John Muir Tipis
A unique event space nestled in the beautiful East Lothian countryside
A unique event space nestled in the beautiful East Lothian countryside
John Muir Tipis is a very special, unique venue. Nestled by the woods on a coastal farm in East Lothian, fringed by John Muir Country Park, it offers a relaxed and tranquil space close to Edinburgh, with potential for amazing photography.
The tipis are stunning and they work well for weddings of 50 – 150 people
They come complete with rustic furniture, power and water, toilet facilities, indoor and outdoor fire-pits, and there are a number of amazing local suppliers to choose from who can complete your special day.
Gallery
Photography by David Louden and Floristry by Lottie Longman
Tipi Weddings
Planning your wedding? Why not have your reception or get married right here!
The Tipis can accommodate up to 150 seated guests for weddings. Couples can exchange vows outdoors, where the picturesque countryside views offer a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and photos, or inside the Tipis themselves as they are very flexible.
After the ceremony, newlyweds can enjoy a bespoke wedding breakfast in the magical setting of the giant tipis. Couples can indulge their creative spirits in decorating the tipis and create the wedding celebration of their dreams.
You could even have a couple of well-dressed alpacas in attendance as furry ring bearers with bow ties on! They’d be more than willing to entertain your guests during your drinks reception if you give them a couple of carrots as treats! Or, if alpacas aren’t your scene, not to worry, alpaca-their-bags and move them on to the next field 😀
There is an amazingly picturesque coastline and walk down to the sand, perfect for timeless wedding photography.
Why not book a viewing to discuss your big day?
With more than 15 years experience in the bridal and events industry and one of most unique spaces in East Lothian, we can help!
Learn more
Choose suppliers for your event
Optional add-on's you could consider are:
- Wedding celebrant
- Caterer
- Florist
- Photographer
- Band or DJ (but everything is optional)
More than weddings — a place to celebrate in the heart of East Lothian
While weddings are at the heart of what we do, John Muir Tipis is also a beautiful place to celebrate life’s other special moments.
From milestone birthdays and family gatherings to anniversaries and joyful celebrations, our tipis offer a relaxed, countryside setting where people can come together, slow down and enjoy being with one another.
With open space, flexible layouts and a setting that feels both special and welcoming, every celebration here is personal, unhurried and full of warmth.
Because some moments deserve more than a function room.
Check out our brochure for all the information you need - link in bio.
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🌿 Weddings at John Muir Tipis
Just outside Dunbar, surrounded by beautiful East Lothian countryside, you’ll find John Muir Tipis.
Our tipis are a brilliant blank canvas for your day — relaxed, rustic and with plenty of space to make it completely your own.
With woodland, countryside and John Muir Country Park right on our doorstep, it’s a pretty special place to celebrate with all your favourite people. 🤍
Planning your wedding? Come and see what makes our little corner of East Lothian so special.
👉 Find out more: https://www.johnmuiralpacas.co.uk/weddings/
#JohnMuirTipis #EastLothianWedding #TipiWedding #DunbarWedding #WeddingVenue
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What if your wedding guest book was a little more memorable?
Our beautiful vintage gypsy caravan is one of those special little touches that makes a wedding at John Muir Tipis completely unique.
And it’s not just a gorgeous backdrop for wedding photos. We love this idea — turn the caravan into a cosy spot where guests can pop in and leave a personal message for the newlyweds in their memory book.
Relaxed, rustic and a little bit different — exactly how we like weddings at John Muir Tipis.
Planning a tipi wedding in East Lothian? Find out more and get in touch — link in bio.
#JohnMuirTipis #EastLothianWeddings #TipiWeddingScotland #BohoWeddingScotland #UniqueWeddingVenue
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The Cutest Guests on the List!
There’s something pretty special about a wedding at John Muir Tipis.
It’s not just about the happy couple – it’s about everyone who comes along to celebrate with you. The laughter, the hugs, the happy tears & all those little moments that make the day yours.
And then there are the alpacas… because obviously they’re not missing out!
Bow ties, flower crowns & plenty of posing for photos – they’re always ready to charm your guests & quite often steal the show!
Whether it’s saying hello during the celebrations or popping up for that perfect photo, they add a little extra John Muir Tipis magic to your day.
