Camping NOT "Glamping": The reality of Outdoor Weddings

In recent years, the term "glamping" has become a buzzword with outdoor weddings. It conjures up images of beautifully styled bell tents, fairy lights twinkling under the night sky, and a touch of home comfort amidst nature. Now we don't want to completely burst the bubble but let’s be real, no matter how many luxury touches you add, it’s still camping.

We are quite particular in using the word Camping rather than Glamping as it often comes down to personal expectation, and when encouraging your guests to stay over, that’s something every couple should consider when planning their outdoor wedding accommodation.

Bell tent at The Lakeside Bedfordshire Wedding Venue

Photo: John Woodward Photography • Structures: Bell Tents • Venue: The Lakeside at Wild Berry Farm

The Perception of Glamping.

For some, glamping means a fully kitted-out yurt with a real bed, heating, and even en-suite facilities. For others, it simply means not having to pitch their own tent. The reality is that "glamping" is subjective, what feels like luxury to one person might still be a step too far into the wilderness for another.

As a business offering camping villages for weddings, we love creating stunning outdoor stays for guests, but we also believe in setting the right expectations. Whether it’s a fully furnished bell tent or a simple pop-up, your guests are still staying under canvas. This all comes with the realities of nature, changing weather, and the general experience of sleeping outdoors.

Tents with bunting on a grassy field, trees in the background, string lights overhead, and blurred blue flowers in the foreground.

Glamping Sites vs Pop-up.

A static glamping site is designed for long-term comfort, often featuring permanent structures, mains electricity, and even en-suite bathrooms. These locations are carefully landscaped, with pathways, dedicated cooking areas, and established facilities that function year-round. In contrast, a wedding pop-up camping village is a temporary setup and facilities are typically more basic. Therefore guests should expect a more rustic experience. Understanding this difference helps set realistic expectations. Camping together at a wedding is an exciting, immersive way to enjoy and extend wedding celebrations, but it won’t offer the same conveniences as a purpose-built glamping site.

The Weather Factor.

British weather is famously unpredictable and that’s an important factor to keep in mind. A June wedding might bring golden sunsets and warm evenings or it might bring torrential rain and a soggy field. Guests who aren’t accustomed to camping might not be prepared for the realities of a cold September night or an early morning dew-soaked walk to the toilets. It’s worth considering the season carefully and providing clear information so guests can arrive prepared.

If bad weather is forecast in the week running up to your wedding, it is always a good idea to prepare your guests with some added information. Even in the height of summer, night time temperatures can still feel cold - suggesting extra layers and suitable nightwear is never a bad idea.

Feet wearing green and brown boots stand on grass. One person wears a white lace dress, another in pink pants. Overcast setting.

Photo: Howell Jones Photography • Structures: The Grand Pavilion Yurt & Stretch Tent• Venue: Hexton, Hertfordshire

Comfort vs. Reality.

Yes, having your tent pre-pitched and decked out with pre-made beds makes a huge difference, but it’s still a tent. There’s no central heating, walls to block out noise, or a guaranteed bug-free environment. The charming sound of birdsong at dawn? Lovely for some, a rude awakening for others. The walk to the facilities at midnight? Not quite the same as popping into an en-suite bathroom.

This doesn’t mean your guests won’t have an amazing time it just means it’s important to be upfront. Encouraging guests to bring warm layers, appropriate footwear, and an open mind will go a long way in ensuring they embrace the experience.

People strolling in a grassy field with bell tents in the background. The scene is vibrant and green, under a bright sky, evoking a calm mood.

Photo: Jamie Currie • Structures: Bell Tents • Venue: Private home

Tailored Camping Options to Suit Your Guests.

We wanted to offer guests the options for a range of budgets, as we all know weddings can be expensive, even for guests. We have designed a tiered system to allow guests to pick to a level they can afford and are comfortable with.

Our Standard Camper package allows guests to choose the level of extras they want. They can opt for just the tent and bring their own gear, add furnishings so they only need to bring bedding, or add all the above for the full package and simply turn up ready to enjoy. The furnishings at this level are standard metal camp beds, all of which are single and are placed together to make double option, rugs, cushions, low table or vintage crate and single LED light. This is designed to keep prices as low as possible.

For those who prefer a more streamlined experience, our Comfy Camper option provides a 5m bell tent complete with a double wooden bed frame, mattress, and bedding, ensuring a hassle-free and more cosy stay.

Price considerations.

It is important to remember that even though this is camping and in general usually a cheap option for family getaways, for us and all businesses and providers like ours, costs to provide a pop up village can be high.

A huge amount of work goes into the prep, setup and maintenance of camping villages and this has to be accounted for in the pricing. Therefore it isn't always the cheapest option and believe it or not, hotels and B&B's are often more cost effective for your guests. Obviously other businesses will provide a different level of experience and different bed types etc. so do your homework and research what you feel is the most appropriate offer for your guests.

Now we're not trying to put you off, that would be crazy! We just want to be transparent about the service we provide and that you are ultimately asking your guests to buy into.

Inside a bell tent, an orange-covered bed sits on a colourful striped rug. Wooden crate serves as a table, creating a cozy, inviting scene.

Photo: John Woodward Photography • Structures: Bell Tents • Venue: The Lakeside at Wild Berry Farm

How to MakE It Work for Your Wedding.

If you love the idea of a camping village but want to ensure guests are comfortable, here are a few ways to bridge the gap:

Provide clear information: Let guests know what to expect - we give all guests who book with us information on what is included, but if there is extra that you can provide such as whether they have access to any power source, if breakfast will be provided in the morning or if showers will be on site for the duration of their stay.
Consider the time of year: A summer wedding lends itself better to outdoor stays than an early Spring or late Autumn affair.
Offer alternatives: Not everyone will want to camp, so suggesting local B&Bs or hotels ensures guests have options and don't feel obliged to camp if they aren't comfortable doing so.
Think about facilities: Toilets are essential but you may also wish to consider a shower block and well-lit paths can make a world of difference in the camping experience.
Catering: You might want to offer breakfast, this may be something your venue can arrange or something you can encourage groups of friends to do together.

Settling In for the Night: A Final Thought.

Camping at a wedding is a fantastic way to create a festival atmosphere, bring people together, and extend the celebrations beyond just one day. But, even with luxury touches, it’s still camping and that’s a key thing for couples and guests to remember.

If you’re considering a camping village for your wedding, embrace it for what it is: a fun, outdoor adventure that comes with both its quirks and its magic. With the right mindset and a few practical considerations, your guests will remember the experience for all the right reasons.