Kate and Chris’s Hidden Hive Wedding Celebration after a Vegas Elopement

What no one tells you about a Hidden Hive wedding after eloping in Vegas

Kate and Chris had already said their vows under the bright lights of Vegas months before. No bridal prep. No ceremony on the day. Just the party. A full-hearted celebration for all their favourite people — and a reason to wear their incredible Vegas outfits one more time.

They brought that same bold, joyful energy back with them to Derbyshire for a relaxed, American-themed tipi wedding at The Hidden Hive just outside Swadlincote. And it was magic.

The Hidden Hive wedding photographer experience

As a wedding photographer based locally, The Hidden Hive is one of those venues I always get a little buzz of excitement about. It’s nestled within the National Forest and surrounded by woodland, with three giant tipis at the heart of it all. There’s something so special about the way the light filters through the trees and the canvas — it gives everything this warm, golden feel that’s just beautiful to photograph.

But more than that, it offers couples the chance to create a wedding that’s completely their own. Kate and Chris did exactly that.

They used the ceremony space not for vows, but as a mini-exhibition of their Vegas elopement. Think sequins, show-stopping suits and iconic wedding photos beaming from every easel. The tipis were filled with touches of Americana — from their epic food choices to the little details dotted throughout. It was fun, heartfelt and utterly them.

How much does a wedding at The Hidden Hive cost?

While I don’t list prices for venues (because they can vary depending on what you need) The Hidden Hive team are really lovely and will happily offer a bespoke quote that fits your plans. It’s best to contact them directly for an exact figure.

If you’re also looking for a Hidden Hive wedding photographer, I do offer local discounts for both midweek and weekend weddings — especially for relaxed celebrations like this one where the emphasis is on connection and real moments.

Catering at The Hidden Hive

Kate and Chris chose the brilliant Bo-Ho Catering Co. and oh my goodness the American BBQ food was unreal. Served family style, packed with flavour and all with a smile — it fit the party vibe perfectly. You could smell it before you even stepped inside the tipi and I can confirm it tasted just as good as it looked.

Catering is such a huge part of the day and Bo-Ho absolutely nailed it. If food is a big deal to you (and let’s be honest, it usually is) they’re definitely worth looking into.

Bride and groom portraits at The Hidden Hive

One of the loveliest things about photographing at The Hidden Hive is how many beautiful spots there are for couple portraits. Just a few steps from the tipis you’ll find woodland trails, wildflower meadows and soft patches of evening light that make everything feel a little bit cinematic.

You don’t have to wander far. Some of my favourite frames from Kate and Chris’s day were taken in the quiet corners just beyond the tipi — where the light filtered through the trees and the world felt still for a moment. Whether you want a few relaxed shots away from the crowd or something a little more romantic and dreamy, there’s plenty of space and variety here without needing to disappear for ages.

It’s all about keeping things natural and easy. Just the two of you, soaking it all in, while I quietly capture the magic.

What makes The Hidden Hive unique?

This is not your standard wedding venue. It’s tucked away in its own little slice of woodland, which means it feels like a private escape. You can decorate it however you like. You can dance under the stars. You can make it a weekend celebration if you want to.

There’s a wild freedom to the whole place. It invites creativity and personality. You could go full rustic or full glam. You could keep it laid back and boho like Kate and Chris did or turn it into a black-tie forest soirée. It’s a blank canvas with a lot of soul.

Do you need a photographer who knows The Hidden Hive?

It definitely helps. Every venue has its own quirks when it comes to light, layout and logistics. Having someone who’s already familiar with the tipi layout and woodland setting means you can relax a little more knowing the photos are in good hands.

And because I’m based close by, I know the best spots for portraits, how the light shifts throughout the day and how to work around the natural flow of the venue without interrupting your time with guests.

More importantly, I blend in like an old friend — always calm, always grounded, always ready to help hold a drink or fix a veil or round up your great-aunt for a group shot without it feeling like a chore.

Plus, I’m a master at supplier recommendations, like booking Rob Lea or his band The Four Kicks for music!

Hidden Hive weddings that feel like home

Kate and Chris’s day was joyful and full of heart. It was loud in the best way. Warm and welcoming. Completely them. And that’s the beauty of celebrating at The Hidden Hive — you really can make it whatever you want it to be.

If you're planning your own celebration there — whether it’s the full ceremony or just the party like these two — I’d love to hear about it.

Let’s make something beautiful.