After all, every wedding needs a few guests who really know how to dress for the occasion!
Visit our website to start your wedding journey with us - link in bio
#JohnMuirTipis #EastLothianWedding #TipiWedding #ScottishWeddingVenue #AlpacaWedding
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Got engaged recently? 💍
At John Muir Tipis, love stories unfold under glowing canvas, twinkling fairy lights and the wide East Lothian sky. It’s relaxed, romantic and completely unforgettable — the kind of day your guests will talk about for years.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels natural, joyful and a little bit different, this could be your perfect setting.
Download our brochure or request pricing today - link in bio.
#JohnMuirTipis #EastLothianWeddings #TipiWedding #outdorwedding #eastlothianvenue
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Our unique wedding backdrop
One of the things we cherish most about our venue is that it doesn’t have a fixed backdrop.
The landscape is always shifting – the light changes, the skies roll in, the seasons move around us – and every single wedding feels completely its own. It’s natural, it’s real, and it’s never the same twice… and that’s exactly why we love it so much.
Looking back at photographs taken in 2022 by talented photographers still gives us that little heart-squeeze.
Check out this gorgeous couple 💕 with the bride absolutely glowing in her 1970s bohemian-style wedding dress.
Effortless, romantic and completely herself – which is exactly how it should be 💛
1970s Wedding Dress: Those Were The Days Bridal
Photography: One of These Days Photography
Venue: John Muir Tipis
Video: Simon Hird Weddings
Florist: Lottie Longman
Hair: Julie McGuire Hair & Makeup
Makeup: Rhonasinsta
#HeartfeltWeddings #BohoWeddingVibes #JohnMuirTipis
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💍 Looking Forward Together at John Muir Tipis 🌿
Every great love story is about looking ahead — and what better place to begin the next chapter than beside the beautiful East Lothian coastline.
Celebrate your special day surrounded by nature, with unforgettable moments captured on the beach, along woodland paths, or inside our beautifully lit tipis.
From sea views to cosy canvas celebrations, it’s the perfect setting to start your journey together.
📖 Start planning your special day and looking for something a little bit different?
#EastLothianWeddings #TipiWedding #CoastalWedding #OutdoorWeddingVenue #ScotlandWedding
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A Venue Like No Other – John Muir Tipis
Tucked away on a peaceful coastal farm, right on the edge of John Muir Country Park, you’ll find something truly special…
John Muir Tipis – a unique event space surrounded by nature, just a hop from Edinburgh, but a world away from the usual.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a big birthday bash or a relaxed work do, our stunning tipis are ready to wow up to 150 seated guests. Think rustic wooden tables, benches, fire pits (inside and out), power, water, loos – all the essentials, wrapped in woodland charm.
🌿 Up to 150 guests seated
🌿 Coastal woodland setting
🌿 Rustic tables & benches
🌿 Fire pits (marshmallows, anyone?)
🌿 Indoor loos, water & power
🌿 Amazing photo ops
🌿 Preferred local suppliers
🌿 Close to Edinburgh
🌿 Optional VIP alpaca guests 🦙
Yes, you read that right – our alpacas are more than happy to mingle as VIPs (Very Important Pacas… bow ties and all).
But if alpacas aren`t your vibe, no offence taken – they’ll simply alpaca-their-bags and head to a quieter field. 😉
Special thanks
📸 Photography by David Louden
💐 Florals by Lottie Longman
#JohnMuirTipis #ScottishWeddings #OutdoorVenueScotland #TipiWedding #EventVenueWithAView
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Booking & Payments
What deposit do I pay to book?
There is a 20% reservation fee, with the balance payable 1 month before your event.
What is included?
- Hire of the giant tipi tents & grounds
- Car parking
- Toilets (ladies, gents and disabled loos)
- Indoor and outdoor firepits to toast marshmallows
- Rustic tables and bench style seating
- Barrel bar (not stocked)
- Bunting, lighting and power
- Space for camping / glamping (if choosing the full weekend option)
- Gypsy caravan and extras such as whiskey barrels (photo props)
- Alpacas or donkeys to entertain your guests and get photos with (if desired)
What is not included? (not an exhaustive list, as it depends on your requirements)
- Wedding celebrant
- Catering
- Florist
- Photographer
- Band
- Glamping
- Transport
Decor, Staffing & Suppliers
Can we get married on-site?
