Do You Have to Choose Between a Dream Venue and a Sustainable Venue? Not Anymore.

For a long time, sustainability and "dream weddings" haven't been spoken about in the same sentence. Couples can often feel like they have to choose between a beautiful, picture perfect wedding or compromise for an environmentally friendly one.

Well that's changing, and honestly, it's about time.

Sustainability in the wedding industry isn't just a new topic for us. As a B Corp, it’s built into our DNA and it’s something that has been integral to the design and delivery of every event.

‘Sustainable’ often gets unfairly linked with simpler less indulgent weddings, but our 5 star reviews show that natural high quality materials actually create a venue with "complete wow factor" that's "premium," all delivered with the "elegant professionalism" mentioned by our previous clients. 

The good news is, more B Corp Certified venues like ours are emerging like Huntsmill Farm and Chapel House Estate, joining some of the original B Corp venues like The Wellbeing Farm and Hayne House. Alongside Exclusive Collection we’re here to prove sustainable venues are luxury venues — quality interiors, ethical suppliers, fair work and culture, and a connection to nature. Starting with a B Corp venue means receiving the suppliers and guidance to craft your dream sustainable wedding.

Couple leaving the mandap ceremony under the ancient cedar tree.

What should you be asking venues on your list?

It's worth pausing and asking a few questions before you book your venue:

• Do you use 100% renewable energy?

• Do you have veggie and plant based caterers?

• Do you have a list of suggested sustainable suppliers?

• Are you well connected to public transport so guests can arrive by train/bus?

• Do you use local sustainable suppliers? E.g. drinks brands and toiletries

• Do you recycle and separate food waste?

• Do you allow single-use/plastic decorations?

The answers tend to reveal whether sustainability is genuinely built into how a venue runs, or if it’s just added to the brochure.

At Tipis at Mapledurham, this is something we've thought about at every level from the way we power an event, to the suppliers we work with and how we connect guests with nature. We’ll explore what good looks like in more detail in our next blog!