Tipis at Mapledurham

Tipis at Mapledurham sit within the 2,000-acre Mapledurham Estate, a landscape shaped by ancient woodland, open pasture and wide views across the Thames Valley. From the lawns, you see Mapledurham House standing quietly against the skyline, while the river moves steadily below.

The estate’s riverside ceremony spot is known for its appearance on a Black Sabbath album cover and is often linked to the origins of The Wind in the Willows. Historic features, including Mapledurham Watermill, sit naturally within the grounds, offering distinctive backdrops for photographs. Couples have exclusive access, with uninterrupted views in every direction.

The 500m² tipi structure is permanently built, combining traditional canvas with a solid, purpose-designed frame. Panoramic oak-framed windows open or close with the weather, wooden flooring runs throughout, and shepherd hut restrooms and back-of-house areas connect under canvas.

The venue is licensed for marriages and civil partnerships and welcomes couples of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. You can choose to marry by the river, on the lawns with the house behind you, or within the main drawing room of Mapledurham House. Each setting offers its own atmosphere while remaining part of the same estate story.

Celebrant-led and non-legal ceremonies can take place across the grounds, including Mandap Agni ceremonies, making Asian weddings a natural fit here. For those planning a church service, St. Margaret’s Church is just a short walk from the tipis.

Arrivals by boat along the Thames remain a favourite. Whether it’s an entrance as newlyweds or a relaxed cruise with friends before proceedings begin.

Receptions at Tipis at Mapledurham are shaped around choice. Welcome drinks can be served in front of the house, beneath the ancient cedar, beside the watermill, or gathered around the central circular bar within the tipis themselves.

Inside, a dedicated dining area seats up to 160 guests at reclaimed banquet tables. Layouts are tailored to your numbers and dining style, with clear sightlines and an integrated sound system ensuring speeches carry easily. The built-in stage and dance floor anchor the space as day turns to evening.

As dusk settles, fairy lights, festoons, and wagon-wheel chandeliers cast a warm glow overhead. Bands and entertainers use a private entrance for discreet set-up, so the shift from dinner to dancing feels natural. Guests drift between the dance floor, outdoor lounge seating and fire pits, catching up beneath the night sky before returning for one more song.

Furniture is included and customisable, from reclaimed dining tables and chairs to bamboo lounge seating, barrels, bar stools and soft furnishings. The space also features a cloakroom and a contemporary circular bar designed to serve large guest numbers efficiently.

While there is no on-site accommodation, the estate’s location near Reading and the Thames Valley means there are plenty of options. From riverside boutique hotels to manor house B&Bs and contemporary city-centre stays, guests can choose what suits their style and budget.

The venue provides a curated list of recommended accommodation through its guest portal, complete with contact details and guide prices. It’s a thoughtful approach that keeps planning clear and straightforward, while allowing your guests the freedom to shape their own weekend. Many couples extend celebrations across several days, using nearby towns and countryside walks as a relaxed backdrop to the main event.

Dining here is deliberately flexible. Couples can select from venue-approved caterers who prioritise seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and work closely with nearby farmers and producers. Alternatively, the partnership with Togather connects you with a broad network of vetted caterers and street food suppliers across the UK.

Menus range from formal fine dining and elegant feasting to relaxed buffets, vibrant street food and over-the-flame Asado cooking. The purpose-built catering area supports professional service at scale, ensuring each style works smoothly for up to 160 guests.

The in-house bar is central to the space, both visually and practically. Couples can choose bar tabs, drink packages, or unlimited options, with a wine list that highlights local breweries, UK vineyards, and sustainable brands, including B Corps.

Tipis at Mapledurham was created by Raw Tipis, a Certified B Corp. The certification recognises social and environmental standards measured against rigorous international criteria, and that commitment runs through the entire operation.

The venue operates on 100% renewable energy, supported by on-site hydro and biomass systems across the estate. Construction prioritised natural and reclaimed materials, guided by circular design principles. A zero single-use plastic policy and comprehensive waste management system, including food waste processes, underpin each event.

Carbon footprint is measured not only for the business but for every wedding hosted. After the wedding day, couples receive a personalised carbon report outlining the impact of their celebration and the sustainable choices they made. It is a practical, transparent way to align the occasion with wider values, without compromising on comfort or atmosphere.

Set moments from Reading and within reach of Henley-on-Thames, Caversham, Sonning, Pangbourne and Goring, the estate balances countryside quiet with lively riverside towns. Scenic Thames walks, traditional pubs and views towards the Chiltern Hills offer plenty for guests to explore.

The estate’s supplier list includes ideas for pre-wedding gatherings and post-wedding brunches, making it easy to turn one day into a full weekend of shared time. Whether guests prefer a morning walk by the river or a relaxed drink in town, there is space here to slow down and enjoy the setting beyond the ceremony itself.

Despite its rural feel, Mapledurham Estate is just a 15-minute drive from Reading Station. Direct trains connect to London Paddington in under 25 minutes, alongside services to Oxford, Bristol and across the South East.

Couples often arrange coaches from local hotels or the station, simplifying guest travel. The estate offers generous on-site parking and space for coaches and taxis, allowing arrivals to run smoothly. For those looking to do things differently, boat access via the Thames remains one of the most distinctive ways to reach the venue.