5 Outdoor Wedding Venue Trends for 2026: What Couples Are Really Looking For

The Venue at Gayton tipi wedding venue drone view

As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: couples are moving away from traditional venues and leaning strongly towards outdoor wedding venues, tipi celebrations, and marquee setups. These feel relaxed, personal, and rooted in nature. Now whilst we know that outdoor weddings are not for everyone. However, there are more and more people understanding the benefits and beauty that they can offer.

Instead of booking venues that dictate their day, couples want spaces they can shape around their personalities. Whether that’s at one of our exclusive venues in Staffordshire or Cheshire, or a stunning tipi setup on family land anywhere in the UK.

Here are the five venue trends shaping outdoor and tipi weddings for 2026. And why they matter for couples planning a celebration that feels truly their own.


1. Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Outdoor Wedding

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword anymore — for many couples, it’s a non-negotiable. An outdoor wedding naturally support this trend because the landscape does a lot of the work for you. Reducing the need for heavy décor, artificial lighting, and wasteful materials.

More couples are choosing outdoor and tipi venues that offer:
• Minimal impact on the land.
• Natural, reusable materials (like canvas, wood, or bamboo).
• Seasonal and locally sourced food and flowers.
• Décor that complements, rather than covers, the surroundings.

Tipi weddings in particular feel perfectly aligned with this trend. The warm canvas tones, natural textures, and soft lighting create an eco-friendly aesthetic without trying too hard.

Couples want their outdoor wedding to feel thoughtful and responsible, and outdoor spaces make that both achievable and beautiful.


2. One-Location Venues That Keep the Day Flowing Smoothly

A big shift for 2026 is the move toward single-location weddings where everything — from getting ready to the ceremony to the evening party — happens in one place.

An outdoor weddings can shine here. Tipis and marquees are incredibly flexible, allowing couples to create:
• A ceremony area in the field.
• A tipi for the reception.
• A chill-out space under the stars.
• Firepit corners for later in the night.
• And even space for the morning-after brunch!

Guests don’t need to travel between locations, and couples aren’t tied to strict venue rules. It’s a calm, natural flow — and it’s one of the main reasons tipi and marquee weddings are booming.


3. Venues With Personality, Warmth, and Story

Couples in 2026 want their venue to feel like an extension of themselves. Rather than ornate ballrooms or grand halls, they’re seeking spaces with warmth, character, and connection to the outdoors.

This is where outdoor weddings truly stand out.

A tipi in a field or a marquee in a garden can feel relaxed, full of atmosphere and entirely unique to each couple.

No two outdoor weddings ever look the same — and couples love that.

Whether the setting is a family farm, a quiet corner of the countryside, or a piece of land that simply holds meaning for the couple, the trend is all about authenticity over formality.


4. Nature-Integrated Outdoor Wedding Spaces

Couples don’t just want to be outdoors — they want to be surrounded by the landscape.

Nature-integrated venues are a major trend for 2026, especially for couples who feel most at home outside.

Think ceremonies under open skies. Countryside views framed by the tipi entrance. Clear-sided marquees that bring the outside in
and tablescapes filled with seasonal foliage and organic textures

These spaces create a sense of calm and connection that indoor venues simply can’t replicate.

Tipi weddings in particular offer a beautiful balance — shelter and comfort, while still keeping guests connected to the open air.


5. Customisable Venues Without the Restrictions

Perhaps the biggest trend of all: couples want the freedom to shape their day exactly how they envision it.

Outdoor wedding and tipi venues are leading the way because they offer complete flexibility without complicated rules or rigid structures.

Couples can customise:
• the layout
• the décor
• the lighting
• the food service style
• the ceremony spot
• the flow of the day

But they also want support. Experts who can guide them through the practicalities of outdoor weddings. From power and lighting to weather prep and guest comfort. These are things couples shouldn’t be worrying about on their big day.

It’s this balance — freedom paired with trusted guidance — that makes tipi, marquee, and at-home weddings so appealing for 2026.


Final Thoughts

Outdoor, tipi, and marquee weddings are becoming the go-to choice for couples who want a celebration that feels relaxed, meaningful, and entirely personal.

The trends shaping 2026 show a clear shift toward:
• sustainability
• flexibility
• natural beauty
• connectedness
• and thoughtful simplicity

Whether it’s a tipi in a Staffordshire field, a farm in Cheshire, or an outdoor ceremony at home. Couples want spaces that reflect who they are — not venues that ask them to fit into a mould.

And that’s exactly why outdoor weddings will continue to grow, evolve, and inspire well into the future.