Alternative Circus Wedding Inspiration
at Circomedia
Roll up, roll up. How do you plan a circus wedding when a circus is constantly on the move? You find a space that already holds that energy.
This styled shoot by Melanie Chitty Photography was captured at Circomedia in Bristol, a working circus school. She brought together a host of creatives who pushed beyond what’s typically expected of a wedding, creating something more expressive and theatrical.
“I wanted to explore what a wedding could look like if couples were given complete freedom to lean into performance, colour, and personality – almost like stepping into their own world under the big top,” Melanie told us.
With bold styling and live performance running throughout, this is a take on wedding inspiration that feels immersive, unconventional and full of personality.
Photos throughout from Melanie Chitty Photography
Alternative Circus Wedding Venue
Circomedia isn’t styled to feel like a circus space. It already carries that history.
Set within a former church, the venue holds onto its original features. High ceilings, arched windows and a large stained glass backdrop sit at the centre of the space, giving it scale without needing to add much else.
Colour runs through from the glass and surrounding light, while the rest of the room stays open and embraces the shadows. The original features remain visible throughout, giving everything a clear sense of place.
“I’ve shot at Circomedia in Bristol before and have always loved what they do there. As a circus school, they train people of all ages and backgrounds, which creates such a warm, creative, and inclusive atmosphere,” Melanie explains.
Styled for a Circus Wedding
Outfits by Burnt Soul moved away from traditional weddingwear entirely, bringing a more performance-led approach into the styling.
“Their designs are powerful, sculptural and incredibly well-crafted, using high-quality stretch fabrics that move beautifully with the body. Their pieces are not just clothing but wearable statements – bold, confident, and rooted in performance and movement.”
Across the shoot, lighter fabrics sat alongside darker pieces, with sheer panels, metallic finishes and iridescent textures adding variation and pattern.
Statement styles
Hair and makeup by Rebecca Rose Robinson followed that same direction. Sculpted hair, bold lips and subtle crystal detailing replaced anything soft or expected.
Bold bouquets
Bouquets by Belle De Jour Florist brought in strong colour and shape, using sculptural stems and bold combinations. Suzy also wore a floral crown – a statement piece with the same playful colourful vibe.
Take a look at our blog: Choosing an Alternative Wedding Bouquet
A Playful Ceremony with a Ringmaster Twist
Led by Rebel Rites Celebrant, the ceremony leaned into theatre rather than tradition. Dressed as a ringmaster, the celebrant became part of the scene, guiding the moment with humour and storytelling.
Nora and Rowan were guided through a handfasting ceremony, standing within the space where many have gathered before them to be wed.
Why not take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Wedding Celebrants
Circus Wedding Details
Playful Wedding Breakfast table
The table sat as a central point within the space, dressed in a deep red cloth that set the tone.
Florals by Belle De Jour Florist brought in height and structure, with sculptural stems and more unusual forms. Yellow blooms were trimmed into square shapes, that sat alongside blue and red anthuriums to create something more architectural in feel.
Fairground details
Across the table, details were layered in without feeling overworked. A painted teapot by Jessica Grimsdale sat alongside mirrored placemats from Stringy Knickers, edged with bold pom-poms that echoed the colour running through the florals. Jessica’s fairground folk art style also appeared in painted backdrop pieces, adding another layer of colour and character to the space.
Carousel Wedding Cake
The cake by Blueberry Moon Cakes leaned fully into the theme. Carousel-inspired, with striped detailing, gold accents and draped elements, it sat naturally within the wider styling.
Capturing Movement & Atmosphere
Captured by Melanie Chitty Photography, the focus stayed on what was already happening rather than directing it. Her work leans into a documentary approach, capturing real moments as they unfold, with an emphasis on energy, colour and movement.
That sat naturally within this setting. Performers, styling and space were all in motion, and the images followed that rather than holding it still.
Content creation by V H Wedding Content ran alongside it, capturing those same moments in motion rather than pulling away from them.
“Together, every supplier brought their own artistry to the shoot, resulting in a vibrant, theatrical celebration of alternative weddings, individuality, and creative freedom,” Melanie concludes.
supplier dream team
Photographer: Melanie Chitty Photography
Venue: Circomedia
Celebrant: Rebel Rites Celebrant
Florist: Belle De Jour Florist
Outfits: Burnt Soul
HMUA: Rebecca Rose Robinson
Cake: Blueberry Moon Cakes
Teapot and Decor: Jessica Grimsdale
Place mats: Stringy Knickers
Content Creation: V H Wedding Content
