Early Autumn church wedding with sail cloth marquee in back garden.

An Early Autumn Garden Wedding in Essex | At-Home Marquee Wedding with Personal Touches, RIXO Dress & Dog-Inspired Details

As an Essex wedding photographer, there’s something truly special about at-home weddings – especially ones like this early autumn celebration, full of personality, creativity and warmth. From the heartfelt church ceremony to the beautifully styled sailcloth marquee in the couple’s back garden, this wedding had all the best things about an at-home celebration: delicious food, meaningful details, and so much fun.

A Church Ceremony Full of Meaning

The day began with a traditional church ceremony in Essex, just as the leaves were starting to turn with the season. Rebecca’s dad driving her to church in a quintessentially British racing green soft top car was in keeping with the day and guests enjoyed a really entertaining and light hearted ceremony!

A RIXO Wedding Dress Inspired by the Bride’s Mum

The bride’s look was something truly special – her wedding dress was designed by her close friends at RIXO, and took inspiration from her own mum’s wedding dress from the 1980s. The result was timeless, fashion-forward and full of sentimental value. Her style perfectly echoed the feeling of the day: personal, stylish and full of joy.

Back Garden Marquee Wedding with Events Under Canvas

After the ceremony, guests headed to the couple’s home, where a stunning sailcloth marquee from Events Under Canvas had been set up in the garden. The structure was light and airy, letting in the warm autumn light and creating a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. There’s something so magical about hosting a wedding at home – every corner holds a memory, and everything feels deeply personal.

Florals & Stationery by the Bride Herself

The bride poured her creativity into every aspect of the day. She arranged all of the flowers herself – from wild, autumnal bouquets to beautifully natural tablescapes bursting with seasonal colour. The stationery, also designed by the bride, featured thoughtful nods to the couple’s life together – including their beloved dog, who played a starring role throughout the day.

A Wedding Cake with a Pup-Themed Twist

Speaking of the dog – not only did he feature in the stationery, but he also made an appearance on the incredible wedding cake by Lottie & Jake’s Cakes. It was a showstopper in both design and flavour, with intricate details that brought a huge smile to every guest’s face.

Feast-Worthy Food by Gather & Feast

For the wedding breakfast, Gather & Feast Events served up an unforgettable meal that celebrated the best of the season. Think generous sharing platters, beautifully presented dishes, and food that brought everyone together around the table. It was the perfect complement to such a laid-back and joyful celebration.

Why I Love At-Home Weddings in Essex

As a documentary-style wedding photographer in Essex, these kinds of days are a dream to capture. At-home weddings are so rich in emotion and personality – from the familiar setting to the bespoke details, they allow couples to completely make the day their own. This wedding was the perfect example of that: relaxed, stylish, and full of heartfelt moments.

If you’re planning your own Essex garden wedding with a marquee and want relaxed, natural wedding photos that tell the story of your day honestly and beautifully – I’d love to hear from you.