The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Marquee for a Wedding
Why Choose a Marquee Wedding?
Weddings are deeply personal occasions, and increasingly, couples are turning to marquees to create a space that is entirely their own. Choosing a marquee allows you to design every detail, from the layout and flow of the day to the decorative finishes. Unlike traditional venues, which come with fixed aesthetics and limitations, a marquee provides a blank canvas where you control the atmosphere and setting.
One of the main appeals of hiring a marquee for a wedding is the flexibility it offers. You’re not restricted by the rules or time constraints of a venue, and you can decide where and how you want to celebrate. Whether it’s a family estate, a scenic field, or a historical property, a marquee can be erected in virtually any suitable outdoor space, bringing your chosen location to life. This kind of freedom means you can blend the natural surroundings into your theme or create a fully enclosed luxury space if you prefer.
Beyond aesthetics, marquee weddings offer a more intimate and bespoke experience. With fewer limitations, you can tailor the day to suit your guest numbers, your catering style, and your personal preferences. It’s also ideal for those who want to avoid rigid packages and have more control over costs and suppliers. For couples who want something truly unique, a marquee hire for weddings offers a level of creativity and independence that traditional venues simply cannot match.
For couples ready to transform their unique vision into a breathtaking reality, look no further than One Six Events. We understand that your wedding day should be as individual as your love story, and our bespoke marquee hire service provides the perfect foundation to design an unforgettable celebration.
Understanding the Types of Wedding Marquees Available
Traditional Petal Pole Marquees
When hiring a marquee for a wedding, the traditional petal pole marquee is a timeless choice that brings a sense of romance and rustic charm to any wedding. With its high peaks, curved edges, and natural wooden poles, this marquee style creates a light and airy interior, perfect for countryside weddings. The canvas is breathable and creates a soft, elegant atmosphere inside, while the overall aesthetic works beautifully with soft lighting and floral arrangements.
This type of marquee works best on soft ground, such as lawns or meadows, and is often favoured by couples seeking a vintage or country garden wedding feel. Petal pole marquees are visually striking and feel like a natural extension of their outdoor surroundings. Their classic look and gently sweeping lines make them a standout choice for couples who want a romantic and picturesque setting.
Clearspan Marquees
For a more modern, clean-lined structure, clearspan marquees are a highly versatile option. With no internal poles obstructing the space, these marquees offer maximum flexibility when it comes to layout. Whether you need space for a large seated dinner, a central dance floor, or separate zones for ceremony and reception, the clearspan structure can accommodate a variety of formats.
One of the key advantages of a clearspan marquee is its adaptability to different terrains. It can be installed on grass, gravel, or hard standing surfaces, making it suitable for both rural and urban settings. The frame is discreet, and the walls can be transparent, allowing for plenty of natural light and scenic views. Clearspan marquees are particularly popular for formal or large weddings where layout and structure are a priority.
Pagoda Marquees
Pagoda marquees, also known as Chinese hat marquees, offer a unique architectural statement with their peaked roofs and compact size. While they’re often used in addition to larger marquees, they can also be standalone spaces for more intimate events. They’re particularly effective when used as an entrance to a main marquee, or as designated areas for bars, lounge seating, or smaller ceremonies.
Their striking appearance makes them ideal for adding interest to your layout, and they can easily be combined with other marquee types to create a multi-functional space. Pagodas work well in both contemporary and traditional designs and are perfect for couples looking to add a stylish and practical element to their marquee configuration.
What to Consider When Hiring a Marquee for a Wedding
Guest Numbers and Space Requirements
One of the first decisions to make when planning a marquee wedding is in deciding how many guests you’ll be inviting. The number of attendees directly influences the size and layout of your marquee. A larger guest list means more space is needed for dining, as well as additional areas like the dance floor, bar area, and any extras like a lounge or photo booth. A reputable supplier will help you assess your requirements and advise on the ideal structure and layout.
Site Suitability and Access
The suitability of your chosen location is just as important as the marquee itself. Ideally, the ground should be flat, well-drained, and easily accessible for vehicles delivering equipment. If your site has uneven ground, slopes, or restricted access, these challenges need to be addressed early on.
Weather Contingency and Comfort
In the UK, weather can be unpredictable regardless of the season, so planning for all eventualities is essential. Marquees can be fitted to meet these needs including effective heating or cooling systems depending on the time of year. During summer, ventilation and shade are important, while autumn or winter weddings may require additional heating and insulation. Comfort for your guests should always be a top priority, and a well-planned marquee can deliver this in any weather.
Budget and Planning
Budgeting for a marquee wedding requires a clear understanding of what’s included and what additional items may be required. While marquee hire can be cost-effective, it’s important to consider all the components: structure, flooring, lighting, furnishings, and utilities. A good supplier will offer transparent pricing and guidance, helping you build a package that suits your vision and your budget. With One Six Events, we provide clear estimates from the outset, so you won’t face unexpected costs later on.
