When Alice and Nathan began planning their wedding, they knew one thing for certain: it had to be unique, personal, and completely theirs. They wanted something that stood apart - a day that felt both authentic to them and deeply connected to the incredible landscape of Almscliffe Valley.
Images: Mark Hooper Photography
Why a Tipi Wedding?
For Alice, the choice to hire a tipi was all about freedom.
“We wanted a blank canvas. We wanted to choose all our own components of the wedding including food, drink, flowers, décor etc. Once we chose Almscliffe, the tipi was exactly the look and feel that brought it all together.”
Celebrating their wedding on the summer solstice gave the day an extra sense of magic and the tipi created the perfect balance between laid-back, rustic charm and a stylish backdrop for their celebration.
From day one, they knew they were in safe hands.
“When we met Laura, it was really a no brainer. She was so helpful and friendly, and we knew the process would be so much easier with someone we could trust to bring our vision to life with no fuss.”
The Perfect Venue: Almscliffe Valley
Finding the right setting for their tipi wedding was just as important as the tipi itself. After searching for venues that would give them total freedom, Alice and Nathan came across Almscliffe Valley.
With Almscliffe Crag towering in the background, a pond reflecting the skies above, and rolling Yorkshire countryside all around, it instantly felt like “the one.”
“Almscliffe was so much more than an ordinary field. We could completely put our own stamp on it and make it unique to us - it will always have a special place in our hearts.”
And the best part? They can return to the crag whenever they like to reminisce about their big day.
Weather Worries (and How They Overcame Them)
Like any couple planning an outdoor wedding, Alice and Nathan had one big concern: the rain.
“We thought we’d be clever and hold it on the longest day of the year… but it still rained! Luckily, only for half an hour.”
Instead of letting it ruin the moment, they had a solid back-up plan in place. From considering stretch tents to planning how to use an extra tipi module if needed, nothing was left to chance. When the showers did arrive, the drinks reception simply moved onto the dance floor until the sunshine reappeared.
Their advice? Always have a rainy-day plan, but don’t stress about it too much - your guests will be having far too much fun to notice.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The planning process was full of creativity for Alice and Nathan, who took a hands-on approach to their décor.
“We made all of our own decorations, our own bar and even created all of our own stationery. It was really fun to do together.”
From hay bales and garden games to tiki lanterns and even an ice cream van, they made the most of the outdoor space at their tipi wedding venue, creating a festival-style atmosphere full of charm and character.
And the surprise showstopper?
“To all the men out there, when she asks for the extra-large disco ball - say yes! It was one of the best decisions we made and it was such a feature.”
Advice for Other Couples Planning Tipi Weddings
Alice and Nathan’s top tips for anyone looking to hire a tipi for their wedding:
Start making decorations early if you’re doing it yourself - slow and steady wins the race.
Always have a weather back-up plan (but don’t let it consume you).
Maximise the outdoor setting with fun touches like games, hay bales and food trucks.
Don’t be afraid to go big on statement décor—you won’t regret it!
Best Day Ever
When asked to sum up their wedding in three words, Alice and Nath didn’t hesitate:
“Best. Day. Ever!”
Planning Your Own Tipi Wedding?
If Alice and Nath’s story has inspired you to dream of your own tipi celebration, we’d love to help bring it to life. Whether you’re looking to hire a tipi, need a stunning tipi wedding venue, or want the full package with our expert wedding bar hire, we’ll make the process seamless and stress-free.
Limited 2026 dates are still available - get in touch today to start planning your own unforgettable tipi wedding.
Photos - Mark Hooper Photography
Venue - Almscliffe Valley
Catering - Embers