Yes! You would just need to arrange for a celebrant. Some good options are Humanist Society Scotland, or Aniko Bradwell, a local minister.
Do you have recommended suppliers?
Yes, please see our suppliers list for suggestions.
Do you provide staff for serving?
No. Catering teams manage service. Our staff assist with site operations only.
Can we use hay bales for seating?
No, due to fire risk and mess.
Are other chair types available?
We provide bench seating. Additional chairs can be hired from catering hire suppliers.
Facilities & Services
Do the Tipis have drinking water?
Yes. There is a water supply behind the Tipis.
Do you offer waste disposal?
No. Waste removal is typically managed by your suppliers.
Is there a sound system?
No. Bands and DJs bring their own equipment.
Is there secure storage overnight?
Yes. A lockable container is available behind the Tipis.
Capacity & Layout
How many people can the Tipis hold?
They can seat up to 150 people, while still maintaining an intimate atmosphere for smaller events.
How much seating is there inside?
There is seating for 150 guests. We have 10 x 8ft tables and 15 x 6ft tables with bench seating. Layout is flexible.
How many people can be seated at the aisle?
The benches at the aisle seat approximately 40 guests. Additional benches can be moved if required.
Is there an indoor aisle in case it rains?
The main aisle is outdoors. However, we have an indoor hoop arch available, and ceremonies can be held inside the Tipis if required.
How high is the arch for flowers?
The arch is approximately 2.5 metres high.
Do you have a layout drawing?
Yes, please see below (click to enlarge)
Catering & Bar
Can we choose our own caterers?
Yes. As a private hire site, you are free to choose your preferred suppliers.
Is there a kitchen onsite?
No. Caterers bring pop-up kitchens or tents and set up beside the Tipis. Power and water are provided.
Is there power available for caterers and bands?
Yes. There is a dedicated power supply for catering and additional supplies for bands in each tent.
What type of power supply is available?
Industrial, RCD protected, 30 amp circuit with 13 amp plugs. Catering supply includes 16 amp and 13 amp plugs.
Can we have a paid bar?
Selling of alcohol is only permitted if you use a supplier with the relevant alcohol sales license from the council. So if you intend for your guests to pay for anything, your bar or drinks supplier should apply for an occasional alcohol license from East Lothian council for the date. All the suppliers in our
accompanying suggested suppliers list can manage this for you
Can we supply our own alcohol?
As long as guests do not pay for anything, you are able to supply your
own alcohol to your private event. We always recommend you get a supplier in as they can help you tidy up and manage any licensing.
Is there a fridge onsite?
There is a small fridge freezer and wine cooler. Most suppliers bring their own.
Is there a dishwasher?
No. Most caterers manage washing within their setup or offsite.
What is your policy on glassware outside?
Glass is fine on tables, but bars should use reusable alternatives.
Rules & Policies
How long do I have to clean up after my event?
For a part-weekend booking, you would have the Tipis until 12 noon the following morning. For a full weekend booking this would usually be on the Sunday, or Monday morning.
What time does the event finish?
Music winds down after midnight, with taxis and transport arranged by 1am.
Can coaches access the venue?
Yes. There is ample turning space for coaches.
Are dogs allowed?
Apologies, dogs are not permitted in the Tipi field. We are dog lovers too, but as an alpaca farm, the alpacas get very freightened around unfamiliar dogs, and there are often expecting mum's and baby alpacas in the next field. You would however be able to do your couples photos with them on a walk to the beach.
Can we have fireworks?
No. Fireworks are not permitted for health & safety around lots of people, animals and trees.
Accommodation & Transport
What are the glamping options?
Guests often use suppliers such as Bell Tent Scotland or Present Tents to make a lovely glamping zone a short walk from the tipis.
Which taxi companies do you recommend?
Torrance Taxis and WB Taxis are excellent local options.
Can we add additional tents or marquees?
Yes. Additional tents, stretch tents, yurts or bell tents can be added if required.
Booking Checklist
To make a reservation, please send through:
- The couples names
- Preferred dates
- A contact address
- Telephone number
We would invoice a 20% reservation fee, with the balance payable 1 month before your dates.
