How Much Does a Wedding Marquee Cost in the UK?
A marquee gives you something most venues can’t: a completely blank canvas. You choose the setting, layout, suppliers, everything. But before you commit, it’s worth understanding the full wedding marquee cost in the UK, from the hidden costs to the creative freedom that makes marquees worth considering.
Since outdoor wedding laws were relaxed in 2021, more couples have explored marquee weddings, especially for countryside venues, family land, or spaces that don’t have a built-in reception setup. The flexibility is a huge draw. The logistics (and costs) are where things get more complex.
Bridebook, the UK’s #1 wedding planning platform used by over 2.8 million couples, has pulled together everything you need to know about wedding marquee costs before you commit.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always seek independent financial advice for your specific circumstances.
How much does a wedding marquee cost?
According to the Bridebook UK Wedding Report, which draws on responses from thousands of couples planning their weddings each year, couples spend an average of £4,633 on marquee hire — though the final figure varies significantly based on size, style, and location.
From a headcount perspective, that can look like:
- 50 guests: £3,000–£6,000
- 80–100 guests: £5,000–£10,000
- 120+ guests: £8,000–£15,000+
As you can see, the bigger the guest list the bigger the cost!
What’s included in marquee hire?
What’s included varies by supplier, so always check your quote carefully. Most wedding marquee hire in the UK includes:
- The marquee structure (pole, clearspan, or stretch tent)
- Setup and takedown
- Basic weatherproofing and anchoring
Some suppliers may also include:
- Flooring
- Lining or draping
- Basic lighting
- Heating
But in many cases, these are optional extras rather than standard inclusions.
Types of wedding marquee
Different marquee styles come with different costs and layouts:
- Pole marquees: Traditional canvas with wooden poles, elegant and often more affordable
- Clearspan marquees: Modern frame structures with flexible layouts, typically higher cost
- Stretch tents: Relaxed, contemporary look with flowing fabric
- Tipis: Characterful and popular for rustic weddings, but may require multiple structures
- Yurts: Circular and visually striking, often used as breakout spaces or smaller setups
Your choice here has a direct impact on both budget and how your space functions on the day.
But despite there being so many choices available, the traditional marquee remains a firm favourite thanks to its versatility, large capacity and highly customisable interior space.
Hidden costs of a marquee wedding
This is where most couples underestimate their budget. A marquee is essentially an empty shell, so you’ll need to bring everything in, such as:
- Insurance and licences: varies by location
- Site rental: This could be free if you own the land, or £1,000+ if not
- Furniture hire: £500+
- Catering: The average cost of catering starts from around £40 per head for a buffet, to £100+ per head for a sit-down meal
- Toilets: £100+
- Staff: £100+ per member of staff
- Decor: Couples spend an average of £1,000 on non-DIY wedding decor
- Power: Generator rental costs are around £100
And before you get booking, you may also need:
- A separate catering tent
- A bar setup
- A dance floor
- Waste management
Individually, these costs don’t seem huge. Combined, they’re what turn a £5,000 marquee into a £20,000+ setup, so be sure to check exactly what you need before putting down a deposit.
This usually covers the marquee structure itself, not a fully finished space. Once you add flooring, lighting, furniture, and décor, most couples spend:
That’s why marquee weddings can feel deceptively affordable at first, the real costs sit in the details.
Marquee wedding vs. venue: which is cheaper?
In short, yes. The average cost of a wedding venue is 23% higher than the cost of a marquee.
But, it’s a common assumption that marquee weddings are a ‘cheap’ option. In reality, they’re usually comparable in cost, and can even become more expensive than a traditional venue if you choose enough additional features.
Where a marquee can save money:
- Lower initial hire cost
- Flexibility to choose your own suppliers
- Potential to DIY certain elements
Where costs increase:
- You’re building a venue from scratch
- More suppliers to manage
- Higher risk of last-minute additions
For most couples, choosing a marquee isn’t about saving money, it’s about having full creative control over the space.
How to save money on a marquee wedding
If you love the idea but want to keep your budget under control, these are the decisions that make the biggest difference:
- Keep your guest list smaller: Costs scale quickly with guest numbers, especially catering and furniture
- Choose a simple setup: One marquee is significantly cheaper than multiple linked spaces
- Get married off-peak: Midweek or outside peak summer months can reduce hire costs
- Use land that’s easy to work with: Flat, accessible spaces reduce setup time and costs
- Limit extra styling: Focus your budget on a few key elements rather than everything at once
- Work with experienced suppliers: They’ll flag hidden costs early, which is where most overspending happens
For more information check out our post on the questions to ask your marquee hire company.
Marquee wedding venue FAQs
In a hurry? No problem – keep reading to discover our TL;DR tips on whether a marquee wedding venue is the right thing for your big day.
How much does it cost to hire a marquee for a wedding?
Most UK couples spend £3,000–£15,000+ on marquee hire alone, depending on size and style. Once extras are factored in, a fully set-up marquee wedding typically costs £15,000–£35,000+.
Is a marquee wedding cheaper than a venue?
Not usually. While the initial hire cost is lower, the additional expenses (like catering, toilets, and power) often make marquee weddings similar in price, or more expensive, than traditional venues.
What size marquee do I need for my wedding?
As a general guide:
- 50 guests: small to medium marquee
- 80–100 guests: medium marquee
- 120+ guests: large marquee or multiple structures
Your supplier will calculate the exact size based on seating, dance floor, and layout.
Does a marquee wedding include catering?
No, catering is usually separate. You’ll need to hire a caterer and ensure the site has the facilities they need (or hire a catering tent).
What are the hidden costs of a marquee wedding?
The main ones are toilets, generators, catering, furniture, lighting, and staffing. These aren’t always included in the initial quote and can significantly increase your overall spend.
Why Trust Bridebook
Bridebook is the world’s #1 wedding planning platform, used by over 2.8 million couples. Our content is informed by real data from the Bridebook UK Wedding Report, which draws on responses from thousands of couples planning their weddings each year. Where expert input is included, contributors are named and their credentials verified. We update our articles regularly to ensure prices, statistics, and advice reflect current market conditions.
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And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding marquee, we’ve got plenty of money-saving tips to help you make your budget go further.
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