regularly give, it is to make time for a few photographs at dusk.
The light during this part of the day feels completely different. It becomes softer, warmer and more atmospheric, which creates a wonderfully romantic look.
In addition, dusk often provides one of the few opportunities for couples to step away from the celebrations and enjoy a quiet moment together.
As Erin and Robert’s wedding moved into the evening, we slipped away for a few minutes whilst guests continued enjoying the reception.
The combination of soft light, peaceful surroundings and that wonderful newly married feeling created some truly beautiful photographs.
Even ten minutes can make a huge difference, which is why I always encourage couples planning a Surrey marquee wedding to leave a little space in their timeline for this part of the day.
WHAT MAKES A LUXURY SURREY WEDDING RECEPTION MEMORABLE?
A memorable wedding reception is about much more than beautiful styling.
The weddings guests talk about for years afterwards are often the ones where everyone feels welcomed, relaxed and genuinely involved in the celebrations.
Creating opportunities for guests to connect, laugh and enjoy themselves can completely transform the atmosphere of a wedding.
Erin and Robert achieved this beautifully.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed champagne and canapés beside the lake whilst taking in the stunning countryside views. The atmosphere felt joyful from the moment everyone stepped outside.
Throughout the day, guests also enjoyed:
- Giant Jenga and boules
- Drinks by the lake
- Exceptional catering by Caper and Berry
- Beautiful wines and champagne
- Signature cocktails
- Evening sausage rolls
Every element felt carefully considered without feeling overly formal.
Later in the evening, Ear Candy Live’s Motown Gold band kept the dance floor packed and the energy high.
Their first dance to Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer was the perfect way to begin the evening celebrations.
Looking around the dance floor later that night, it was impossible not to smile. The atmosphere felt vibrant, joyful and completely reflective of the couple themselves.
WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING A LUXURY SURREY MARQUEE WEDDING?
One of the greatest benefits of a Surrey marquee wedding is the freedom to create something completely personal.
However, with that flexibility comes a little more planning behind the scenes.
The most successful marquee weddings usually combine beautiful styling with thoughtful organisation. When those two elements come together, the day feels effortless for both couples and guests.
Having photographed many luxury Surrey weddings over the years, there are a few things I always recommend prioritising.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Wedding Day
Marquee weddings often involve more moving parts than a traditional venue wedding.
Creating a detailed timeline and planning key logistics in advance helps everything run smoothly and allows you to relax on the day.
Choose Wedding Suppliers You Trust
Your supplier team plays a huge role in shaping your experience.
Working with experienced professionals allows you to enjoy the day knowing every detail is being taken care of.
Focus on Guest Experience
Beautiful décor certainly matters, but guests often remember the atmosphere, food and entertainment most.
Prioritising comfort and enjoyment creates a celebration people will talk about long after the wedding.
Leave Time for Golden Hour and Dusk Portraits
You do not need hours away from your guests.
However, setting aside a little time for portraits during golden hour or dusk can create some of the most beautiful photographs of the entire day.
Erin and Robert’s wedding was a wonderful example of how thoughtful planning can create a celebration that feels seamless, personal and genuinely enjoyable for everyone involved.
WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING PHOTOGRAPHED BY JULIET LEMON PHOTOGRAPHY?
One of the biggest concerns couples share before their wedding is whether they will feel comfortable in front of the camera.
The truth is that very few people spend their weekends being professionally photographed. Feeling a little nervous is completely normal.
That is why my approach focuses on creating a relaxed experience rather than directing every moment. Instead of asking couples to perform for the camera, I encourage them to enjoy the day and spend time together naturally.
As a result, the photographs feel authentic, personal and full of genuine emotion.
Erin and Robert felt exactly the same way before their wedding.
Afterwards, they shared these lovely words about their experience:
“Juliet made our wedding day so special and put us at ease.
We are not the type of couple who love pictures and shy away from them but Juliet made us feel amazing. I would highly recommend her!
Everyone at our wedding said Juliet was so lovely and very professional and social and they didn’t know they were having their pictures taken.
Thank you for making our day so special.”
— Erin & Robert
For me, that is always the goal. Beautiful photographs matter, but helping couples feel relaxed enough to enjoy the experience matters just as much.
