Kids at a Glamping Wedding: Why Little Guests Love It
The parent's wedding dilemma
If you've ever been to a wedding with small children, you'll know the drill. Just as the first dance starts, someone's yawning, someone's crying, and you're working out whether to leave now or carry a sleeping toddler to the car at midnight.
For lots of parents, it means either missing the best part of the night or not coming at all. For couples, it means some of their favourite people heading home early.
A glamping wedding changes the whole picture. When your family's bell tent is just a short walk from the party, bedtime stops being the end of the night.
Why glamping weddings work so well for families
Bedtime without leaving the party. Little ones can go to sleep in the family tent while parents take turns enjoying the evening, just steps away.
Space to roam. Instead of a formal function room, children have fields and fresh air to burn off their energy (and sugar from the cake).
It's an adventure. For a child, sleeping in a tent with fairy lights is the most exciting thing ever. They'll remember it long after the wedding.
No late night taxis. No trying to cram car seats in.
Everyone's together. Grandparents, aunties and cousins are all on site, so there are plenty of helping hands (and willing babysitters).
Families can stay together in their own bell tent, and we're always happy to help you work out the best set-up for your guests. We always work with you to decide on lay out and we can always put families closest to the venue.
Ideas to keep little guests happy
A few simple touches can make your wedding just as magical for the smallest guests.
A chill out tent. Book our chill out bell tent with cushions, blankets and lanterns. It becomes a calm hideaway when things get overwhelming for smaller children or a space to hang out away from the adults for the bigger kids.
Lawn games. A great idea to make use of the outdoor space.
A wedding activity pack. A little bag with crayons, stickers, bubbles and an "I spy at the wedding" sheet works wonders during speeches.
A treasure hunt. Hide clues around the site for older kids to explore.
Kids' disco time. Silent disco headphones are a huge hit with children. Give them their own early-evening slot before the adults take over.
Glow sticks after dark. Cheap, cheerful and great for spotting little ones running around the field.
Marshmallows by the fire pit. Supervised toasting is the perfect wind-down before bed.
Practical tips for couples and parents
For couples
Group families together. Pitch family tents near each other (and a little away from the late-night dance floor) so children can sleep while parents still feel part of the party.
Think about lighting. Providing torches can make it easier for walking back to the tent at night time.
Let guests know what to expect. We share a 'How To Be A Happy Glamper' leaflet with our couples to share with their guests.
For parents
Pack layers and wellies/crocs. Evenings in a field can get chilly, and grass is often damp in the morning.
Bring cosy pj's and bed socks. We provide 13.5 tog bedding but it just keeps the little ones cosy all night, even if it's summer.
Bring familiar comforts. A favourite teddy, blanket or night light helps little ones settle in a new place.
Pack a torch. Head torches are brilliant for night-time trips to the loo.
Take turns. Swap bedtime duties with your partner or another family so everyone gets a turn on the dance floor.
A wedding the whole family will remember
A glamping wedding means nobody has to choose between their children and the celebration. Parents get to stay for the whole party, little ones get the adventure of a lifetime, and you get all your favourite people with you right to the end of the night.
If you're planning a family-friendly wedding in Yorkshire, we'd love to help you create a bell tent village that works for guests of every age. Our 2027 diary is open, so get in touch for a chat, or see more on our wedding glamping page.
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