Forget flimsy tents and dodgy decor - these days, marquees are a seriously stylish wedding venue option. They can be decorated to match your wedding theme perfectly, and can accommodate everything from intimate weddings to huge reception parties.
Many wedding venues include a marquee option for their outdoor space, so if you’re dreaming of a smaller ceremony with a larger reception, this could be the ideal option for you. It may be that your venue has a permanent marquee on their grounds, or there’s simply space for you to choose your own to hire. In this case, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Will you hire a classic English marquee with roll up sides, or maybe a festival-style yurt or tipi? You may even be able to customise your marquee with patterned linings, different flooring and a bespoke dance floor!
Marquee wedding venues are perfect for you if:
You’re having a large wedding reception
You want to marry in a outdoor space, such as a garden or woodland
You'd love to add your own personality to your venue
You have a back up plan if the weather is inclement
Marquee Weddings FAQ
Will my wedding venue put up my marquee for me?
If you’re choosing a wedding venue that offers marquee weddings as an option, you’ll need to ask them directly whether the hire cost includes the marquee itself. In some cases, the venue will only charge you for the hire of the grounds, and then you’ll have to arrange the marquee separately with a marquee hire company. Your wedding venue may have recommended marquee suppliers for this, so be sure to check with them.
In other cases, your wedding venue may have a permanent marquee in the grounds, or one that is in use throughout the summer month, for example. This may be a simpler choice if you don’t want to arrange your wedding marquee directly.
Make sure you’re clear as to the costs of your marquee hire and any set up fees before you sign your venue hire contract to avoid confusion and unexpected costs later down the line!
Can I have a marquee wedding in winter?
Yes! Many people may think that marquee weddings are suitable for spring or summer only, but marquees can work very well for autumn and winter weddings too! The difference is that you won’t be able to roll the sides of the tent up (which is generally an option in the warmer months), and that you’ll have to provide extra heating for your guests to keep your marquee warm. However, with space for sparkling decoration and hanging fairy lights, a winter marquee wedding can be a magical thing!
What is the weather is bad?
Most marquees should be able to withstand wind and rain. However, if heavy storms are forecast for your wedding day you may need a backup. Discuss your wet weather plan with your wedding venue to ensure you’re prepared for any poor weather conditions.
Can we have a civil ceremony in a marquee?
The law states that civil ceremonies must take place in a permanent and fixed structure in order to be legally binding. Unfortunately, this tends to rule out marquees, even ones that are set up all year round. One way to get around this is to have your ceremony over the threshold of a doorway. This way, your guests can be seated in the marquee while you are technically indoors. Alternatively, hold your wedding ceremony in another licensed part of your wedding venue before moving into your marquee for the reception.
What’s the best way to decorate a marquee?
The great thing about marquees is that they’re a blank canvas to add your own wedding theme to. Hanging decorations such as bunting, paper lanterns and pom poms are very visually effective in marquees. Lighting options such as fairy lights and chandeliers can also help set the mood for your evening reception. On the tables, consider taller arrangements - they can help fill the space and look fantastic spread across your dining space.