SURREY WEDDING INSPIRATION
One of the things I love most about being a Surrey wedding photographer is the incredible variety of wedding venues across the county.
Whether you are planning a luxury marquee wedding, a romantic manor house celebration or a countryside wedding surrounded by nature, Surrey offers some truly beautiful settings for your wedding day.
If you are currently searching for wedding venue inspiration, you may also enjoy these real weddings and venue guides:
- Painshill Park Wedding Photographer – A stunning Surrey wedding venue known for its picturesque lake, historic follies and beautiful landscaped gardens.
- Langshott Manor Wedding Photographer – A charming manor house wedding venue filled with character, elegant surroundings and a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.
- Hartsfield Manor Wedding Photographer – A beautiful Surrey wedding venue offering timeless architecture, impressive grounds and wonderful opportunities for natural wedding photography.
- Wotton House Wedding Photographer – A historic country house wedding venue featuring Italian gardens, breathtaking surroundings and a relaxed countryside feel.
Each venue offers something completely unique, which is one of the many reasons Surrey remains such a wonderful place to get married.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SURREY MARQUEE WEDDINGS
Planning a Surrey marquee wedding often comes with plenty of questions. Here are some of the things couples ask most often.
Why choose a Surrey Marquee Wedding?
A Surrey marquee wedding offers flexibility, beautiful countryside surroundings and the opportunity to create a celebration that feels completely personal.
Many couples love the freedom to design every aspect of the day whilst making the most of Surrey’s stunning landscapes.
Are marquee weddings more expensive than traditional wedding venues?
Costs vary depending on guest numbers, location and supplier choices.
Whilst marquee weddings often require additional elements such as catering, furniture and lighting, they also provide far greater flexibility and customisation than many traditional venues.
What are the benefits of a lakeside wedding venue?
Lakeside wedding venues provide beautiful views, a peaceful atmosphere and fantastic opportunities for natural wedding photography throughout the day.
They also create a stunning backdrop for ceremonies, drinks receptions and couple portraits.
How does a Surrey Marquee Wedding Photographer capture the day?
A Surrey marquee wedding photographer combines candid moments, beautiful details and the surrounding landscape to tell the complete story of the wedding.
The connection between indoor and outdoor spaces often creates wonderfully natural and authentic photographs.
What is the best time for wedding portraits at a Surrey Marquee Wedding?
Golden hour and dusk are often favourites amongst photographers because the light becomes softer and more flattering.
However, beautiful wedding portraits can happen at any point in the day when couples feel relaxed, connected and fully present.
Are Surrey Marquee Weddings suitable in all seasons?
Absolutely.
Modern marquees work beautifully throughout the year and can be adapted for different weather conditions.
From sunny summer celebrations to cosy autumn gatherings, marquee weddings can create a wonderful atmosphere in every season.
WHO WERE THE WEDDING SUPPLIERS?
A huge thank you to the fantastic team who helped bring this beautiful Surrey marquee wedding to life.
- Dress: Suzanne Neville from Miss Bush
- Bridal Makeup Artist: Birute Thomas
- Hair Styling: Rosie H from The Bridal Stylists
- Flowers: FJ Cumming Bird Studio
- Caterers: Caper and Berry
- Cake: Cutter and Squidge
- Music: Surrey String Quartet
- Evening Band: Ear Candy Live Motown Gold
- Photographer: Juliet Lemon Photography
Working with talented suppliers who share the same commitment to creating an exceptional experience makes such a difference on a wedding day.
LOOKING FOR A SURREY MARQUEE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
If you are planning a Surrey marquee wedding and are looking for natural, vibrant and heartfelt photography, get in touch here, and I absolutely love to hear about your plans.
Whether you are getting married beside a lake, in the countryside or beneath a beautifully styled marquee, my approach always focuses on capturing genuine moments and meaningful connections as they naturally unfold.
The most important thing is that you can fully enjoy your wedding day whilst knowing every laugh, every happy tear and every unforgettable moment is being beautifully documented.
If that sounds like the kind of photography experience you are looking for, I would love to hear more about your plans and help tell your story.