What’s Included in a Marquee Wedding Hire Package?
The Structure and Foundation
.A well-considered hire package should cover all the essentials starting with the right marquee for a comfortable, functional, and visually striking environment on your big day. The package should also explicitly cover the complete setup and takedown of the marquee, including all necessary equipment transportation and ground protection.
Flooring Solutions
While often overlooked, the right flooring is fundamental to the comfort and success of your marquee wedding. It transforms an outdoor space into a polished, indoor-like venue, protecting your guests from uneven ground and changing weather.
Depending on the season and location, you may need flooring, such as coir matting for a rustic look or wooden flooring for a more polished finish. This creates a level, dry surface for furniture and guests, even in less-than-perfect weather.
Lighting and Atmosphere
Lighting is another key component to hiring a marquee for a wedding, and its role goes beyond the practical. Soft uplighting, overhead festoon bulbs, chandeliers, or pin-spot lighting over tables all contribute to the ambience. The right lighting scheme enhances your décor and sets the mood, from the ceremony to the celebration. For evening parties, dynamic lighting can transform the space entirely, helping to mark the transition from dining to dancing.
Furniture, Comfort and Utilities
You can also expect high-quality furnishings, including tables, chairs, and bars, as part of your marquee hire. The layout is customisable — whether you prefer long banquet tables or classic rounds, formal seating or relaxed lounges. Tableware and linens can be included too, helping maintain a consistent style throughout your event.
Comfort facilities are essential, and we offer luxury mobile toilets that are stylish, spacious, and fully serviced.
Complete Service and Peace of Mind
When booking marquee wedding hire through a professional provider like One Six Events, you’re engaging a complete infrastructure that supports your wedding day from the ground up
With our marquee hire service we provide the project management, site planning, marquee, furnishings, additional essentials, and technical logistics — leaving nothing to chance.
Personalising Your Marquee Wedding Experience
Layout Designed Around You
A marquee wedding is a blank canvas and with that comes enormous creative opportunity. From the layout to the colour scheme, every aspect of the design can be personalised to reflect your individual style. This is where hiring a marquee for a wedding truly shines: it allows for a level of customisation that permanent venues rarely offer.
Your chosen layout can be tailored to suit the flow of your day. You might want to separate spaces for the ceremony, reception, dining, and dancing, or keep everything open-plan to create a more relaxed and sociable setting.
Styling and Décor
Décor is where your vision comes to life. Whether you’re imagining a bohemian theme with wildflowers and macramé, or a formal black-tie affair with crisp linens and candelabras, the styling options are endless. We work with you — and, if needed, your planner or stylist — to ensure every element aligns with your concept. That includes everything from table centrepieces to drapery, signage, and bar styling.
Audio Experience
Sound and entertainment are also important considerations when hiring a marquee for a wedding. A marquee can be fitted with professional audio systems and staging to accommodate speeches, live bands, DJs, or even outdoor performances. The sound design is tailored to avoid echo and provide clarity, making every toast and track sound just right.
A Space That Reflects Your Style
Ultimately, a marquee gives you complete control — which is exactly why so many couples love the format. With expert guidance from our team, you can design a space that’s beautiful, practical and perfectly matched to your event.
The Logistics: Planning Timeline & Supplier Coordination
When to Book and Why It Matters
Hiring a marquee for a wedding is a more involved process than booking a ready-made venue, but with the right support, it’s a highly rewarding experience. Understanding the timeline and logistics involved helps avoid last-minute stress and contributes to a smoother setup.
Booking early is key. Ideally, you should confirm your marquee at least 9 to 12 months in advance, especially if your wedding falls between May and September. These are peak months for marquee wedding hires in the UK, and availability can be limited.
Site Visit and Technical Planning
A full site visit is an essential early step. At One Six Events, we carry out comprehensive site surveys to assess access for vehicles, ground conditions, and any unique challenges of your location. This allows us to create a tailored plan that supports efficient setup and takedown while minimising disruption to the venue or surrounding area.
Setup and Takedown Timings
A marquee build typically begins one to three days before the wedding, depending on the size and complexity of the structure. After the event, takedown is completed efficiently and respectfully, with minimal impact to the site.
By managing these logistical elements for you, One Six Events makes the process feel seamless. With clear communication, thorough planning, and an experienced team, you can focus on enjoying your celebration while we take care of the details.
Power Supply and Essential Utilities
Power supply is another important logistical consideration when hiring a marquee for a wedding. Many outdoor locations lack access to mains electricity, which means a generator will be required. We supply reliable, silent generators as part of the hire package, along with all necessary cabling and distribution boards. Water and waste disposal may also need to be arranged, especially if your location is remote.
