I’ve done my fair share of photographing Tipi Weddings in Derbyshire and throughout the East midlands over the last 12 or more years. I’ll be honest and say that they can be more than a little intimidating for a novice wedding photographer. They are a dark space even on the brightest of days. As a photographer it pays to know what you’re doing for lighting, especially around the big moments like Cake Cutting, first dance and speeches etc. Personally I relish the challenge and try very hard not to settle for muddy ambient light by setting up strategically placed flash guns by strapping them to the many timber poles etc.
Whilst most tipi or marquee wedding tents are typically erected in the back garden or field of a parent or relatives home The Hidden Hive is a fully setup licensed venue. This is a huge benefit to couples in a number of ways. Firstly there is far less in the traditional wedding planning, organisation and communications to deal with. Secondly there is no cost of setting up and taking down, Thirdly you won’t have a massive mud pit if the weather goes bad during the process! This line that I’ve quoted from their website sums it up brilliantly… “Nestled within the heart of the Derbyshire National Forest, you’ll stumble upon The Hidden Hive, a laidback-luxe tipi wedding venue. Founded in 2017, we’re all about those relaxed, rustic vibes.” What you have is a cracking space that you can still make unique and personalise with all your own wedding décor, but with the huge bonus of not having quite so much stress. Three Giant Tipis give space for up to 150 seated guests and on top of all this there’s a bar stocked with champagne on ice, ready for speeches!
In the case Holly and Josh their wedding festival vibes took on a whole thing to themselves. With a passion for music, gigs and festivals, vinyl records adorned the tables. Added with a wealth of other fabulous music related trinkets, all helped make a truly personal take on their festival wedding theme. Indeed not only did their main event space offer everything this Glasto’ addicted couple could wish for Hidden Hives’ party trick is its onsite accommodation in the form of campsite with Glamping pods and bell tents, a festival goers paradise. The perfect space for a relaxed way to cover wedding preparations, apply makeup and chill before the celebrations get going!
Honestly it’s a fantastic wedding venue to shoot at as a photographer. Exclusivity is fantastic, and combine that with an amazing location and backdrop for portraits is a super treat for great pictures. You’re never lacking for plenty of interaction within the wedding guests to document, and there are so many options for group pictures of bridesmaids and best men with ushers etc. Check out the fantastic few minutes I took Holly and Josh away for some golden hour couple portraits towards the end of their day.
Just to make this wedding even better Holly and Josh skipped the usual formalities at the local registry office on this day and had a family friend act as a wedding celebrant. This just makes everything much more personal. It allows for tailoring your wedding vows to give greater meaning so that all your guests can relate to you as a couple in a much stronger way. It allows for more of a story of how you came to be a couple entering into marriage and gives space for more humour. For me as a documentary photographer there are a great many more opportunities for capturing images that show emotion and storytelling during the celebrations.
If you’re planning a wedding at The Hidden Hives I’d love to help in any way I can so give me a holler!
