Marquee weddings at Butley Priory
Marquee weddings in a magical setting
For a limited number of weekend per year, Butley Priory opens its house and gardens to larger wedding groups with a dedicated lawn for a marquee or tipi.
A ceremony to remember under the vaulted ceilings of the Great Hall, drinks on the lawn of the South Garden followed by an elegant feast under canvas, looking up at the ancient Priory facade. As the evening draws in, return to the Priory for your evening reception, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable party in the Great Hall, with your very own secret bar.
We’ll introduce you to the best Suffolk marquee providers who, with their years of experience, will guide you to all that’s required for a smooth and seamless marquee wedding.
Celebrate under Suffolk skies
Suitable for weddings of 60+ guests, a marquee, sailcloth or tipi becomes an exciting space for the wedding breakfast and cocktail hour under a blanket of twinkly lights.
Whether your inspiration is for a festival wedding, an English country garden wedding, or a modern elegant affair, your marquee is the blank canvas to create your wedding vision. Let your imagination run wild.
How will your wedding day flow?
Ceremony & Drinks
Ceremonies for up to 100 guests can take place inside under the vaulted ceilings of the Great Hall. In fine weather, invite guests to take their seats in the South garden. Afterwards, enjoy celebrating with your guests over a few drinks inside or outside.
Wedding Breakfast
A garden marquee becomes a beautiful focal point as guests move to the front of the Priory for your wedding breakfast. Whether a tipi, sailcloth or stretch tent, with round or long tables, your guests will enjoy being under canvass to feast and toast the speeches.
Evening Reception
Invite your guests back inside the Priory for THE coolest house party. Your band or DJ will be set up and raring to go, with our secret bar open and ready for cocktails.
“We were lucky enough to have our wedding weekend in June at Butley Priory. Butley was the one and only venue we viewed. The moment we met Donna and walked around the Priory and it's grounds, we knew it was the one.
“Donna and her team were incredible, from start to finish, she was on hand to answer any questions and help with even the minor details. The day went perfectly, we were both on cloud nine!
“We will forever have the best memories of our wedding weekend. It was just incredibly perfect and we will be forever grateful. Thank you...please can we do it all again?!”
India and Charlie, June 2024
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Firstly, that your structure is the right size for your guest numbers and that you’ll have enough space for your tables and chairs, plus any lounge furniture.
If you’re bringing in external suppliers for photo booths/casino tables/decor, you’ll need to ensure there is ample room for them too.
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The Basics; Flooring, Lighting, Tables & Chairs
The Backstage; Catering tent with Tables & Lighting
The Facilities; Portable Toilets are recommended for 100+ guests
The Extra’s; Firepits, chill-out furniture, Hay bales etc
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Power & Distribution
Refrigerated chiller for your wine and bar drinks
Rustic wooden bar & glassware
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In most cases, no. We have a good source of power here that is suitable for the majority of weddings. You’ll just need to tell us how many sockets your suppliers need and we’ll advise you if a generator is required
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Usually on the day before your wedding and we’ll be here to oversee the install, meaning it’ll be ready for your final touches when you arrive in the afternoon.
De-rig of the marquee usually happens the day after your wedding.
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Firstly, the structure will be fully water-tight. We’ll watch the weather closely in the days leading up to your wedding and with your agreement, will make the best call for ‘sides up’ or ‘sides down’ taking wind direction into consideration too.
How to host a successful marquee wedding
Our wedding brochure
Allow us to properly introduce you to Butley Priory to give you a flavour of what it’s like to hold your marquee wedding here. View, download and share with friends & family.
LUXURY WEDDING ACCOMMODATION
Four charming on-site properties for your weekend wedding guests, all within three minutes’ walk
BUTLEY PRIORY
Sleeps 7-11
Four exquisite bedrooms, usually for the wedding party.
BUTLEY ABBEY FARMHOUSE
Sleeps 24
12 bedrooms, a large garden, tennis court, thatched summerhouse and croquet lawn - perfect for night-before drinks
BUTLEY PRIORY COTTAGE
Sleeps 4-6
Right next to the Priory. Perfect for ushers or families with young children.
PADDY’S COTTAGE
Sleeps 4-6
Ideal for those with mobility issues. Adjoins the farmhouse with accessible bedroom and bathroom.