Coordinating with Suppliers
Coordinating with other suppliers is critical for making sure everything runs smoothly. Your caterers, florists, musicians, and photographers will all need access to the marquee at specific times. Our team works closely with each vendor to align delivery slots, setup windows, and technical needs are aligned with the overall plan.
FAQs About Hiring a Marquee for a Wedding
Can I Hire A Marquee For A Multi-Day Wedding Celebration?
Absolutely. Many of our clients choose to extend their marquee hire across multiple days, especially for weekend weddings or events with additional gatherings like welcome drinks or a post-wedding brunch. We’ll tailor the hire period to suit your schedule, and we’re happy to help coordinate different layouts or styling for each day if needed.
Can The Marquee Be Branded Or Personalised For Our Wedding?
Yes — we specialise in creating fully personalised spaces. From custom signage and monogrammed dance floors to bespoke colour schemes and themed décor, we can help bring your ideas to life. If you’re working with a planner or stylist, we’ll collaborate closely so everything aligns with your vision.
Are There Any Noise Restrictions With Marquee Weddings?
This largely depends on the location of your wedding. Rural or private estates typically offer more flexibility when hiring a marquee for a wedding, while venues near residential areas may have local noise regulations. We can advise on any potential restrictions during your site visit and recommend soundproofing options or timing considerations if necessary. We’ll also work closely with your band or DJ to ensure sound levels are managed appropriately.
Is Event Insurance Necessary?
While not always required, we strongly advise taking out event insurance for any marquee wedding. It offers peace of mind against unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, supplier cancellations, or damage to the marquee. Your wedding is a major investment — insurance helps protect that investment so you can plan with confidence.
Is There Support On The Day Of The Wedding?
Yes. Our team doesn’t just set up and leave — we’re available on the day to provide support if needed. Whether it’s a last-minute adjustment, a weather response, or liaising with other suppliers, we’re on hand to ensure everything unfolds exactly as planned. We want you to focus on celebrating, not troubleshooting.
Why Choose One Six Events for Your Marquee Wedding Hire?
A Seamless, All-In-One Solution
Hiring a marquee for a wedding involves more moving parts than hiring a fixed venue. That’s why it’s vital to work with a company that can manage every element with professionalism and precision. One Six Events is a leading choice when it comes to marquee hire for weddings across southern England, known for providing comprehensive, design-led solutions that take the stress out of planning.
We design the space, handle logistics, and liaise with other suppliers to make sure your day unfolds seamlessly. For clients who want high standards and total reliability, we provide the complete package — from first consultation to final takedown.
Premium Marquees, Immaculately Presented
Our marquees are of the highest quality, maintained to exacting standards and styled to your vision. Whether you’re after the romantic charm of a traditional petal pole marquee or the crisp sophistication of a clearspan, every detail is carefully considered. Clean lines, polished finishes, and elegant interiors are part of what sets our work apart. We don’t cut corners — we elevate expectations.
Personalised Service, Trusted Experience
Every wedding is different, which is why we take a personalised approach for each client. From our first conversation, we take time to understand your style, your plans, and your priorities. Whether you’re working with a planner or organising things yourself, we support you with expert guidance, transparent communication, and total reliability.
Our team has years of experience delivering exceptional weddings across London and the South of England. We know what works, how to solve problems quickly, and how to bring your ideas to life in a way that feels effortless. For couples who want more than just a marquee, One Six Events delivers a complete, refined experience.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Marquee Wedding Unforgettable
A Wedding That Reflects You
Your wedding should feel like your own — not a copy of what others have done before. That’s the power of a marquee wedding hire. It allows you to build a day around your vision, in a location that means something to you, with a design that reflects your personality and values. You’re not limited by someone else’s décor or rules. You’re creating your own experience, your own atmosphere, and your own memories.
Planning with Confidence
While a wedding marquee hire can involve more planning, they also bring more freedom. With the right team, that planning process becomes exciting rather than overwhelming. At One Six Events, we make the complex simple. We bring the expertise, resources, and attention to detail needed to take your ideas and turn them into a beautifully executed day. From the first sketch to the final song, we’re with you every step of the way.
A Day Your Guests Will Always Remember
When your guests walk into a well-designed marquee, they know they’re about to experience something special. Choosing a marquee wedding is about an immersive celebration that’s tailored to you. With One Six Events, you can trust that your wedding will be memorable for all the right reasons.
Start Planning Your Marquee Wedding with Confidence
Your wedding should be as unique as your story — and a marquee offers the perfect canvas to bring that vision to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a countryside celebration with rustic elegance or a refined garden party filled with contemporary style, One Six Events is here to make it happen.
If you’re ready to begin planning your marquee wedding, we invite you to get in touch. Explore our marquee options, request a tailored quote, or arrange a site visit. Let’s create something unforgettable — together.
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