Marquee Hire – Frequently Asked Questions

There are many factors to consider when asking this question. What type of event is the marquee for? How many guests will there be? Will there be seating or tables required? Will you require space for suppliers, such as caterers, or a DJ? We suggest getting in touch to discuss your exact requirements, we can then advise on marquee size accordingly.

Based on guests being seated at tables, we suggest either a  30ft x 20ft, 40ft x 20ft or 30ft x 30ft marquee for this number of guests. Please note this is a rough guide, which doesn’t take into account other factors such as the space other suppliers may need. Please get in touch for an exact quote.  

Based on guests being seated at tables, we suggest either a 70ft x 30ft, 40ft x 40ft or a 60ft x 40ft marquee for this number of guests. Please note this is a rough guide, which doesn’t take into account other factors such as space other suppliers may need. Please get in touch for an exact quote.

Based on guests being seated at tables, we suggest either a 60ft x 40ft or 80ft x 40ft marquee for this number of guests. Please note this is a rough guide, which doesn’t take into account other factors such as space other suppliers may need. Please get in touch for an exact quote.

Based on guests being seated at tables, we suggest either a 80ft x 40ft or 100ft x 40ft marquee for this number of guests. Please note this is a rough guide, which doesn’t take into account other factors such as space other suppliers may need. Please get in touch for an exact quote.

Based on guests being seated at tables, we suggest either a 120ft x 40ft, 140ft x 40ft or 160ft x 40ft marquee for this number of guests. Please note this is a rough guide, which doesn’t take into account other factors such as space other suppliers may need. Please get in touch for an exact quote.

Based on guests being seated at tables, we suggest  a 180ft x 40ft marquee for this number of guests. Please note this is a rough guide, which doesn’t take into account other factors such as space other suppliers may need. Please get in touch for an exact quote.

Because there is such a huge range of structures and finishes to choose from it is difficult to give an exact cost. For a traditional marquee for 100 – 120 seated guests including lighting, flooring, dance floor and furniture, the cost would range between £2000 – £2900 plus vat. Luxury toilets and generators if required would be an additional cost.

We can provide a quotation tailored to your exact requirements with every item listed usually within one working day. Just drop us an email with your ideas and preferences.

We have marquees from 10ft x 10ft which cost £120 but the most popular small size for a garden party or similar is 20ft x 20ft which would cost £295 plus vat. Furniture etc can be added and priced individually.

Marquee installation times can vary depending on the size and type of marquee required, plus other factors such as internal flooring, lighting etc. Typically, for small to medium sized marquee it can take between 4-6 hours to erect and install internal finishes. For larger marquees it can take anywhere from 1-2 days to fully erect and install internal finishes.

For small to medium sized marquees we suggest at least a 6 foot space around the whole perimeter of the marquee to allow space for guy ropes. So a marquee measuring  40ft x 40ft would require a total space of at least 46ft x 46ft. This is the same for larger marquees. So for a marquee measuring 140ft x 40ft we would require a total of 146ft x 46ft of space to safely erect the marquee. The Tipis are built internally and do not require additional space outside of the Tipi.

The short answer is no, wedding ceremonies are not allowed by law to be carried out in any structure that is not permanent, or has a solid roof. So you cannot have a wedding ceremony in a marquee. But of course, the wedding breakfast and wedding reception are most definitely allowed to be held in a marquee!

It depends on the style of the marquee. Our Sail Cloth, Traditional and Transparent marquees, along with our Tipis, need to be erected on grass as they require wooden poles and guy ropes. Our Clear Span marquee and Chinese Hat marquees are suitable for use on both grass and hard surfaces, such as concrete and astro turf. In terms of location, as long as there is space we can erect our marquees pretty much anywhere.

We would suggest erecting a marquee on a flat surface if possible. However, should the ground be uneven or sloped, we do have flooring available that can help even out lumps and bumps.On a serious slope a platform can be constructed.

For any surfaces that combine both grass and a hard surface we would recommend using either our Clear Span marquee or Chinese Hat marquee, as these types of marquee are suitable for both grass and hard surfaces such as concrete, tarmac and astro turf.

Both our Clear Span marquee and Chinese Hat marquees would be suitable to erect on astro turf, as they do not require wooden poles or guy ropes to install and we use weights to secure.

For small to medium sized patios we suggest using our Chinese Hat marquee. If you have a large patio then our Clear Span marquee could also be an option.

As long as your garden has a minimum space of 20ft x 20ft, we are available to erect a marquee. For smaller spaces we suggest our Chinese Hat marquee, as this square structure does not require wooden poles or guy ropes, so can be installed on both grass and hard surfaces, and can be erected onto the side of a house or other structure. Making this marquee ideal as an extra room for a house party, or for a smaller garden party. Should your garden have more space, our other marquee types come in different sizes and could all potentially be suitable for your garden.

A marquee of any size would only require planning permission if you plan to have the marquee erect for longer than 28 days. If your marquee structure will be erected for less than 28 days then you do not require planning permission.

A marquee can be left standing for up to 28 days. If you require a marquee to be continuously standing for longer than 28 days then you may need planning permission from your local council.

As an outside structure, all marquees are susceptible to dramatic changes in the weather, as well as from either extreme heat or cold. For situations where there could be very strong winds we suggest a fully enclosed marquee to ward against any potential lifting of the marquee. For these situations we may add extra guy ropes for additional safety. In the very worst gale situations we may suggest removing everyone from the marquee for safety reasons. Also, on extremely hot days a marquee can become very warm, so we would suggest having as many sides open as possible to allow air to move through the marquee. In cold weather we suggest including internal heating, or a fire pit (both of which we can provide).

If you require internal additions for your marquee such as lighting or heating then electricity must be available. If there is no access to electricity then you will require the use of a generator to provide the electricity.

Whilst running water is an advantage for a marquee wedding, especially if you have hired a mobile bar or caterer, it is not essential for the erecting of a marquee.

We offer a variety of flooring options with our marquee hire. We can provide matting in natural coconut, charcoal, beige and nylon, which all come with a damp proof membrane and which are stretched and pinned to stop any movement. We can also provide wooden flooring options, which is ideal for the colder months. We also have dance floors available in either oak or black and white, as well as an LED dancefloor. Please note our Led dance floors need to be built on wooden flooring.

This really depends on the size of the marquee and whether you require space for other suppliers, such as caterers, mobile bar, DJ, photo booth, sweet stand or live band. For a detailed breakdown of table space for your marquee please get in touch.